The victim along with 3 other scaffold erectors was erecting scaffold (for steel work modification) at the 33 metre level of the LNG flare structure. The victim indicated to the remaining crew that he intended to descend to make use of the toilet facilities. One of the crew members witnessed the victim climb on to the ladder and fall. He also confirms that immediately prior to the fall he observed him with the lanyard clip in his right hand i.e. unclipped from the permanent handrail above the ladder. Finally he confirms that no attempt had been made by the victim to attach to the fall arrestor prior to stepping off the grating on to the ladder.

The victim appears to have fallen side ways from the ladder and descended head first through the structure landing some 14 metres below the top of the ladder on to a scaffold structure at the 19 metre level.

The ladder itself is in good condition and there is no evidence of any specific deterioration in the rungs, which may have led to a slipping hazard. The victims work boots are also in good condition with adequate tread.