Alan Ritchie, general secretary of the UK’s Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT) has expressed fears that a rise on construction and demolition accidents could be an unforeseen side-effect of the recession that is currently gripping the world’s economy.
Speaking on the union’s regular blog, Ritchie says: “…My union, UCATT, fears the recession could actually make construction sites more dangerous in the medium term. Much of the industry has a macho culture that only pays lip service to health and safety. When times are tight, safety is first to be cut. With thousands of construction workers losing their jobs, those still employed are even less likely to refuse to perform a dangerous task, for fear of being given their cards and told there are plenty of others who will work without complaint…”
