Workman Dies On-Site At University Of Birmingham

Following on from my article a few days ago detailing the death of an employee working in a greenhouse environment, it is sad to read that two employees were injured in a workplace accident on the grounds of the University of Birmingham last week (one fatally).

It is reported that the equipment being used at the time was a crane and a scissor lift and, given that employees on building sites are exposed to dangers on a daily basis (such as working with high powered equipment, working at heights and with extreme manual handling) it should always be borne in mind that employee safety needs constant surveillance.

Training on equipment, lifting and maintenance of the general workplace are all paramount when managing such workplaces. It should also never be underestimated how supervisory roles can impact what happens in a work environment.

A complacent supervisor or foreman can have a major impact on the safety ethos of the workforce and the importance employees place on safety, just as a conscientious one plays a key role in work practices and workplace morale.

Employees of building sites should be prompt to report defects with equipment, complacent employees and/or supervisors and unsafe practices. They should also always be mindful of their own safety and never take for granted the potential dangers their work involves.

Lessons can always be learnt from tragedies such as the one that occurred in Birmingham, but prevention is always better than cure in these situations.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If you, or anyone you know, has been affected or injured by working in an unsafe environment, please do not hesitate to contact Beverley Barker on 0113 200 9720.