Probe launched into worker's death (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Probe launched into worker's death

7:52pm Monday 12th March 2007 in Search By Mel Fairhurst

An investigation has been launched after a 23-year-old construction worker died following an accident on a Bradford Council building site.

Steven Allen died in hospital yesterday after sustaining serious head injuries. He had been working on creating a new waste recycling centre off Midland Road, Manningham.

The accident, believed to have involved lifting machinery, occurred at around 3pm on Friday. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is investigating.

Steven, of Highfield Road, Keighley, had been working for Skipton-based building and engineering company, J N Bentley, which he had joined as a 16-year-old apprentice.

Mr Allen's parents, Judith, 42, and Selwyn, 52, had the devastating ordeal of having to make the decision to switch Steven's life-support machine off at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

His family agreed to donate Steven's organs and his heart has already saved the life of a 12-year-old girl.

Mrs Allen said: "We had talked about organ donation and when we realised there was no recovery for him, it seemed like the right thing to do.

"Steven was a big strapping lad, 6ft tall, a hunk and a gentleman. He had no children, it is some comfort he is helping others."

Mrs Allen added: "It was just a tragic accident, you don't expect your son to go to work and not come back. He was a very popular lad, who enjoyed fishing with his brother."

Steven loved football and he and his brother, Mark, were due to take part in a Mother's Day match on Sunday for the Cavendish Hotel team in Keighley.

Steven had two brothers, Mark, 19, Tom, 14, and a sister, Kate, 15.

And he leaves his "soul-mate", Helen Cook, 21, of Bingley - his girlfriend of two-and-a-half-years.

J N Bentley director Jonathan Cain said the company was co-operating fully with the HSE. He added: "The company places the highest importance on workforce safety and training and is deeply shocked and saddened by this tragedy.

"Steven was a valuable member of our team and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with Steven's family and friends at this tragic time."

Ian Bairstow, Bradford Council's head of service, waste and street scene - the clients for the development - said: "We are co-operating fully with the investigation being carried out by the HSE and J N Bentley and the Council would like to offer its condolences to the family at this very sad time."

An inquest will be carried out into Steven's death.

His funeral will take place at Our Lady of Victories Church, Keighley, on Friday, March 23. Family flowers only, donations should be made to Bradford Royal Infirmary's intensive care unit.