A Norfolk scaffolder made a ‘dying declaration’ stating he knew he was putting himself at risk before falling 12 metres (40ft) from a roof. 

Alan Nimmo, 57, of King’s Lynn, had been working at nearby Harpley Engineering last year when the accident happened. 

While carrying out work on the roof of a barn, which was due to be replaced, he fell through its asbestos roof sheets. 

He suffered multiple injuries and was taken for specialist care by air ambulance to Cambridge. He died later that evening at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. 

Harpley EngineeringHarpley Engineering (Image: Google Street View)

An inquest into his death was held in front of a jury at Norfolk Coroner's Court on June 20. 

It heard how Mr Nimmo had started work on the roof despite knowing safety measures such as netting and handrails had not yet been put in place. 

Following his death, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the circumstances of the accident. 

Speaking to the court in Norwich via video link, Gemma Gillard, a HSE inspector, said: “We were informed that Mr Nimmo gave a dying declaration in which he stated that his actions were his own and he knew the risks involved." 

Area coroner Samantha Goward said Mr Nimmo had died as the result of a major haemorrhage due to, or because of, liver laceration following a fall from a roof. 

The roof Mr Nimmo fell throughThe roof Mr Nimmo fell through (Image: Norfolk Coroner's Court)

The jury, made up of 11 jurors, concluded that Mr Nimmo’s cause of death was “misadventure”. 

The steel erector lived at Harecroft Terrace in King’s Lynn but was originally from Falkirk in Scotland.  

His siblings paid tribute to him through statements read out at court. 

Sister, Kerry Farrow, said: “The last year has been like a dream, or nightmare. 

“When our big brother died, this was the worst day of my life. 

“Our big brother was our protector and father figure. The unconditional love for each other is like no other. 

“Alan was loved by so many, and his death has impacted so many lives.” 

Brother, Davie Nimmo, added: “He was my closest friend and my strength, and I am totally ruined by his death.” 

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