Brighton council fined by HSE after Blatchington Mill caretaker dies

David Mobsby, was cleaning the roof of a bike shed at Blatchington Mill School in Nevill Avenue, Hove, when he fell from the ladder.

The 71-year-old was using a standard-length broom and a telescopic surface cleaner before falling approximately 2.5 metres onto the tarmacked surface below.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Brighton and Hove City Council, which employs staff at Blatchington Mill School, had failed to ensure that the cleaning of the school’s bike shed was properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out using a safe work method.

Natalie Pomfret, an inspector for HSE, said: “Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well-known.

Blatchington Mill High School Bike shed (Image: HSE)

"In this case, this tragic incident led to a man’s avoidable death. This death could have been prevented if his employer had acted to plan and supervise the work activity and ensured a safe method of work was in place.”

An inquest in 2019 into Mr Mobsby’s death heard how the caretaker fell around two metres off the ladder and sustained fatal injuries when he landed on his head.

Mr Mobsby died at the Royal Sussex County Hospital three days after the incident, from catastrophic head injuries.

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In a statement at the time of his death, Blatchington Mill School said: “David embodied the very best of Blatchington Mill. He was kind, he was considerate of others, and he found happiness each day – happiness that he shared with those around him.

“He will be missed by a great many people, and in a great many, big, and small, ways. His colleagues, better described as his friends, all have fond memories of the contribution he made to their lives each day, bringing a smile, some cheer, and his customary kindness to so many.

David Mobsby, right, was a caretaker at Blatchington Mill High School (Image: NQ Staff)

“We will miss him, and we will remember him.”

A jury in the inquest criticised the school’s “inadequate management” and “poor communication and direction”.

Brighton and Hove City Council pleaded guilty to a breach of health and safety work at height regulations regulations and was fined £66,666 at Brighton Magistrates Court on February 28.