In recent developments surrounding the construction of Everton Football Club's new £555 million Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, Laing O'Rourke has addressed concerns raised by the Unite union regarding the supervision of electricians on site. The union had expressed apprehensions about the potential for "catastrophic damage" due to unqualified electricians working unsupervised. These concerns were sparked by contracts for electricians' mates, suggesting that these junior workers might operate without the usual oversight required for their level of qualification.
Unite's national officer for construction, Jason Poulter, highlighted the risk of substandard electrical installations, which could lead to significant safety hazards, including defective emergency alarm systems and the potential danger to life. According to Poulter, the issue stems from the absence of necessary qualifications among workers purportedly operating without adequate supervision. The union's statement pointed to the presence of around 50 such workers currently engaged on the stadium site, raising alarms over the integrity of the project's electrical work.
Responding to these allegations, Laing O'Rourke firmly refuted the claim that unqualified personnel were working unsupervised. A spokesperson for the contractor reassured the public and stakeholders that the project team at Everton Stadium is making commendable progress, with more than 200 electrical operatives diligently working on site. The company emphasized its commitment to adhering to all relevant regulations, ensuring that every task is supervised by qualified professionals. Laing O'Rourke expressed confidence in meeting its scheduled completion date, with plans to hand over the stadium to the club by the end of the year, followed by a series of test events leading up to the full opening in August 2025.
Laing O'Rourke's tenure at the stadium site began in July 2021, with the ambitious project set to culminate in the unveiling of a 52,888-capacity ground. This new stadium will serve as a modern replacement for Everton's current home at Goodison Park, which holds 39,572 fans. The completion of the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium is eagerly anticipated by fans and stakeholders alike, promising to be a landmark achievement in the club's storied history.
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