HSE to crack down on construction site safety

On 18 February 2013 the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a national campaign targeted at reducing death, injury and ill health on Britain’s construction sites. Statistics indicate that 49 workers were killed and 2,884 major injuries were reported during 2011/2012. Philip White, HSE Chief Inspector of Construction, commented that “death and injury continue to result from avoidable incidents” and that “strong action” would be taken if evidence is found that workers are unnecessarily being put at risk.

A month-long initiative to improve safety standards (taking place between 18 February and 15 March this year) will see the HSE making unannounced visits to construction sites, primarily those where refurbishment or repair works are undertaken. These sites have been specifically identified as regularly failing to meet necessary standards. As well as striving to raise standards, the initiative is intended to emphasise that poor standards in the construction industry are unacceptable and could result in enforcement action being taken.

The HSE has already announced that inspections are to take place in 15 regions across Britain. During which inspectors will be ensuring that high-risk activities are correctly managed, for example working at height. In addition, they will be checking for general good order on site, assessing welfare facilities and confirming whether suitable equipment such as protective head-gear is being properly used.

This project follows a recent fine imposed on a construction company for operating a dangerous site. The company was also ordered to pay £5,195.70 in costs. On 12 February 2013 Newcastle Magistrates’ Court upheld the construction company’s guilty plea in respect of five offences under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. A number of failings were identified, including serious risk of falls from height which could have caused major injury or even a fatality, as well as a lack of suitable and sufficient welfare amenities on site. There had also been a general failure to keep the site in good order. Prior to the hearing, the HSE had visited the site (following receipt of a number of complaints) and had served a number of Improvement Notices on the company requiring remedial action to be taken.

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