WIREDGOV

Nearly one in four of the construction sites visited by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) during March failed safety checks.

Inspectors from HSE carried out checks at 2014 construction sites across Great Britain as part of an intensive inspection campaign aimed at reducing death and injury in one of Britain's most dangerous industries.

During unannounced visits, inspectors focused on refurbishment and roofing work to ensure that any work at height was being done safely and that the sites were in good order. 2414 contractors were inspected during the campaign.

A total of 691 enforcement notices were issued at 470 sites, with inspectors giving orders for work to be stopped immediately in 359 instances for either unsafe work being carried out at height or where sites lacked 'good order'.
The majority of all notices issued related to unsafe work being carried out at height.

Philip White, HSE's Chief Inspector for Construction, said:

"While it is encouraging that many small construction firms have got their act together and are giving health and safety the priority it needs, the fact that our inspectors needed to take enforcement action on almost a quarter of sites, and on a similar proportion of contractors, is a matter of serious concern.

"There are still a small number of employers or contractors who continue to put their own and other people's health and safety at risk. This is unacceptable. I want to make it clear to these operators that we will not hesitate to take action where standards of health and safety are endangering workers lives and livelihoods."

During 2008/09 there were 53 deaths in construction and 11 264 injuries. Last year, inspectors visited 1759 sites, 2145 contractors and issued 491 enforcement notices during a similar month-long initiative.

More information on construction safety is available at www.hse.gov.uk/construction¹.

Notes to Editors:

1. Please call to arrange an interview with Philip White, HSE's Chief Inspector for Construction
2. Inspectors can issue -
   1. A prohibition notice is served where there is immediate danger and the work must stop immediately, while the issue is resolved.
   2. An improvement notice that sets a timeframe for a particular situation to be resolved, but work can continue.
   HSE enforcement policy is available http://www.hse.gov.uk/enforce/index.htm²
3. During the inspection initiative, HSE inspectors looked at whether:
   • Jobs that involve working at height have been identified and properly planned to ensure that appropriate precautions are in place;
   • Equipment is correctly installed / assembled, inspected and maintained and used properly;
   • 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.
4. Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of fatalities and major injuries in the construction sector in Great Britain, with more than five incidents recorded every day.
5. Simple mistakes shatter lives. Information on how to avoid slips, trips and falls from height in the construction industry is available at www.hse.gov.uk/shatteredlives/industry-construction.htm³.
6. Further information on the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2007 www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm.htm⁴.
7. Further information on falls and trips in the construction industry www.hse.gov.uk/construction/tripsandfalls/index.htm⁵.

Press enquiries

Liz Carridge, Tel: 0151 951 4684

Public Enquiries

HSE InfoLine,
Caerphilly Business Park,
Caerphilly
CF83 3GG
Tel: 0845 345 0055
http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/index⁶