Balfour Beatty worker dies after ‘serious incident’ on site

Works have stopped on a Balfour Beatty construction site following a worker fatality. 

Balfour said it is helping with an investigation into the death of one of its construction workers at its Aldermaston Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) site, in Berkshire, on Thursday 6 July. 

The individual, a male, aged 57, was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge but later died.   

Balfour expressed its “deepest sympathies” to the family, friends and co-workers of the individual.  

AWE is a Ministry of Defence (MoD) research facility responsible for the design, manufacture and maintenance of warheads for the UK’s nuclear weapons programme, Trident. 

However, the “serious incident” did not involve any nuclear installations or any nuclear materials and there is no risk to the public, the AWE confirmed. 

The news follows a recent report by the Health & Safety Executive showing construction has among the highest number of workplace fatalities of any sector.

An AWE spokesperson said: “On the evening of 6 July, there was an incident on a construction area within the AWE site at Aldermaston involving Balfour Beatty employees, one of whom was airlifted to hospital. It has now been confirmed that this person has tragically passed away. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, loved ones and colleagues.  

“The event did not involve any of our nuclear installations or any nuclear materials. There is no risk to the public. 

“We are supporting our employees impacted by the events and have stood up an incident team who will work with Balfour Beatty, the Office for Nuclear Regulation and Thames Valley Police to support the investigation that will now take place. As this is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time. 

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the emergency services for their response and care.” 

A spokesperson for Balfour Beatty said: “A serious incident occurred on our AWE Aldermaston site on 6 July 2023. As a result of the incident, a colleague has tragically lost their life. 

“Our deepest sympathies are with our colleague’s family, friends and co-workers at this time. 

“Works have since stopped as we support the authorities with their investigation. As these are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further.” 

South Central Ambulance Service and Thames Valley Police were also approached for further details.