Union demands inquiry into Tottenham factory death (From Haringey Independent)

Union demands inquiry into Tottenham factory death

9:06am Wednesday 28th May 2008 in Advanced search By Charlotte Gray

Trade union reps are calling for an urgent inquiry into an accident which killed a worker at a Tottenham factory.

Balbir Singh Rayatt, 55, from Essex, died after sustaining severe head injuries when a barrier fell on him at Cannon Rubber Factory in High Road, Tottenham, last Tuesday afternoon.

The victim was treated at the scene before being taken by air ambulance to the Royal London Hospital. Mr Rayatt died in hospital the following day.

Haringey Trade Union Council this week called for an inquiry into health and safety practices at the High Road factory, producer of car mats and boot liners.

The union's president Keith Flett said: "Of course our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the man who has unfortunately lost his life.

"But questions must be asked here. We have been in contact with the London Hazards Centre and the Health and Safety Executive and we are determined that there should be a full investigation not just into the death on Tuesday but to the whole issue of health and safety practices at the plant."

The Health and Safety Executive has visited the factory. A spokesman said: "We are aware of the incident and we are now investigating it.

"We cannot release any more details at this stage."

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 3pm on Tuesday, May 20.

A police spokeswoman said: "At this early stage it is believed a forklift truck was in collision with a heavy barrier which fell on the victim who was a workman at the scene.

"He was taken to a London hospital for treatment but died on Wednesday.

"Next of kin have been informed. His death is not being treated as suspicious."

The air ambulance landed in a nearby park and police closed off High Road between Nutfield Close and Brantwood Road to take the patient to the helicopter.

A fast response car and an air ambulance attended the scene.

Bosses at Cannon Rubber were not available for comment.