FOLLOWING the successful prosecution for manslaughter after the deaths of 23 cockle pickers on Morecambe Bay, in February 2004, the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) is taking the opportunity to re-emphasise the importance of worker protection imposed by

FOLLOWING the successful prosecution for manslaughter after the deaths of 23 cockle pickers on Morecambe Bay, in February 2004, the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) is taking the opportunity to re-emphasise the importance of worker protection imposed by health and safety legislation.

HSC chairman Bill Callaghan said: "The successful prosecution can never compensate for the tragic loss of 23 lives. Nevertheless, the court's verdict highlights the need to ensure sensible health and safety arrangements are in place for all workers in Britain, whatever their nationality or migrant status.

"The HSE has already commissioned further work in order to get a clearer picture of where migrants are working and the sorts of jobs they do, as the next stage in finding out whether they are at greater risk of injury or ill-health than other workers. That report will be available later this year."

He added: "At Morecambe Bay, the risks to regular cocklers have been considerably reduced. While it remains a hazardous place, those who follow the guidelines should be able to work without serious risk.