Feb 11 • 16:41 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Mirror

Two killed at Bingley factory as tonnes of weight hit them in ‘avoidable’ horror

Two men tragically lost their lives in an industrial accident at a factory in Bingley when an industrial racking system collapsed during a weight test.

In a tragic incident at Castlefields Industrial Estate in Bingley, two men were killed when an industrial racking system collapsed under testing conditions. Lee Horton, aged 58, the managing director of Space Productiv Ltd, and Daron Pickstock, 43, who was working for Collins Site Services, were both working on a mobile elevating work platform beside the racking when the system, loaded with up to two tonnes of test weights, gave way. The equipment's collapse caused the platform to overturn while they were inside, resulting in fatal injuries to both men.

This incident occurred on October 29, 2020, and has led to significant legal repercussions for Space Productiv Ltd, which has been prosecuted for breaching health and safety regulations. The case highlights serious concerns regarding workplace safety standards and the necessity for rigorous testing protocols to prevent such tragic outcomes in the future. It raises questions about oversight in industrial practices and reinforces the need for stringent compliance with safety measures.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident, focusing on the safety protocols that were in place at the time. This scrutiny is essential to not only provide justice for the families of the victims but also to ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future. Such incidents underscore the critical importance of adhering to health and safety regulations in industrial settings, which aim to protect workers and prevent unnecessary loss of life.

📡 Similar Coverage