Scaffolding that collapsed onto a street in Maidenhead while being dismantled has cost the company responsible a £160,000 fine after investigators uncovered a lack of training and adequate instruction.

The collapse happened at the Colonnade in the High Street on April 30, 2018 just before noon. No-one was hurt but five vehicles were damaged and the street was disrupted for hours.

More than two years later High Wycombe Magistrates Court heard how the collapse could have resulted in serious injury or loss of life.

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An investigation carried out by the Health and Safety Executive following the incident found that the worker carrying out the dismantling of the scaffold and removal of the scaffold ties was not adequately trained. Subsequent high winds acting upon the monoflex sheeting on the day of the collapse, causing it to act as a 'giant sail' which toppled over into the street.

Formula Scaffolding (London) Limited of Church Lane, Chessington was found guilty in the absence of any representatives to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act.

It was fined £160 000.00 and ordered to pay costs of £11,533.36

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After the hearing, HSE Inspector John Caboche said: “This was a very serious incident and it is fortunate nobody was injured as a result of it.

“Those in control of work have a responsibility to devise safe methods of working, ensure that their workforce is adequately trained and provide the necessary information, instruction and training to their workers in the safe system of working.”