A SOMERSET building company has been fined after the “horrific” death of an employee – who was crushed by a falling wall while working at a county school.

Gary Anstey died after a 1.8 metre-high retaining wall collapsed onto him during work at Swainswick School, being carried out by H Mealing & Sons Limited.

The 57-year-old, from Bristol, who was father to sons Shaun and Scott, was crushed to death.

Now, an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), has found the company failed to properly plan and supervise the construction of the retaining wall.

This led to it becoming unstable when a large load of aggregate was placed against the incomplete wall which was not supported, the HSE said, in breach of safety guidance for such work.

In a victim personal statement Gary’s wife, Anne, 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.”

Mr Anstey, left, tragically died after a wall collapsed at Swainswick School, in Bath. Pictures: HSE

She added: “Gary was 57 years old when he died. He was always full of life and he had recently become a grandad for the first time.

“He has missed Scarlett grow up into a funny loving girl and missed out on the celebration of Scott and his wife buying their first house, all the children starting school and many other milestones in our lives.”

Mealing & Sons Limited of Northend, Batheaston, Bath, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

The company was fined £56,775 and ordered to pay £44,000 in costs at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on September 11.

After the hearing, 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.”