A WOKINGHAM-based construction company is one of two to have been fined £40,000 after a man suffered life-changing injuries in 2016 when he fell from a scaffold tower in Reading.

On December 2, 2016, Samuel Goemans, who worked for Cedar Ridge Construction Limited, suffered a serious head injury after falling from scaffolding onto the street below (London Road) during the refurbishment of an old pub into an ice cream parlour.

The Granby, in Cemetery Junction, was at the time being transformed into Sprinkles Gelato when the scaffolding gave way.

Mr Goemans injuries have led to long term brain and memory problems and have resulted in him suffering from seizures and losing the ability to care for himself.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the principal contractor failed to control safety and planning on site, and the sub-contractor, Wokingham-based Cedar Ridge Construction, carried out unsafe working practices.

The principal contractor, Turnkey Contractors Limited, based in Southampton, pleaded guilty to breaching the The Health and Safety at Work Act.

The company has been fined £40,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,184.

The director of the company also pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety requirements, and has received a community service order of 100 hours.

The subcontractor, Cedar Ridge Construction Limited - based in Waterloo Road, Wokingham - pleaded guilty to breaching requirements of working at height regulations.

The company has also been fined £40,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,184.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Ian Whittles said: "Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related injuries in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well known.

"The case highlights the importance of following industry guidance and in order to design and erect scaffolding in a safe manner, which does not raise risk to members of the public and workers using the scaffold."