'There are no words': Firms fined after two men killed in West Yorkshire racking collapse
Two companies have been fined after an incident resulted in the death of two workers in West Yorkshire.
Lee Horton, aged 58, and Daron Pickstock, aged 43, were killed when an industrial racking system collapsed as it was being tested at Castlefields Industrial Estate on October 29, 2020.
The racking was being tested at a site owned by Space Productiv Ltd, of which Mr Horton was the managing director. Mr Pickstock was self-employed and worked for Collins Site Services.
During the testing, the racking system was loaded with test weights, some of which weighed up to two tonnes, when the structure began to collapse.
Mr Horton and Mr Pickstock were working from a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) next to the structure as it was being loaded.
As the racking structure collapsed, it struck the MEWP, causing it to overturn with both men still inside. Mr Horton, from Ilkley, and Mr Pickstock, from Chorley, suffered fatal injuries and died a short time later.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed both companies failed to properly assess risks or establish safe working procedures. The HSE also found that workers were placed in the collapse zone during unsafe testing.
Space Productiv Ltd and Collins Site Services Ltd both pleaded guilty to safety breaches and were fined £97,500 and £60,000, respectively, at Leeds Crown Court on February 11.
Paying tribute, Mr Horton’s daughter, Emma, remembered his humour, warmth and generosity, adding: “Lee was more than just a father... he was our best friend, therapist, career advisor and confidant.
“We feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a special and unique bond with him, but that only makes the void he’s left behind feel all the more immense.
“There are no words that can fully capture the magnitude of our loss.”
Mr Pickstock’s son, Jack Stileman, said: “My dad was a hard worker and content in his life. He didn’t like unnecessary drama or unkindness, and he was grateful for what he had.
“My future children do not get the chance to have a grandfather. I feel heartbroken for them that the circumstances surrounding my dad’s death happened at work and could very possibly have been avoided.
“My dad liked the best quality of things. He taught me how to fix things and adapt things to make them work. He was constantly mending something, and I miss that guidance on what I could do better when we spent time together.
“We shared a love of music and the benefits it can have in your life. We talked openly about life, and now that’s gone. No one can replace my dad.”