But main contractor Glenmill Group (Developments) was only hit with a nominal fine of £1 because of the company’s “current financial situation”.

Peter Walton died in Altham near Accrington in May 2006.

The 55-year-old from Anchorsholme, near Blackpool, had been working on a project to build three new office blocks when he fell.

Preston Crown Court heard that Mr Walton was critically injured when an unsecured board on the scaffolding gave way. He died five weeks later in hospital.

His widow, Christine Walton, said: “It has been four long, stressful years since the incident that eventually took Peter’s life. He meant everything to me and I will love, miss and mourn him for the rest of my life.

“I know that the conclusion of this prosecution won’t bring him back but it will help to give me some sort of closure, and to bring this type of incident to the forefront.

“Sadly Peter’s death is just one of many needless deaths that occur in the construction industry due to slack adherence to health and safety regulations.

“Hopefully what happened to Peter, and is still happening on construction sites, will make people realise that health and safety laws are there to protect us and are not to be scorned and scoffed at.”

Howorth Scaffolding Services Ltd and Glenmill Group (Developments) Ltd both pleaded guilty to breaching safety laws.

Howorth Scaffolding, of Accrington Road in Hapton, was fined £25,000 and was ordered to pay £13,793 toward the cost of the prosecution.

Glenmill Group, of Turner Road, Lomeshaye Business Village in Nelson, was ordered to pay a nominal fine of £1 with costs of £13,793. The judge said the fines reflect the companies’ current financial situations.

HSE Inspector Ian Connor said: “Both these companies contributed to Peter Walton’s death by failing to follow the proper safety procedures for putting up scaffolding.

“Howorth Scaffolding should have made sure that it constructed the scaffolding properly. And, as the principal contractor for the site, Glenmill Group should have ensured it was safe before allowing construction workers onto it.

“This is an extremely sad case which once again shows how important it is to follow health and safety regulations. It’s vital that construction companies do more to prevent deaths and injuries in the future.”