Welcome to the latest edition of Construction infonet.
Construction infonet is a free eBulletin from the Health and Safety Executive to provide a regular update on health and safety issues for all in the construction industry.
In the last edition we told you that HSE Construction Inspectors would be carrying out inspections, targeting refurbishment sites, during February 2008 looking specifically at work at height and good order issues on site. Inspectors planned and made over 1000 unannounced site visits across the country. Geoffrey Podger, HSE's Chief Executive said “over one in three construction sites visited put the lives of workers at risk and operated so far below the acceptable standard that our inspectors served 395 enforcement notices and stopped work on 30% of the sites.”
Read the HSE News Release in full:
Have a look at some of the conditions found on site by our inspectors:
HSE is running a new industry wide campaign on slips, trips and falls in the workplace. The aim is to raise awareness of the risks and help those involved to take simple action that will prevent slips trips and falls. The campaign features the real life stories of accidents to a construction worker and a building and plant maintenance worker
There is still time for your organisation to get involved and there will be further activity over the next few months as the campaign gathers momentum.
For more information please email: rachel.dye@hse.gsi.gov.uk
Look and listen out for:
Read details of some recent HSE prosecutions in the construction sector and find sources of relevant advice.
HSE is working with key stakeholders (Trades Unions, Trade Associations, Suppliers etc) to raise awareness amongst tradesmen that they are at risk from exposure to asbestos. A campaign is currently being rolled out to target building maintenance and repair workers (e.g. electricians, plumbers and carpenters and joiners).
HSE is running two events (starting times are 9am and 1pm) for those who would like to know more about occupational health risks and how to manage these risks including asbestos and dust, dermatitis, manual handling, hand arm vibration and noise.
Please note that places are limited - if you are interested in attending please contact andrew.lambert@hse.gsi.gov.uk
Call 0845 300 9923 or visit: http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/index.htm
We issue eBulletins on a regular basis and would welcome your feedback and views as well as any suggestions/contributions for future articles.
Thank you to those who provided feedback on the previous editions - we have tried to incorporate as many of the suggestions as possible. You can contact us at: construction-manager@bulletins.hse.gov.uk
