Criticism Over Construction Deaths Prosections

A report published by Building Union UCATT to mark Workers Memorial Day on the 28th April has been highly critical of The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) record on prosecuting Companies over construction deaths.

The study reveals that the number of workers killed in construction accidents last year rose by 25%, and that despite 504 construction deaths between 1998 and 2004, prosecutions for deaths fell from 42% to 11% in that period. However, the union's figures have been disputed by the HSE.

UCATT claim there are huge regional differences in the likelihood of a company being prosecuted and there were disturbing trends in the level of fines. Alan Ritchie, leader of UCATT, said the failure of the HSE to prosecute was "profoundly shocking".

Geoffrey Podger, chief executive of the HSE, told the BBC that prosecutions are examined on a case-by-case basis."We don't have targets for prosecution," he said. "Every prosecution has to be considered on the circumstances of the case - is the evidence available? Does it support a prosecution? Is it in the public interest?"