Disgraceful delays over workers’ deaths
Construction union UCATT has said that it is highly concerned about the delay in bringing charges following the worst fatal accident in the industry for many years.
On the 21 January 2011, four workers who were erecting a large steel structure in Great Yarmouth were killed when it collapsed. Over five years after the accident, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has finally finished their investigation and are bringing charges against four companies. The companies have been summoned to appear at Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court on 2 February 2016.
Ron McKay, acting regional secretary of UCATT’s Eastern Region, said: “This was a terrible tragedy and the worst accident resulting in loss of life in construction for many years. The fact that it has taken over five years before this case has even got to court is far too long.”
McKay added: “Action needs to be taken so that HSE investigations are completed more quickly and to ensure that no other family has to endure such an excessive wait as the wheels of justice turn in the future.”
Only last November, the union highlighted the case of an electrician, working on a demolition site in Elephant and Castle in south London, who lost his life in August 2007 when falling concrete joists crushed him to death. However, it was only eight years later that his employer admitted negligence.
www.ucatt.org.uk/ucatt-concern-justice-delay-following-great-yarmouth-tragedy