College union to look into teacher’s death
THE death of a beloved teacher who contracted Covid is being looked into amid claims of ‘poor’ infection control in her workplace.
Award-winning Donna Coleman, who worked in Accrington from 2001 until joining Burnley College in 2015, passed away on January 6 at the age of just 42 after coronavirus made her seriously ill.
Following her death, which sent ripples of grief through the community, her family called for vaccination for teachers working on the front line during the pandemic.
But now questions have been raised over infection control at Burnley College, with the University and College Union launching an investigation into the circumstances which led to her death.
The Health and Safety Executive has also confirmed that it is working with the college on its Covid safety measures and that ‘further enquiries’ are underway.
It is not yet known whether there have been any outbreaks at the college, or if Donna, a former North Lancs Training Group Employee of the Year, contracted the illness while she was carrying out her day to day role, working with vulnerable students.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: ‘We are all angry and devastated about the loss of Donna. Her passing will be deeply felt by her family, her students and her wider community.
“Too many workers, including those in post-16 education, have lost their lives to Covid. These deaths are not inevitable. UCU will continue to fight to keep our members safe, and for employers and the government to protect their health and safety.’
The union claims it has involved the Health and Safety Executive, the regulatory body which deals with employee safety in the workplace.
The HSE has the power to prosecute firms for health and safety failings which lead to the injury or death of a member of staff.
UCU regional official Martyn Moss said: ‘Donna’s death is an appalling tragedy and we are supporting her family at this difficult time.
“UCU is investigating the circumstances that led to Donna’s death, including whether she contracted Covid through her work at Burnley College.
“Unfortunately, the college is refusing to disclose whether it knows if it has had any Covid outbreaks. Prior to Donna’s death we had rejected the college’s risk assessments because of their poor Covid controls.
“We have also raised our health and safety concerns with the college and with the Health and Safety Executive, the government body that polices workplace safety.”
Burnley College was contacted for comment but did not reply.
A HSE spokesperson:
“We have been working with the college regarding the COVID measures on campus and safety with regard to events such as open evenings. We will now be liaising further with the college in relation to this fatality and will