Builders to decide guilt of Cardiff site manager

Date:

25 March 2010

Release No:

751

In the first event of its kind in Wales, builders from across the country have been invited to take part in a mock trial of one of their peers at Cardiff City Stadium (Thursday 25 March).

The event will see local solicitors playing the role of prosecution and defence in a legal case to be played out in front of more than 200 representatives from the construction industry, who will finally decide on the guilt of the accused − a site manager at a building site.

The mock trial has been organised by the South Wales Construction Safety Group and Working Well Together − a partnership of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the construction industry in Wales, with law firm Morgan Cole developing the scenario.

Between 2004 to 2009 a total of 13 people were killed while working in the construction industry in Wales. A further 1,023 people were seriously injured and 1,888 suffered injuries which resulted in more than three days off work.

Said Paul Harvey, Principal Inspector for Construction for HSE. "Construction is one of the most dangerous industries to work in, with many potentially lethal hazards including working at height, asbestos and site transport, so it is vital for employers to understand the risks and do all they can to manage them,"

"This event is an effective way of getting important health and safety messages across to the industry and highlights the possible consequences of legal action when things do go wrong."

The role of the 'defendant' in the scenario will be played by Huw Llywelyn, Chairman of the South Wales Working Well Together partnership and head of construction for Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd:

"I am delighted to be supporting this initiative. Working Well Together is about highlighting how effective planning can prevent deaths and injuries on sites and the mock trial will demonstrate the legal responsibilities that site managers have."

Notes to editors

1. The offence of manslaughter that is being prosecuted in this mock court exercise is one that would be taken by the Crown Prosecution Service following investigation by the Police. The Health and Safety Executive would also investigation the incident and may also prosecute for offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act etc. 1974
2. Fatal, major and three-day injury statistics for each local authority are available by calling Wailim Wong on 01752 635 053
3. The Working Well Together Group is made up of representatives from the following organisations: BAM; Construction Skills;Cowlinl Powys County Council; National Construction Collegel Mogan Cole, Leadbitter; BAM Nuttall; Redrow; Dawnus; Costain; Speedy; Bron Afon Community Housing; Carmarthenshire County Council; South Wales Safety Consultancy Ltd; R&M Williams; Constructing Excellent; Civil Engineering Contractors Association; Willmott Dixon; HSE.

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Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by COI News and PR Wales