Jaguar Land Rover’s major union at its UK plant of Halewood has lauded the automaker’s safety record and says it will work closely with the manufacturer as it investigates the fatal accident this week of one of its employees.
Graham Begley died from asphyxiation after suffering severe injuries to his chest and abdomen at JLR’s North West England plant, but the union has praised the manufacturer’s meticulous attention to safety procedures.
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“We have a positive working relationship with JLR, we are working together,” a Unite spokeswoman told just-auto. “Usually, deaths occur in industries like construction and agriculture – it is a rare occurrence in auto – that is why it is particularly shocking.”
Unite is the largest union at the Halewood plant that builds the Freelander and Evoque models, following the merger of UK labour bodies T&G and Amicus.
“Graham Begley’s death is a terrible tragedy and our sympathy goes to the wife and children,” said Unite national officer, Roger Maddison. “We have been assured by the company there will be a full investigation by both the police and HSE. The car industry is exceptionally health and safety conscious and Jaguar Land Rover in particular.
“We cannot comment any further at this stage. But we will ensure any lessons to be learnt from this tragedy will be acted upon and shared across the whole industry.”
JLR told just-auto yesterday (27 September) it was saddened to confirm news of its employee’s death and that it would be “supporting the family at this very difficult time”
