THE Health and Safety Executive has confirmed it is considering whether to prosecute two companies after two men died while working together in the Bradford district.

Lee Horton, 58, from Ilkley, and Daron Pickstock, 43, from Chorley, Lancashire, both died after an incident at Unit 8 at Castlefield Industrial Estate, Bingley, in October 2020.

Nearly four years later, the Health and Safety Executive has confirmed it has concluded an investigation and was now considering whether to prosecute two companies, Space Productiv Ltd and Collins Site Services, over the men's deaths.

Mr Horton was a managing director of Space Productiv Ltd, an engineering firm based at Unit 8 at Castlefield Industrial Estate.

A HSE spokesperson told the Telegraph & Argus today: "We have concluded our investigation. 

"Consideration will now be given as to whether prosecution is the appropriate enforcement outcome."

It is understood the legal review process is expected to be concluded by September 17.

Both companies have been investigated over alleged breaches under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Inquests into the men's deaths were opened at Bradford Coroners' Court on November 12, 2020. 

At the time, the T&A reported that Mr Horton was Space Productiv Ltd managing director, while Mr Pickstock was a steel erector.

The inquests were told the men were understood to be "working together at the time of the accident that led to their respective deaths".

Mr Pickstock died shortly before 4pm on the day of the incident - October 29, 2020. He was identified by a colleague.

Mr Horton died in Leeds General Infirmary at 3pm the following day. He was identified by his partner.

The inquests were adjourned and are yet to conclude.

Mr Horton was a much-loved member of Ilkley Cycling Club.

A statement issued by the club following his death said: "Lee made an immeasurable impact on Ilkley Cycling Club and on the many friends he made within it. 

"He was heavily involved in the club from its reformation.

"Many will remember him as a true gentleman, totally unflappable and always there in time of need. 

"Lee was self-effacing by nature, but his qualities were plain to see by all who knew him. 

"He was a great friend, a great family man and a genuinely good person.

"He will be hugely missed."

The accountancy and finance graduate, who also had an MBA from Bradford University, was also a keen skier, mountaineer and scuba diver.