THE family of a steel worker who died following a tragic accident at work is looking for answers.

Three weeks ago, Bob Powlay, 54, of Coatham Road, Redcar, was crushed by a 20ft by 10ft steel plate at the Corus plant at Portrack, Stockton.

Mr Powlay died in Middlesbrough General Hospital on Monday, leaving a wife Margaret, 57, and children Jenny, 26, and Chris, 23.

Mr Powlay, who was the plant's health and safety officer, worked at Smiths Dock for 25 years and had worked at British Steel, now Corus, for 16 years.

Corus and Health and Safety Executive officials have launched an investigation into the incident. A coroner's inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday.

Mrs Powlay said: "We just feel that things should be moving. We just want them to let us know what happened and take us through the investigation.

"I want the investigation finished so that we can start to get on with our lives. I would hate anybody to feel like I do at the moment and go through this trauma."

Daughter Jenny stressed the family was not looking to apportion blame; they simply wanted to know what happened.

"It would be unfair to blame anyone, and we are not looking to do that. Accidents, by their definition, happen."

A spokesman from Corus said: "Corus greatly regrets the death in hospital, on November 6, of Mr Powlay following an accident at Stockton on October 17. The company investigations into the cause of the accident have been extensive and are continuing.

"Colleagues at Stockton have had contact with the family since the accident occurred."