An inquest into the death of a worker who was fatally injured when scaffolding collapsed at a Milton Keynes construction site began on 20 April. John Robinson died in hospital the week after the incident at the site of the new Jurys Inn Hotel, where part of a large scaffolding structure erected around a steel and concrete building collapsed. Up to 200 workmen were on their lunch break at the Witan Gate site when the structure came down, and two other people were injured. It appears that one elevation of the scaffolding, which consisted of 14 lifts, fell to the ground causing another part of the elevation to collapse. It has been speculated that high winds at the time may have been a major factor in the incident.
The 279 bedroom project was due to open in June, and the site has since been cleared so the Health and Safety Executive can start their investigation. As a result they have just issued a safety alert to the construction industry, in order to stress the importance of arrangements to provide and maintain the stability of structures and to make sure that they are reviewed regularly. Further details are available on their website.
