Construction worker's fatal fall was 'avoidable'

A construction boss has admitted failings over the "wholly avoidable" death of a worker on a house extension.

Affordable Lifestyle Design Ltd worker Stephen Pywell was walking on roof beams on a site in Thurmaston, Leicestershire, in March 2019 when he fell.

The 59-year-old was taken to hospital and underwent surgery but died in May 2019 as a result of his injuries.

Company director James Pitsillides, of Leicester, pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was handed a suspended prison sentence, a community order and £10,000 costs at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 7 May.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that Mr Pywell had used a ladder to access the beams, where there was no edge protection in place, leaving him to fall almost eight feet (2.4m).

HSE said Pitsillides, of Orchard Lane, Great Glen, had failed to manage the roof work leaving subcontractors including Mr Pywell exposed to risk.

Pitsillides, 45, pleaded guilty and was given a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for two years.

The district judge also ordered him to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £10,000 in costs.

HSE inspector Phil Gratton said: "This was a wholly avoidable incident, caused by the failure to implement simple fall protection measures.

"Had the company used suitable work equipment or devised a safe system of work, Mr Pywell's tragic death could have been avoided.

"Our thoughts remain with his family and friends."

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