Michael Allen, 64 of Ashbourne was a director of Allen and Hunt Construction Engineers Limited – a specialist company in manufacturing and erecting steel-framed agricultural and industrial buildings.

In July 2014, a worker was carrying out repairs on a farm building in Buxton, when they fell through the roof and suffered life-changing injuries.

An HSE investigation led to Allen pleading guilty to breaching three counts of the working at height regulations and a fine of £274,671 in November 2016.

But Allen and Hunt Construction Engineers Limited went into liquidation in December 2016 and Allen told investigators that the business closed down because it could not afford to pay the fine.

Further investigations by the Insolvency Service found that after the accident and to allow for a clear division between fabrication and installation activities, a new company was incorporated in October 2014.

The new company carried out fabrication services, while the installation side of the business was wound down.

If the fabrication contracts had remained within Allen and Hunt Construction Engineers Limited, the original company, there would have been sufficient funds to pay the fine.

The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has since accepted a disqualification undertaking from Allen who is now banned from running a company for six years.

Dave Elliott, Chief Investigator for the Insolvency Service, said: “Michael Allen had a lack of regard for the workers, which unfortunately resulted in a horrific injury for one person.

“Directors who fail to adhere to health and safety regulations to protect their employees and then fail to pay the fine can expect to face the consequences of a period of disqualification.”