A waste collection operative who was seriously injured in an incident involving a refuse collection lorry in Ryde last month, which resulted in his leg being amputated, has sadly died in hospital.
Emergency services were called to Spencer Road on 29th July following reports of an industrial incident, as first reported by Island Echo.
The Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance rushed to the scene alongside paramedics and Police, and the worker was later flown directly to the Major Trauma Centre at Southampton General Hospital with serious injuries.
Despite the best efforts of medics over the past fortnight, the man died in hospital yesterday (Sunday).
The Isle of Wight Council has confirmed that it is working ‘openly and transparently’ with the Health and Safety Executive as investigations into the fatal incident continue.
However, when asked whether a staff member had been suspended in relation to the investigation, a spokesperson said: ‘‘the Isle of Wight Council cannot comment directly on individual staff matters.”.
A spokesperson for the local authority has this morning said in a statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our valued waste collection team members. On behalf of the Isle of Wight Council, we extend our heartfelt sympathy and sincere thoughts to their family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.
“This is a profound loss for our community, family and friends and for all those who worked alongside them. We recognise the vital role our waste collection staff and all waste workers play in serving the Island, and we honour their dedication and service.
“At this time, we are working openly and transparently with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as they carry out their investigation. While it is important to allow this process to take its course, we want to assure everyone that we are fully committed to supporting the investigation.
“Our thoughts remain with the family and all those affected by this tragedy.”
A spokesperson for the waste company Thalia has said:
“Following an incident in the Ryde area on Tuesday 29 July, a member of our Waste Collections Team sustained serious injuries and was subsequently admitted to hospital for assessment. We are deeply saddened to announce that on Sunday 10 August, our colleague passed away.
“Our deepest condolences are with their family, friends and colleagues, and we ask that their privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.
“We are continuing to assist all relevant authorities in relation to the incident, which is currently under investigation.”
The Health and Safety Executive says it is liaising with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary under the Work-related Death Protocol.
What a cold response from Thalia, they should be ashamed this is the second major accident in 18months. this time they’ve killed someone the owners should be fired
Yes they should to much put on all the men on the island
Until all the facts are known people should not make assumptions, someone died and the family must be going through unimaginable pain right now! RIP such a sad outcome
We are forced to work in unsafe conditions, complain constantly, and no one listens. We receive no training, and we don’t have the right safety gear. The vans always have problems, and support from managers is never available. Someone was going to get badly hurt – rest in peace, mate.
Please pass on if you can thoughts and thanks to the workers family.
So sorry for your loss. I know it won’t bring your colleague and friend back, but I hope the health and safety department make it so this never happens again.
“However, when asked whether a staff member had been suspended in relation to the investigation”
Why would you ask that, that suggests one individual is to blame ? Without knowing the facts you cannot apportion blame. It sounds like a tragic accident in which someone has died. Let’s have respect for the man who lost his life and his colleagues who witnessed it.
why island roads, what have they done?
As an ex-employee of Thalia, I saw the disrespect shown. Safety gear is appalling, training nonexistent, and working conditions are unsafe. Management continually pushes for more without considering the risks; instead, they listen to the top, who have never worked a day with us.
Thalia’s CEO says safety is a priority, but then ignores us. When complaints were raised to the HR Director, HR failed to support us. There is no one protecting the team. The inevitable has happened twice, when will they learn?
Those at the very top never learn. Usually they are secretive and will always cover their backsides at the expense of the “real workers”
Sadly, this lack of protection is a result of the emasculation of trade unions in earlier years and of privatisation. Obviously, we must not speculate while the investigation is ongoing but if Thalia are found to be at fault, I hope that corporate manslaughter charges are considered.
Really shocked and saddened to hear this most dreadful news.
Very sad news, no one goes to work and doesn’t expect to
not come home.
My thoughts are with the family at these difficult times.
What has it ro do with Island Roads. Thalia are contracted by the County Council to undertake refuse disposal, Islands Roads have a contract for looking after roads and related matters. Why would one contractor be responsible for another?
How sad.