Business fined after worker killed by collapsing wall

An investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) found that H. Mealing & Sons Limited failed to properly plan and supervise the construction of a retaining wall at a school in Bath in 2019.

This lack of planning and supervision led to a large load of aggregate being placed against the incomplete and unsupported wall, causing it to collapse onto worker, Gary Anstey.

Gary, 57, had just become a grandad and his wife, Anne Anstey, said:

“Gary’s workplace should have been a safe place to work – he should have come home as he always did – and now he hasn’t been here to celebrate all the family milestones and that is something that we as a family have to live with.”

The HSE pointed to its guidance on temporary works, which says temporary structures must be designed and installed to withstand any loads placed against it and used in accordance with its design.

This requirement includes providing appropriately trained operatives with a suitable written design and installation plan to ensure the structure remains stable.

HSE inspector, Ian Whittles said:

“This was a horrific incident which had heartbreaking consequences. It happened because of a lack of planning and coordination, which is all too common in construction activity. With simple clear procedures and appropriate training this incident would not have happened.”

BALI also encourages its members to follow the relevant British Standard when building retaining walls, called BS 8002:2015 Code of practice for earth retaining structures, particularly where unfamiliar with the activity.