Falls and trips in construction

Targeted inspection initiatives

As part of its planned programme of work HSE Construction Division targets sectors within the construction industry where accident rates are high. Over three separate periods in summer 2007, February 2008 and March 2009 our Inspectors  have carried out over 4 000 inspections nationally targeting refurbishment sites.

We were particularly looking at the risks associated with falls from height and good order on site, checking to see if you were:

• Getting it right when working at height.
• Keeping your site in good order.

In March 2009 our Inspectors also looked at whether the risks associated with asbestos removal were managed correctly and in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006.

During the inspection periods basic safety precautions on many of the refurbishment sites we inspected were found to be very poor, quite often placing the lives of workers at risk.  Where we found unacceptable safety standards, we did not hesitate to take enforcement action.

What did we find during our inspections initiatives?

• Results of the March 2009 initiative
• Results of the February 2008 initiative
• Results of the Summer 2007 initiative

Reducing falls and trips is a priority

Falls continue to be the biggest cause of fatal injury in Britain’s workplaces, with 34 of the 72 worker deaths in construction in 2007/08(p) resulting from a fall from height.  On top of this, over 4,000 major injuries such as broken bones or fractured skulls are reported to HSE each year by the construction industry.  Over half of these serious injuries involve falls from height or from tripping over materials on walkways and are easily preventable.

The inspection initiatives in construction continued HSE's enforcement led inspection activity and follow on from the Fit Out Campaign in 2005 and theWatch Your Step initiative in 2006.  Reducing the number of injuries and deaths from falls and trips is a priority for HSE to help the construction industry meet its accident target by 2010, and more importantly to help prevent the devastating effect these kinds of accidents have on the lives of workers and their families.

Sensible Approach

The number of accidents can be reduced by taking a sensible approach:

• Plan and organise work properly.
• Make sure that people involved in work at height are competent.
• Select and use the right equipment.
• Keep walkways on site clear of obstructions.

• Real examples of good and bad practice

Shattered Lives campaign

HSE launched its Shattered Lives campaign in Spring 2008 continuing it through 2009 to help reduce 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.  Building and plant maintenance and the construction industry feature heavily in the campaign.

Asbestos - The Hidden Killer campaign

HSE launched its Asbestos Hidden Killer campaign in 2008. The aim is to raise awareness amongst tradesmen that they are risk to exposure to asbestos.