Liliana Alexa speaks out on Workers Memorial Day

“On the 26th of September 2006 our lives changed forever. My son Michael Alexa was killed because of someone’s negligence. He was in front of our garage next to the Barrats Construction Site, when the crane collapsed, killing him. I and all my family are very much traumatized about this horrible accident. I still don’t understand how this could have happened. I have thousands of questions in my head but no one to answer them.”

“Who is responsible for my son’s death? Who is responsible for keeping my son’s body trapped under the crane for 5 days? Was this really necessary? Or could they have moved it a lot sooner? Where was the Health and Safety Executive before the construction started at the Barrats Site? Who checked and gave the green light for the work to start? Now, that this accident happened, who is investigating the case? Are they really professionals? Why does this investigation take so long?”

“Who is going to give me all these answers? And when? It takes over 3 years, following the death of a construction worker or member of the public, before a company is brought to trial and prosecuted. The failure to prosecute and achieve a conviction often has a devastating impact on the bereaved family, who then feel betrayed by the criminal justice system.”

“BCDAG is campaigning on tougher regulations on safety; No cut-backs on HSE inspectors-we need more H&S inspectors, not less; Workplace deaths have increased by 30% over the last year. Crane deaths have gone up; Worker’s memorial day is about unions and communities coming together to organize that change is needed: There are more deaths in workplace than wars.”

“The misery that workplace deaths cause to families is immense. My son Michael was a British Citizen and very proud of this, but this legislation needs to be changed immediately after this kind of fatality. When something like this happens to ordinary people the Government does not pay enough attention. If this is the case what can we do? Do we have to wait until this kind of disaster happens to a VIP person?”

“The instant death of my son left a large hole in both my heart and my life, and that hole will never be filled till I find justice. With his death, it is like receiving a life sentence, to constantly grieve, mourn and light candles every day as is my custom. Michael was a wonderful young man with a lot of ambition and so much to live for.”

“We urge the HSE to speed their investigation and whoever is responsible for my son’s death to be prosecuted. We want Justice, is that too muchto ask for? Thank you for coming out today.”

For information on other health and safety issues visit the London Hazards Centre web site at: www.lhc.org.uk

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