In order to raise awareness of the dangers of working on construction sites, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) are to launch an 'intensive inspection initiative' with the primary aim of stopping dangerous building practices.
Construction is one of the UK's most dangerous industries, with 53 deaths and 11,264 recorded injuries during 2008 and 2009. The HSE says it wants to raise awareness of the risks associated with working in construction in order to help prevent death and injury caused by bad construction practice.
Starting this week, the initiative will focus on roofing and refurbishment projects. Inspectors will make unannounced visits to ensure that working at height is properly managed and that all sites are in good order.
During the inspection initiative, HSE inspectors will be looking at whether:
- jobs that involve working at height have been identified and properly planned to ensure that appropriate precautions are in place;
- equipment is used properly, and is correctly installed/assembled, inspected and maintained;
- sites are well organised, to avoid trips and falls;
- walkways and stairs are free from obstructions; and
- work areas are clear of unnecessary materials and waste.
HSE Chief Inspector Philip White said "Each year too many construction workers are needlessly injured or killed while working on site. While some sectors of the industry have made real improvements in recent years, we are really concerned about standards in the refurbishment sector, particularly on small projects. HSE does not think a lax attitude to health and safety in one of the more dangerous industries is acceptable, especially when many of the incidents are completely avoidable by taking commonsense actions and precautions, if we find poor practice that is putting the lives of workers and, in some cases the public, at risk we will take action; this could include closing sites and prosecuting those responsible."
To view the HSE Initiative please click here
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The original publication date for this article was 04/03/2010.