Union Wins Huge Payout on Behalf of Killed Workers

Construction union UCATT have won substantial payouts on behalf of the families of two workers killed at work.

In May 2002 the two men Paul Wakefield and Craig Whelan, both from Nottingham, were working as steeplejacks. They were working at the Metal Box plant in Bolton, repairing the company’s chimney. The plant was still in operation and while in the chimney an explosion occurred and both men were killed.

Despite having initially attempted to avoid responsibility for the tragedy, some of the directors of Metal Box were convicted of health and safety offences.

The case was taken up by UCATT who instructed their solicitors OH Parsons to achieve the best possible financial compensation for the victim’s families. Both families were awarded in excess of £300,000.

Alan Ritchie, general secretary of UCATT, said: “Nothing can ever recompense a family for the loss of a loved one, killed at work. Hopefully the compensation awarded to these two families will ensure that they do not suffer continued financial misery.”

Steve Cottingham of OH Parsons, who acted for the victim’s families said: “Companies must stop paying lip service to health and safety. Far too many building workers are killed at work every year. Companies must be forced to realise that workers are not expendable, in the quest for greater profits.”