The individual was airlifted to hospital after a ‘serious construction incident’ at AWE Aldermaston on the 6th July, but sadly later passed away
Believed to be a 57-year-old worker for Balfour Beatty, a spokesperson for the company confirmed that a “serious incident” had occurred during a piling exercise at AWE Aldermaston.
“As a result of the incident, a colleague has tragically lost their life”, they continued, adding: “Our deepest sympathies are with our colleague’s family, friends and co-workers at this time.
They also confirmed that “works have since stopped as we support the authorities with their investigation. As these are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Previously jointed owned by Serco, Jacobs Engineering Group and Lockheed Martin, Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) designs, manufactures and maintains warheads for the UK nuclear weapons. The Ministry of Defence took over the company in 2021.
Balfour Beatty is working on a new building at the AWE Aldermaston site in Berkshire, which is set to include a separate “calibration building” and other infrastructure and ancillary buildings such as labs, offices, workshops and storage.
Thames Valley Police said the death was being treated as “unexplained”
In a statement, Thames Valley Police said: “Officers were called to AWE Aldermaston on Thursday evening (6/7) following reports of an industrial incident.
“A 57-year-old man was transported to hospital, where he sadly died. His next of kin have been informed and have been offered support. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
“At the moment the death is being treated as unexplained and an investigation is currently ongoing alongside the Office for Nuclear Regulation to understand the circumstances, in line with the national work-related deaths protocol.”
The incident at AWE Aldermaston poses no radiological risk to the public
An Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) spokesperson said: “We were informed about a serious construction incident at the Atomic Weapons Establishment Aldermaston site on 6 July, which has resulted in a construction worker fatality.
“Our thoughts are with the deceased’s family, friends and colleagues at this tragic time.
“We have staff on site and are working alongside other relevant authorities including Thames Valley Police who have initial primacy and are currently leading the investigations on site.
“As this is a live investigation, we will not be commenting further so as not to prejudice those inquiries.
“The incident did not involve any nuclear materials and there are no radiological consequences to the public.”
