The police and HSE are jointly investigating a demolition site in Stockport where two men fell from the roof in two separate incidents on Tuesday, with the second incident resulting in fatal injuries.
According to a statement from Greater Manchester police, at 9.15am on January 21 police were called to a site in Heaton Norris, Stockport following reports a 45-year-old workman had fallen from a roof.
The man was taken to hospital suffering serious injuries, and is currently in a serious but stable condition.
But at 3.55pm on the same day, police were called back to the same address after a 42-year-old man fell from the roof. He sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital where he later died.
A joint investigation has now been launched between the police and the Health and Safety Executive to establish what happened.
A spokeswoman for the HSE said the police still had primacy in the investigation, and that its full examination of the circumstances would start when the police handed over the site.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the buildings being demolished were industrial or former retail units next to a DIY store on an industrial estate. The MEN estimated the roof’s height at 25ft but said the roofing material was unknown.
In a statement, Andy Fisher, regional secretary of UCATT’s North West Region, expressed his regret at the tragic death and said his thoughts were with the man’s family.
He also pointed out that last year (2012/13), 60% of the 39 workers killed in the construction industry lost their lives after falls from height.
He added: “Workers who are concerned that they are being placed in a dangerous situation have the right to refuse work. The challenge is to give workers the confidence to be able to refuse to place themselves in danger.”
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This is a sad affair showing a clear lack of safety management on this project (two in one day both very serious !). It brings home the importance to assess and constantly review risk and method statements. My thoughts are with the families.
This is terrible news at the beginning of the year. My condolences to those left behind without a wage earner. Why are some many accidents happening in this day and age when H, S & W are so high on the list of contractual obligations?