Belfast accident increases construction casualisation concerns

Following yet another serious accident in Northern Ireland, Construction union UCATT has warned that growing casualisation on construction sites is increasing safety problems.

Four workers were seriously injured this morning (March 10) when the second floor of the Royal Courts of Justice building in the centre of Belfast, collapsed during a concrete pouring exercise. Several of the injured were trapped in the building.

The accident is the second major incident in three weeks in Belfast, following the death of a worker last month at the former Graham’s bakery site in the city. Four construction workers have been killed in Northern Ireland since the beginning of January.

UCATT officials report that private sector developments have become increasingly casualised in recent years, which has reduced the number of independent safety reps and which has led to corners being cut when it comes to health and safety on construction sites.

This compares poorly with the public sector where the Northern Ireland Executive has introduced health and safety measures into public sector contracts. These contract compliance measures have led to a halving of fatalities on public sector projects.

Michael Kiddle, regional organiser for UCATT in Northern Ireland, said: “This latest accident underlines just how dangerous the construction industry remains. Casualisation is literally killing construction workers. The recent death toll is a stain on the industry.”

For Further information contact Barckley Sumner on 0780 2329235 or Michael Kiddle on 07976711368