Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 20 December 1929

Fall From Ladder.

Wath Builder’s Death.

While ascending a ladder to repair a roof at West Melton on Saturday morning. Arthur Oxley (32), a master builder, of 19. Norton Road, Wath-upon-Dearne, fell and suffered injuries from which he died a few hours later in the Montagu Hospital. An inquest was held on Tuesday by Mr. W. H. Carlile, and a verdict of “Accidental death’ recorded.

Evidence of identification was given by Robert Oxley, deceased’s father.

Joseph Oxley, 23, Norton Road, a builder’s labourer, told the Coroner that he was working with deceased on Saturday morning at Newhill. They were repairing a roof, and were working in front of the house. At about 11-30 deceased mounted the ladder to take two slates up. Witness was a few yards away, round the corner; he did not see deceased fall, but heard a crash, and found him lying on the ground about four feet from the ladder. He was unconscious.

Witness sent for Dr. Johnson, who ordered the injured man’s removal to hospital. Deceased was laughing and joking a few minutes before the accident. The ladder was so fastened that it was impossible for it to slip. The two slates would weigh about three stone.

Dr. Dorothy Culver, house surgeon, said deceased was admitted at 12-55 and died at 2-40. Death was due to cerebral haemorrhage.