High Wycombe Magistrates Court heard how the collapse could have resulted in serious injury or loss of life.

An HSE investigation following the incident in April 2018 found that the underlying cause of the scaffold collapse was a lack of training and adequate instruction.

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 caused it to act as a “giant sail” and subsequently toppled over into the street.

Formula Scaffolding (London) Limited of Church Lane, Chessington was found guilty in their absence to safety breaches and was fined £160,000.00 and ordered to pay costs of £11 533.36.

Formula Scaffolding Ltd based in Southampton is not connected in any way with the prosecuted firm.

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.”