STAFF at an engineering company held a short silence on Wednesday in memory of an electrician who died in an industrial accident on Tuesday. 

The incident happened while the man in his 50s was working in the vicinity of an overhead travelling crane at Cleveland Bridge in Yarm Road, Darlington. 

The Northern Echo understands that he suffered a fall.
Workers at the company have been left deeply shocked by the man’s death, and those directly affected have been supported by human resources officers.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is investigating the accident after being alerted by Durham Police, and Cleveland Bridge has now also initiated its own internal inquiry.

The Northern Echo:

The Cleveland Bridge facility

The fall was reported at 11.26am on Tuesday and the North East Ambulance Service sent a rapid response vehicle. The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS), stationed nearby at Durham Tees Valley Airport, also despatched a doctor and paramedic by road but could not scramble the helicopter due to fog.

The man was described as critically ill when he was taken to The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, but died later at the hospital.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Bridge said that a short silence was held in the man’s memory. 

She said: “Cleveland Bridge is a close-knit community. Everyone within the company is deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic accident and our thoughts and prayers are with our colleague’s family, friends and co-workers.

“We offer them all our deepest sympathies and support at this very sad time. Our human resources team is working to support our staff who have been affected by this accident.

“A thorough internal investigation of the incident has already been instigated and we are working closely with, and fully supporting, the Health and Safety Executive in its review.”

A spokeswoman for the HSE did not confirm the man had died as a result of a fall, but said a specialist construction inspector had been sent to Cleveland Bridge along with two other inspectors. The investigation is ongoing.

Durham Police confirmed they had attended but added that the investigation was being led by the HSE. 

A spokesman for the GNAAS also confirmed a doctor and paramedic had attended but a NEAS ambulance was used to take the man to hospital.

The company stresses it takes safety very seriously.

A statement on its website said: “We are proud of our safety record and have an extensive programme of training, coaching, information and supervision to ensure all activities are carried out safely and efficiently.

“The success and reputation of our business depends on ensuring the highest standards of safety as much as it does on quality.”