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Roofer died in hospital after falling from scaffolding in Headcorn with 'disturbing' health and safety measures

A roofer died in hospital after plummeting from scaffolding which appeared to have a "disturbing" lack of safety measures, a coroner has ruled.

The Health and Safety Executive is continuing its investigation into a workplace accident which caused the death of 51-year-old Mark Tolley, of Northumberland Road, Maidstone.

The workman, who was employed on a Amberley Homes building site in Smarden Road, Headcorn had an unwitnessed fall on July 5, 2017.

Mark Tolley fell to his death from scaffolding. Stock picture
Mark Tolley fell to his death from scaffolding. Stock picture

He initially was able to stand after hitting the ground but dropped to the floor unable to breath.

Despite surviving the fall he tragically died at William Harvey Hospital eight days later on July 13.

An inquest held at County Hall in Maidstone last week heard how tradesmen were engaged in potentially hazardous work practices while developing the site into five homes.

Fellow workers described seeing Mr Tolley standing on a bundle of timber batons he was using to bridge a gap between scaffolding lifts.

Others stated that floorboards and poles had been removed from the scaffold to allow easier access to parts of the buildings - but, these were not reported to the site manager.

"We have heard from health and safety about measures that appear to have been missing which is disturbing..." - coroner Sonia Hayes

According to 27-year-old labourer Daniel Morrison scaffold boards were unsecured and would bounce.

He also claimed he did not get a proper induction to the site, which would normally cover health and safety procedures.

Closing the five-day investigation, coroner Sonia Hayes said: "I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family, it has been a very difficult time.

"The family thought initially, as did Mr Tolley, that he was going to be okay.

"It is with great sadness that we find ourselves here.

"We have heard from health and safety about measures that appear to have been missing which is disturbing."

Mark Tolley's inquest took place at County Hall in Maidstone
Mark Tolley's inquest took place at County Hall in Maidstone

Delivering a conclusion, the jury's foreperson said: "Mr Tolley received injuries consistent with a fall from height in an unwitnessed work place accident at a former Naked Foods Company building site.

"These injuries contributed to his untimely death."

A post-mortem examination also revealed the roofer's exact cause of death was a combination of pneumonia, a blood clot in his lungs, and chest injury with rib fractures.

He also had underlying emphysema, and an enlarged heart.

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