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Lucky escape for Houdini

HSE Press Release: E085:04 - 17 June 2004

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors had an unusual find yesterday during a FaTaL blitz site visit in Newquay.

During the unannounced inspection of the Spinnackers site, Newquay, Cornwall construction inspectors Steve Jones and Jonathan Harris heard faint meowing, apparently from under a recently laid block and beam floor.

Site manager Mark Tanner instructed workers to open up the two-month old floor, freeing a black cat, now nicknamed Houdini.

Currently with the RSPCA Houdini, who is believed to have arrived at the site on a delivery lorry, is recovering well from his ordeal.

Notes to editors

  1. Jpegs of Houdini are available.
  2. Inspectors from the HSE will be visiting construction sites nationwide during June 2004 in a bid to reduce the number of fatal and serious incidents in the industry. The FaTaL Risks campaign 2004 focuses on
    F - falls arising from work at height
    T - transport on site including mobile plant and vehicles
    L - lifting heavy loads with cranes and other lifting machines.
  3. Please see HSE press releases E081-04 and E064-04 for background on the FataL Risks Campaign.

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Updated 2008-12-05