DEREK GRIGGS - PLATER

The Plater's Job Derek Griggs describes the job of a plater in the shipyard, and recalls a typical working day in the 1950s. Derek talks about the working conditions and the tremendous noise in the shipbuilding areas.

Health and Safety in the Early Days Derek Griggs remembers the lack of protective clothing in the 1950s shipyards, with no ear protection, goggles or hard hats. He recalls the dangers and the accidents including the day a puffing billy engine ran over two men.

Memories of the Yard Workers Derek Griggs describes his memories of the shipyard workers, the camaraderie and the sense of achievement on launch days. He remembers "a real good bunch of blokes and lots of characters".

Changes in the Yards Derek Griggs reveals how ships were once built like Meccano, and compares this with today's pre-fabricated methods. He compares the techniques, and concludes that modern methods are a vast improvement.

Accidents Derek Griggs recalls a number of horrendous shipbuilding accidents and how nine men were burnt to death on the HMS Glasgow. He talks about how the modern workplace is a much safer place but at the expense of the camaraderie.