A construction worker has been killed in a workplace accident on the construction site of the new Queensferry Crossing bridge being built across the Firth of Forth.
A 60-year-old construction worker was killed hit by the moving boom on a Giraffe crane while working on the deck of the north tower. As a result of the injuries, he suffered severe blood loss and was unable to be resuscitated. Another worker was left with serious injuries as a consequence of the accident.
Work on the construction of the new crossing has ceased as an investigation into the incident is carried out. The bridge is to replace the Forth road bridge by the end of the year. The incident marks the first fatality at the site since construction began in 2011.
A Forth Replacement Crossing spokesman said: “We are deeply saddened to have to confirm there was an incident just before noon on 28 April on the Queensferry Crossing north tower in which a person has lost his life.
“One other person has been taken to the hospital. All activity has been stopped at the north tower.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of our colleague and co-worker at this time.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We are currently working alongside our partner agencies to investigate an incident on the Queensferry Crossing Bridge that resulted in a man sustaining fatal injuries.
“The call was received around 12.20 on Thursday and sadly, the man was pronounced dead a short time later.
“Another man on the bridge also sustained minor injuries.
“Inquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this matter are ongoing.”
Workplace Accidents: Construction Sites
Construction workers are one of the most at-risk workers in the UK with the industry being one of the most dangerous sectors of employment in the UK. The nature of the industry with heavy machinery in operation, extreme weather, hazardous chemicals and other aspects such as working at extreme heights, have all been major factors in the number of fatalities and serious accidents in the industry and in workplaces in general.
A recent report showed that the number of health and safety inspections at construction sites have fallen significantly resulting in many concerns about the future safety and well-being of workers. A report from the Health and Safety Executive found that a number of accidents in the construction industry could be solved with better management and better planning. Due to this, many workplace accidents on construction sites, and in general, are caused by poor management, recklessness and a failure in duty of care.
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