Calls for safer working conditions on mobile work elevated platforms have been renewed after an accident last week on Westfield鈥檚 Stratford City site, next to the Olympic park, which left a worker in a critical condition

It is understood that the injured worker was operating a scissor lift at the time. Sources said the worker鈥檚 head and chest became trapped and crushed between the lift and an overhead beam. The Health and Safety Executive is now investigating.

The incident occurred ahead of a Strategic Forum plant safety group meeting this week, which was scheduled to discuss the progress of a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) and overhead crushing subgroup.

The group was formed in September following 13 fatal accidents involving MEWPs since 2003.

Kevin Minton, of the Construction Plant-hire Association, who chairs the subgroup, said the Westfield accident had left the group 鈥渧ery concerned鈥�.

He said the group would be discussing operator training and site supervision at the meeting, and was also looking at creating a MEWP supervisor position.

鈥淚t is early days, but we need to establish best practice guidance,鈥� Minton said. He added that the group needed more support from manufacturers. 鈥淭here is a big thirst for knowledge, and a strong demand for information from them,鈥� he said.