The Hazards Campaign
is a network of
resource centres and campaigners
on health and safety at work
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The Hazards Campaign
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12 December 2007 - No embargo Battersea Crane Disaster Action Group outraged by new crane collapse The Battersea Crane Disaster Action Group, formed after the crane collapse in Battersea on 26 September 2006 which killed 2 men, have expressed outrage at a further crane collapse in Forest Hill yesterday. The crane was in use at the time of the incident and protestors say it is only good luck that this did not result in yet another crane fatality. Liliana Alexa, mother of Michael Alexa who died in the Battersea collapse and Secretary of the BCDAG said: “We really do not understand how these incidents can keep on occurring. We will be telling the government and the Health & Safety Executive how disgusted we are. Peter Hain has assured our group that firm action will be taken, the crane industry claim to be doing all they can and the HSE tell us they are making the issue a priority but still cranes keep coming down.” Angela Bedy, Michael Alexa’s partner, said: “How many people need to die before the government recognise that this issue is serious? Public safety should be their primary concern yet they are cutting HSE resources. Thank god no one was killed yesterday in Forest Hill but that’s good luck rather than anything else. Crane collapses must stop now.” The Battersea Crane Disaster Action Group and supporters will be assembling at the offices of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge, London, SE1 9HS, at 8am on Thursday 13 December 2007 to express their outrage and wish the HSE more resources for the New Year. Ends For further information, contact Julia Brandreth julia@bwtuc.org.uk 07940 578219 or Liliana Alexa on 07859 047677, Notes: In 2006/07,
a five year-high of 77 construction deaths was reached. So far in 2007/08,
there have been 28 deaths in just over 4 months, which if this trend continues
into the winter months implies that a new record will be set for construction
deaths this year.
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The Hazards Campaign,
c/o Greater Manchester Hazards Centre, Windrush Millennium Centre, 70
Alexandra Road, |