Unite, the UK and Ireland’s construction union, is supporting a memorial event being held this Saturday (19 October) to mark the twenty fifth anniversary of the death of Dutch construction worker Joop Vanbergh, who died while building the Hythe Bridge bypass in Colchester.

WHEN: Saturday 19 October 16:00

WHERE: Hythe Bridge, Colchester

The event is being organised by the Colchester Trades Council and is taking place to mark the beginning of the annual European Health and Safety week.

Speakers will include Kitty Jong the vice president of the Dutch construction union FNV and Guy Langston regional construction officer for Unite. Members of Mr Vanbergh’s family will be in attendance.

 Mr Langston said: “Each and every construction death should be marked and remembered.

 “In every case someone’s loved one, went to work one day and never came home again.

 “Twenty five years after Joop Vanbergh was killed while building the Hythe Bridge bypass his family still feel that loss.

 “Even 25 years later and despite advances in safety, the deaths of construction workers, remain far too common. One death is one too many.

 “European health and safety week is an important event as it allows workers in all sectors to put pressure on employers to undertake site inspections and to improve safety on their premises.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For more information please contact Unite communications officer Barckley Sumner on 020 3371 2067 or 07802 329235.

Email: [email protected]

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.