Unite calls for joint investigation following fatality at HS2 site in east Birmingham

UK construction union, Unite, is calling for a full joint investigation following a fatal accident at an HS2 site in the West Midlands.

On Thursday 27 April a man in his early 70s was seriously injured on the Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV) joint venture site in Marston Green, east Birmingham.  He was airlifted to hospital but later pronounced dead.

Unite wants a full investigation into the tragedy to be carried out by the employer with the involvement of trade unions

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said “All our thoughts and sympathy are with the worker’s family, who have lost a loved one in such tragic circumstances. Safety is always a paramount issue for Unite and it is absolutely essential that the full facts of this tragedy are fully established in a transparent manner.”

Unite national officer for construction Jerry Swain said: “After such a tragic accident there will of course be an official investigation by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) but these can often be slow and it may not conclude and issue its findings for some considerable time.

“In the meantime BBV will be conducting its own investigation and Unite believes that this must be conducted jointly with the union. It is only by working collectively together that we can discover what occurred, learn from this tragedy, and provide the workforce with reassurance and confidence that everything is being done to protect their safety.”

HS2 released a statement at the time saying: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that an employee working for a company in the supply chain of HS2’s contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI died today following an incident on site near Marston Green on Thursday 27 April.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time. We are working with our construction partner and the relevant authorities to understand the cause of this incident.”