Government must act on deaths report
Government must act on deaths report
Campaigners and unions have said the government must act promptly to implement the recommendations of the Donaghy inquiry into construction industry fatalities. Construction union UCATT 'warmly welcomed' the inquiry's report, published on 8 July by the Department of Work and Pensions. Alan Ritchie, the union's general secretary, said: 'This is a hard hitting report which makes a series of vital recommendations which when implemented will have the effect of improving construction safety overnight and cutting deaths and accidents. The government must adopt the report's recommendations in full.' He added: 'By extending the Gangmasters Act tens of thousands of construction workers will be given greater protection overnight. Companies which do not meet health and safety criteria will be barred from supplying labour. Cowboy companies which kill workers will be barred from the industry.' He also welcomed the report's support for a 'positive duty' on directors. The report notes: 'As with most advances in society, eg. seat belts in cars, drink driving, there comes a time when good practice has to become a legal requirement.' Mr Ritchie said: 'Good companies have nothing to fear. But the first time that a rogue boss is led away in handcuffs after killing a worker will be the day when all company bosses will take safety issues seriously.' Campaign group the Hazards Campaign said the report's recommendations could 'secure a far safer industry.' Spokesperson Mick Holder said: 'It is now down to government to accept the report and act rather than ignoring the recommendations.' He added: 'We now need a properly resourced Health and Safety Executive (HSE)... capable of making these good ideas workable ideas and for government to stop their obsession with pandering to irresponsible elements in business that believe operating safely is a 'burden'.'
UCATT news webpage. Hazards Campaign news release. Construction News. The Guardian.
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