A north east contractor and scaffolding specialist have been fined a total of £13,000 following the collapse in Byker, Newcastle in March 2009.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive revealed that Skyline Scaffolding Ltd had not erected the scaffolding properly by failing to ensure it was adequately secured to the building.

The scaffold had been reduced in height to a single working platform with the wooden hoardings and sheeting still attached.

In reducing the scaffold, the scaffolding company removed the arrangement that retained the scaffold to the building.

HSE also found that Ashbrook Construction Services Ltd had failed to ensure that the scaffolding was properly inspected both before work began and at regular intervals as it progressed.

Skyline Scaffolding, of Drum Industrial Estate, Birtley  was found guilty of breaking safety laws and fined £10,000 with costs of £4,182.30 at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court.

Ashbrook Construction Services Ltd, of Leeholme Industrial Estate, Cowpen Lane, Billingham pleaded guilty and was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2091.15.

After the case, HSE Principal Inspector Rob Hirst said: “This incident could, and should, have been prevented.

“The lady was seriously injured and was lucky not to be killed as a result of this incident. And things could have been even worse had the scaffolding collapsed when workers were using it.”