The roof of the Hove building was “insufficiently” protected, according to the investigation

At the hearing into the death of Ernie Taylor, 30, it was said he was probably on the roof for “professional reasons”.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said if work was being carried out from the roof there was a “duty to secure the light well from which he fell”.

Rebekah Dunn, who investigated the case with the HSE, found that the lightwell had “inadequate edge protection” when work was completed from the roof.

The investigation found that items on the roof, including a bag believed to have belonged to Mr Taylor, suggested he may have worked there.

Mr Taylor, a self-employed roofer, was also asked to take photos of the work being carried out by Damario Asphalt Roofing at the Essex house in St Aubyns Gardens, Hove.

The inquiring jury heard the angle of the photos taken suggested Mr Taylor, with his back to the light well, was “very close” to the hole through which he fell.

Gavin Damario, owner of Damario Asphalt Roofing, stressed that he did not tell Mr Taylor to go on the roof to take photos. Mr Damario said: “He was told to remain in the safe work area.”

Stephen Ford, a contractor who organized the scaffolding, said it was “perfectly safe for the pavers’ purposes”.

Shortly after taking the photos, Mr Taylor fell through the light well and was fatally injured.

Paul Damario, a paver who has worked with Mr Taylor, said: “He was asked to take pictures, he wasn’t asked to go on the roof.”

The HSE determined that all work could have been carried out from the scaffolding around the building.

Mr Taylor fell on September 17, 2020 and was taken to hospital with traumatic injuries. He died three days later, on his birthday, after being placed in a medically induced coma.

Leonardo Hotel where the investigation takes place (Image: NQ staff)

Paul Damario said Mr Taylor was “energetic, very lively and has always worked hard”.

The inquest into his death, which is taking place at the Leonardo Hotel on Stroudley Road, near Brighton railway station, is continuing.