Seventeen-year-old Steven Burke, from Levenshulme, Manchester, died at Davyhulme Wastewater Treatment Works on 30 January 2004 after falling approximately 18 metres whilst working to construct a scaffold within a 20-metre high sewage digester tank.

He was employed by 3D Scaffolding and under the control of a visiting contracts manager, David Swindell. Irlam was contracted to work for RAM Services, a subcontractor of the Mowlem Group.

Main contractor Mowlem received a £75,000 fine and was ordered to pay costs of £20,000. RAM was found guilty of failing to ensure that scaffolding used by their own employees had been properly inspected to ensure that it was safe to use. The company was fined £75,000 and ordered to pay £70,000 costs.

David Swindell Junior, a contracts manager employed by 3D Scaffolding, was found guilty of breaching section 7 of the HSW Act in that he failed to take reasonable care for the health and safety of other persons who might be affected by his acts or omissions at work. He was fined £7,500 and ordered to pay £15,000 costs.

Health and Safety Executive chief inspector of construction Stephen Williams said: "Steven Burke's death, at the very start of his working life was not only a tragedy, it was also entirely preventable. Had those responsible assessed the work properly and ensured that he was supervised at all times by a qualified scaffolder, then Steven would not have been killed. Our thoughts go out to his family."