A man who narrowly escaped death on a construction site is to receive compensation after a judge ruled that his employers were responsible.

Chris Costelloe had been standing in a skip full of concrete, giving directions as it was delivered in September 2005, the Irish Herald reports.

However, while he was radioing to colleagues, the cable snapped and the skip fell 40 feet to the ground, taking the victim with it.

Mr Costelloe was taken to hospital, but was found to have suffered only minor injuries.

However, he took legal action against Castlepark Construction and Stafford Tower Cranes for their negligence, claiming that the injuries he did sustain to his hands had prevented him from carrying out everyday tasks and playing in his brass band.

Mr Justice Matthew Deery this week ruled that Mr Costelloe should be paid £17,167 in compensation for the suffering he was caused.

"I am satisfied he is a genuine witness whose life has been very disrupted over the last four years," he remarked.

Employers are required by law to protect their workforce under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and should avoid designating tasks high above ground where possible. If it is unavoidable, they should take appropriate measures to prevent falls.