GKN worker tragedy: Health and safety is priority says Telford firm
The Telford company where a man died after being trapped in machinery says it holds health and safety as its number one priority.
GKN Wheels and Structures, based in Telford, has issued the statement following the death of one of its employees on Tuesday
Sali Morris, marketing and communications director at GKN, said: "At GKN Wheels and Structures, the health and safety of our employees and contractors is our number one priority at all times.
"A full investigation is currently under way and we are working alongside all relevant authorities to establish the full circumstances of this tragedy.
"We are providing full support to all those affected. Our thoughts are with our colleagues and the family and friends of those affected by this tragedy."
Tributes have poured in through social media, with one user writing: "Such sad news to hear my heart goes out to his family and friends xx."
Another posted: "This man is and was a good friend, all my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time."
Respects
And another writing: "Absolutely terrible news. My thoughts are with his family at this very heartbreaking time."
People have also paid their respects on the GKN Sankey Telford Memories Facebook page, home to more than 1,500 members.
The worker was injured when he became trapped in a large metal pressing machine used to make automotive parts at GKN Wheels and Structures in Hadley.
It happened while he was working a night shift at about 10pm.
Mr Westbrook was given advanced trauma care at the scene by paramedics, before being taken to the major trauma centre at The Royal Stoke University Hospital.
The company, which manufactures and engineers parts for the automotive, construction and agricultural industry, said a full investigation is currently underway.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service sent three crews to the incident, including the rescue tender and an operations officer from Wellington.
Fire crews were at the scene for just under an hour-and-a-half before he was freed from the machine.
West Midlands Ambulance Service and West Mercia Police also attended the incident.
