HSE Construction Division inspection initiative February 2008

The Health & Safety Executive is to carry out targeted inspections at refurbishment sites - 12th February 2008

During February 2008 the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) Construction Division Inspectors are planning to carry out targeted refurbishment site inspections in the UK, looking at the issues of getting it right when working at height and keeping sites in good order.

In the summer of 2007 some 1,300 sites were visited, at some of the refurbishment sites basic safety precautions were so poor that they were often putting workers lives at risk. This prompted the latest safety checks to see if the safety standards are improving. If they are found to be unsatisfactory then enforcement measures will be taken.

The 2007 inspections revealed that falls at work are the biggest cause of fatalities in Britain’s workplaces. Around 30 percent of deaths in construction during 2006/07(p) were as a result of a fall from height. Over 4,000 other serious injuries are reported to the HSE from within the construction industry each year with over half being as a result of falls or trips at the workplace.

The falls and trips in construction inspection initiatives keep the HSE's inspection activities going following on from the 2005 'Fit Out' initiative and the 2006 'Watch Your Step' campaign.

Improving Health and Safety, thus reducing deaths and injuries in the workplace from trips and falls, is a priority for the HSE in aiding the construction industry with meeting its targets by 2010 for reducing accidents at work, and crucially helping to prevent the devastating results these accidents can have on workers and their families.

Many accidents in the workplace can be avoided by taking some simple steps: -

• Plan and organise work properly so eliminating any unnecessary risks

• Make sure people required to work at height are competent

• Ensure the correct equipment is used and in a safe condition
   

• Keep walkways on sites clear of any obstructions or materials likely to cause slips or falls

 

 

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