Michael Beston was working for G & J Crothers, removing and replacing tin roofing sheets from an agricultural outbuilding

A Ballymena building contractor has been fined £22,500 over the death of a father-of-two, who fell while working on a farm outbuilding.

G & J Crothers has been sentenced for safety failings that led to the death of the 39-year-old employee, Michael Beston.

The company pleaded guilty to one health and safety breach and was fined £22,500 plus £1,500 costs at Laganside Crown Court in Belfast.

On 29 June 2013, G & J Crothers had undertaken to remove and replace tin roofing sheets from an agricultural type outbuilding.

During the work Mr Beston stepped on a sheet that was not fixed in place, resulting in him falling approximately four metres.

The entirety of the equipment provided to carry out the work at height consisted of two roof ladders and one upright ladder, instead of appropriate equipment such as tower scaffold, safety nets or a Mobile Elevating Work Platform.

The judgement follows a Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) investigation into the fatal incident

Speaking after the sentencingm, inspector Jonathan Knox said: “Our thoughts are very much with Michael Beston’s family today.

“If some straightforward practical safety precautions had been put in place, Michael’s death could have been avoided.

“This case is a stark reminder that companies need to identify the risks associated with working at height before work starts. They must always ensure that appropriate systems and equipment are used to protect employees and to prevent more needless deaths.”

Belfast Telegraph