HSE on site for investigation into tragic scaffold collapse

A three-man investigation team was at the Witan Gate site as Building went to press on Wednesday looking for the cause of the incident.

Fifteen floors of scaffolding fell down last Tuesday lunchtime, seriously injuring three workmen. One of the men, 49-year-old John Robinson from Milton Keynes, died from his injuries in hospital last Friday.

An HSE spokesperson said that areas of investigation would include the design of the scaffolding, the arrangements for attaching it to Jurys Inn hotel, the building involved, the loads on it, the effect of high winds and the training and competence of the erectors.

The spokesperson said: "It's obviously a big collapse and an investigation of this size could take two to three months." The root cause of the collapse is yet to be determined.

John Robinson, 49, from Milton Keynes, died from his injuries last Friday. An inquest into his death was due to begin yesterday after a post-mortem to determine the cause of death.

Eamonn Laverty, managing director of building firm McAleer and Rushe, spoke of his sympathy for the man's relatives. He said: "Our thoughts and condolences are with the family."

A three-man team from the HSE's construction division met Thames Valley Police on Tuesday to discuss the investigation.

It’s obviously a big collapse and an investigation of this
size could take two to three months

HSE spokesperson

The Witan Gate site, where the Jurys Inn is under construction, was closed over the Easter weekend and on Tuesday, but the HSE team were expected to begin work on Wednesday.

The investigators are also likely to examine the scaffold inspection regime at Witan Gate.

HSE guidelines stipulate that scaffolding must be inspected by a competent person before first use, after any substantial alteration or any event likely to have affected stability, such as storms, and at regular intervals not exceeding seven days.

Up to 200 workmen were at the Witan Gate site but many were on a lunch break when the accident happened. One man at work at the time of the collapse was reported to have saved himself by diving through an open window.

The 279-bedroom Jurys Inn hotel was due to open in June.

Scene of the collapse: HSE investigators are on site