Protest set for King’s Cross site where worker died

A protest is set to be held on Thursday outside a King’s Cross building site where a man died.

The demonstration, organised by the Construction Safety Campaign (CSC), will be staged outside the new Francis Crick institute building, next to St Pancras Station, after a worked suffered fatal injuries on Wednesday.

As part of the protest a minutes silence will be held for the victim, who has been named as Richard Laco.

Pete Farrel, chairman of CSC, said: “There has been a general increase in attacks on health and safety by the Government, including making it much harder for workers to take things to tribunal.

“Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Richard Laco. And we intend to hold a respectful event as an opportunity for friends and workers on the site to show a moments respect for this tragic death. Too many workers die on building sites.

“We need to make sure no other families have to suffer the heartache of losing a loved one.”

A spokesman for Laing O’Rourke, lead contractor on the site, said: “We are cooperating fully with the police and health and safety executive (HSE).

“The thoughts of Laing O’Rourke and the entire Francis Crick Institute project team are with the family and colleagues of the deceased at this time.

“While investigations are continuing, it would be inappropriate to comment further or speculate as to the cause.”