AN investigation has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after a man died from head injuries following a fall at an engineering plant.

An inquest at Bishop Auckland, County Durham, into the death of David Woodcock was adjourned yesterday after a pathologist confirmed that the head injuries which caused his death were consistent with a fall from a forklift truck.

Mr Woodcock, 51, fell while working at Evenwood Engineering, in Evenwood, County Durham, on Saturday.

The maintenance engineer, who lived at Bank Foot Farm, West Auckland, was taken to Middlesbrough General Hospital with serious head injuries, but died on Monday.

It is believed he was standing on a forklift truck when he lost his balance and fell.

Yesterday, the HSE confirmed that an inquiry had been launched and that inspectors had visited the plant.

HSE principal inspector Chris Gillies said: "We have launched an investigation and a team of inspectors visited the plant on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

"However we cannot really say any more until the investigation is completed."

Evenwood Engineering has also launched an investigation into the accident. Group chief executive Andrew Hall said: "Obviously our thoughts are with Mr Woodcock's family."