Industry news
Building site safety 'needs review'
Posted Tue, 08 Nov 2011
Building sites have been urged to launch a review of safety procedures after a man was crushed to death.
Lawyers have called for an examination into the precautions taken for workers after Guilherme de Oliviera was crushed to death between a concrete beam and a tower.
The incident happened as the beam, which was suspended from a crane, was caught by wind and propelled towards Mr Oliviera and the tower at the Broomfield Hospital site in Chelmsford, causing him to suffer a broken spine and die at the scene.
Acting as representatives for Mr Oliviera's family, Irwin Mitchell said more should be done to improve safety at building sites across Britain.
The lawyers did say that they were pleased with site manager Bouygues UK Ltd's decision to improve safety precautions in the wake of Mr Oliviera's death, but they want this attitude rolled out across the country.
Dominique Mercieca, representing the family, said: "These safety measures should have been in place before the accident happened, but it is encouraging to see that improvements are being made and that lessons have been learnt."
Coroner Tina Harrington recorded a verdict of accidental death.
Copyright © Press Association 2011