A scaffolding company has been prosecuted for safety failings after a pedestrian was struck by a falling piece of equipment in Islington, London.

Alandale Plant & Scaffolding Ltd of Beckenham, Kent has been fined £160,000 with over £7,059 in costs after pleading guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. In addition, the company was ordered to pay a £120 victim surcharge.

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Westminster Magistrates Court heard how the injured member of the public was walking along Upper Street on 20 March last year when he was struck on the head by a scaffold clip that fell around 20 metres to the ground.

His injuries included numerous cuts to his head and face, a broken nose and a severely bruised skull.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector Sarah Robinson said: "This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.

"On this occasion the company did not follow their own risk assessments or method statements."

(LM/MH)