Construction work accident news
19/12/2008

Inquiry leader is a cause for UCATT concern

Following the announcement of a Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) inquiry into construction industry safety in a bid to cut fatal work accidents in the sector, a UCATT (Union of Construction Allied Trades and Technicians) spokesperson has admitted having reservations regarding the choice of the head of the inquiry.

Secretary of State at the DWP, James Purnell, has appointed Rita Donaghy, former chair of ACAS, to lead the inquiry

Alan Ritchie, UCATT's General Secretary expressed concern over the choice due to Donaghy's lack of a health and safety background.

He said, "It is our members, ordinary construction workers, who are needlessly being killed and maimed on building sites. It is our duty to ensure that Rita Donaghy is fully up to speed with all the different factors which reduce safety in the construction industry."

The union has agreed to work closely with the chair of the inquiry to ensure the fulfilment of the inquiry brief to ultimately reduce the number of construction industry work accidents that result in serious injury and fatality.