Construction union UCATT are angered and dismayed following fresh leaks from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regarding the forthcoming inquiry into construction deaths.

In July Government ministers, as part of the Warwick Agreement, agreed to hold a major inquiry into the high number of deaths in the construction industry. In 2007/8 72 workers were killed at work, in 2006/7 the death toll in the construction industry was 79.

Since the decision to hold an inquiry was made, there has been a steady stream of leaks from the HSE, regarding their involvement in the inquiry. Much of the information has been misleading and has incorrectly suggested that the HSE will play a more major role in the inquiry than is expected to be the case.

The latest leak which appeared in the current issue of Construction News detailed how the HSE were already well advanced in preparing their information, responses and investigative methods for the inquiry. This is despite the fact that the Department of Work and Pensions has not finalised the terms of reference for the inquiry, appointed a chair, or detailed what resources will be spent on the investigation.

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It is understood that following earlier leaks and incorrect briefings from the HSE in August and September, senior officials at the DWP warned the organisation that such activities must cease.

Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of UCATT, said: "I fail to understand why the HSE seems hell bent on undermining this vital inquiry even before it has begun its work. The HSE is supposed to be promoting safety and reducing deaths. We are consistently told that the HSE is doing a good job, with very limited resources. If that is the case then the HSE has nothing to fear and the inquiry findings will strengthen their position."

UCATT believes that one of the key factors behind the success or otherwise of the inquiry will be the appointment of the chair. Given the oppositionalist stance already adopted by the HSE the chair will need to be an individual who is both robust and already has prior knowledge of issues concerning construction safety.

Mr Ritchie, added: "The chair of the inquiry must be tough, combative and independent minded. There are a huge number of powerful vested interests in the construction industry that do not want to see any changes to the status quo. If those vested interests are able to dominate, then the inquiry will become a talking shop and it will not help to save lives.

"If the HSE's timetable proves to be correct then it is essential that the chair of the inquiry understands the industry and does not take six months learning how construction operates."

(CD/JM)