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| Building site deaths 'unpunished' | Building site deaths 'unpunished' |
| (30 minutes later) | |
| The number of companies convicted of offences following the deaths of construction workers has fallen sharply, a report suggests. | |
| But the number of workers killed in construction accidents last year rose by 25%, the study adds. | But the number of workers killed in construction accidents last year rose by 25%, the study adds. |
| The report by building union UCATT shows prosecutions for deaths fell from 42% to 11% between 1998 and 2004. | The report by building union UCATT shows prosecutions for deaths fell from 42% to 11% between 1998 and 2004. |
| However, the union's figures have been disputed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). | However, the union's figures have been disputed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). |
| The study has been published to mark Workers Memorial Day on 28 April. | The study has been published to mark Workers Memorial Day on 28 April. |
| It often takes more than three years following the death of a construction worker before a company is brought to trial and convicted. | It often takes more than three years following the death of a construction worker before a company is brought to trial and convicted. |
| Profoundly shocking | Profoundly shocking |
| The report states that 504 construction workers died over a six year period to 2004. | The report states that 504 construction workers died over a six year period to 2004. |
| It claimed there were huge regional differences in the likelihood of a company being prosecuted and there were disturbing trends in the level of fines. | It claimed there were huge regional differences in the likelihood of a company being prosecuted and there were disturbing trends in the level of fines. |
| The construction workers union has campaigned for a crack down on companies that jeopardise safety on building sites. | The construction workers union has campaigned for a crack down on companies that jeopardise safety on building sites. |
| Alan Ritchie, leader of UCATT, said the failure of the Health and Safety Executive to prosecute was "profoundly shocking". | Alan Ritchie, leader of UCATT, said the failure of the Health and Safety Executive to prosecute was "profoundly shocking". |
| In a statement, the HSE said that in the majority of cases inspectors took appropriate action. | In a statement, the HSE said that in the majority of cases inspectors took appropriate action. |
| However, it said it recognised that further improvements were needed. | However, it said it recognised that further improvements were needed. |