Tragedy on Christmas Eve

January 05 2010

Four workers lost their lives on December 24, 2009 when the suspended scaffold they were working on broke into 2 pieces and they fell to their deaths. A 5th worker who was critically injured is expected to recover. We have heard comments from a variety of individuals, which is common, but this only reinforces the fact that those who want to rush to judgement are not really interested in the causes of this tragedy. Comments from quasi-government agencies and other self proclaimed experts are unfortunate and unnecessary, as they tend to only fuel speculation at the expense of the truth. As an expert, I will tell you that a methodical and forensic review of all contributing factors will take time, but it is the only way to uncover what really happened. Our responsibility should now centre on uncovering the facts and setting a course which eliminates any chances of this happening again. The facts need to take us not only to the obvious but to the deeper issues that contribute to tragedies of this nature. We owe this to the deceased workers and their families.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the deceased workers families and to the 5th gentleman who is recovering in hospital. There are no words to lessen your burden but we as a community of employers and workers will keep you in our prayers.