HSE Initiates Inspection Drive of Construction Sites
12 03 2010
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors all across
The construction industry is counted as one of the most dangerous in
Starting soon, the inspection process will be focusing on roof and renovation work. Inspectors will be conducting surprise visits at work sites to check whether the work carried out is being managed safely and properly.
Health and Safety Executive’s Chief Inspector of Construction, Philip White, said that every year there are a number of avoidable injuries and casualties that occur at construction sites. Despite some recent improvements in the last few years by some industry sectors, he said that there was growing concern about the safety standards of the refurbishing sector, especially when small projects are concerned.
HSE believes that where almost all accidents are totally avoidable if precautions are taken, a lackadaisical approach towards health and safety is acceptable in such a dangerous industry. He also added that if it was found upon inspection that workers’ as well as the public’s lives were being put at risk, then options of either closing the site down or prosecuting the responsible individuals would be exercised. Previous year inspections of 1,759 sites and more than 2000 contractors made the inspectors issue more almost 270 prohibition notices in order to stop risky work, most of them related to working at a height.
To ensure your organisation is aware of its health and safety obligations and remains compliant with the latest Construction (Design and Management) Regulations for major building, maintenance or refurbishment work; a CDM coordinator can give advice and assistance to organisations on their role and the measures they must take to comply with CDM Regulations.
Categories : Biz Stuff, Health Tips, Legal
