TWO companies have pleaded guilty to health and safety breaches after an experienced steeplejack fell 300ft to his death from the top of a mill chimney.
John Alty, aged 40, was at the top of the disused chimney at Swan Lane Mills complex in Great Lever in June 2007 when the scaffolding gave way.
The father-of-one was pronounced dead at the scene, although his colleague and fellow steeplejack, survived the incident.
Following the tragedy, Macclesfieldbased Bailey International Steeplejack Company Ltd and Heywood-based Ken Brogden Ltd were prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after police ruled out any suspicious circumstances.
The two companies pleaded guilty to the charges at Trafford Magistrates Court on December 16.
Bailey International Steeplejack Company Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at work etc Act 1974.
Ken Brogden Ltd has admitted breaching Section 3 (1) of the Act.
An inquest into Mr Alty’s death, held in March last year, heard how his employers, Bailey International Steeplejack Company, had been contracted to carry out repairs to the top of the chimney.
Mr Alty, from Openshaw Drive, Blackburn, was described as an experienced steeplejack.
But the inquest was told he was not wearing a safety harness, which could have saved him as he dismantled the last section of scaffolding at the top of the chimney.
Fellow steeplejack, Paul Morgan, said he had worked with Mr Alty many times and he had always been seen wearing a safety harness, a compulsory requirement at the firm. Mr Morgan added it was a “major shock” to discover Mr Alty had not been wearing the safety equipment on the day of his death.
The inquest jury ruled Mr Alty’s death was an accident. Mr Alty’s wife, Angela, aged 40, described her husband as a “lovely bloke with a lively character”, who had died doing a job he loved.
The couple had separated nine months earlier.
Bailey International Steeplejack Company Ltd and Ken Brogden Ltd will be sentenced today at Manchester Crown Court.
Å The chimney from which Mr Alty fell is not connected to the Swan Centre, which is based at Swan Lane Mill 1 and 2.
