New Laws Mean More Deaths: Widow

The widow of a man killed while working on the Cross City Tunnel has warned new construction industry laws will lead to more deaths.

Marlene Shores, whose husband Ronnie was killed by a falling boulder last year, says the laws will intimidate workers from speaking up about safety.

"My husband died when shortcuts were taken in the rush to complete the job, and no one was brave enough to speak out," Shores said.

"But these laws will make matters worse. This new law will be used to fine workers $22,000 for having a meeting about safety, refusing to work in unsafe areas, or stopping to morn a killed mate."

The Howard Government's Building and Construction Industry Improvement Bill introduced to Parliament this week places severe limitations on the ability of workers to meet and clamps down on the right of unions to enter worksites.

"When my husband was tragically killed it was the building unions and my husband's union workmates that helped me and my family," Shores said

"What the building industry needs is strong trade unions to protect workers rights and safety, not Government laws that bully and threaten workers with massive fines if they question their employer about safety concerns on the site."

Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in Australia, with one building worker killed every week on the job.

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Last modified: Tuesday, 15-Nov-2005 20:37:35 EST