Unite calls for urgent HSE investigation after tragic death at
Tilbury port
26 October 2011
Unite has vowed to ‘leave no stone unturned’ in its efforts to
get the answers to vital safety questions as its members and
workers at the Port of Tilbury grieve the loss of a comrade and
union representative who was tragically killed in a workplace
accident on Sunday 23 October.
Unite convenor at the port and Unite executive member for docks,
Andy Green, said: "A close and loving family have lost a husband
and father and his colleagues have lost a truly wonderful friend.
They only want to help in this tragedy and to learn what happened
and why, that isn't too much to ask.
“Our members are deeply shocked that the Health and Safety
Executive (HSE) has not responded to calls from Unite
representatives at the port to launch an investigation, and that
the company has chosen not to conduct a joint investigation
alongside the Unite safety representatives, as set out in the
company's own health and safety policy.
"We are at a loss then to know why the HSE will not speak to us,
its behaviour is nothing short of shameful. However, we have been
touched by the kind words of condolence from dockworkers in every
port throughout the UK. Our union will always fight for truth and
justice and to help the loved ones left behind who have to bear the
real burden of workplace deaths."
Speaking on National Inspection Day (26th October), which is
supported throughout Europe, Unite's national officer for docks,
Julia Long, called for health and safety action across all ports to
reflect the dangers within the port industry. She said: "The
government has set the ports as a 'low risk' industry. This tragic
incident shows that the government needs to have a rethink on its
position. We are calling for the company to carry out a full
investigation with our health and safety reps fully involved.
“Unite will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to understand
how this terrible accident was able to happen. We now call on the
HSE and port management to work with us and immediately launch an
urgent joint investigation into what happened.”
ENDS
For further information contact Ashraf Choudhury in the Unite
press office on 020 7420 8914 or 07980 224761.
