New summer safety warning to children in Scotland about construction sites dangers

HSE/SCO/129/2009 01 July 2009

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a new warning urging parents in Scotland to keep their children away from construction sites so they stay safe.

Dozens of children are seriously injured on construction sites every year, and HSE is concerned that there may be an increased danger this year with more sites being mothballed during the economic downturn.

Companies are being reminded that, even if no work is taking place, regular checks should be carried out to make sure people are not able to get onto sites and they are in a safe condition.

John Blackburn, HM Principal Inspector of Construction, said:

"We want children to enjoy playing outside during the summer holidays but it's vital they stay safe. Construction sites often appeal to young people as they look like giant adventure playgrounds, but they can be extremely dangerous.

"The recession has led to some sites shutting down in Scotland, which means there aren't workers on duty to make sure children stay away. There should be good security fencing around construction sites, but children can often find their way onto them if they try hard enough.

"Scaffolding, excavations, fragile surfaces, electricity cables and stacked up building materials are all potential dangers on building sites. We're asking companies to ensure building sites are properly secured to make it harder for members of the public to get onto them.

"If sites are being shut down, construction workers should remove anything that might make it easier for children to explore the site, like ladders and even scaffolding. They should also regularly revisit sites to check the fencing is still secure.

"I hope parents will remind their children of the risks of construction sites and encourage them to stay away during the holidays. If anyone does have any concerns about a site's security, they should contact us as soon as possible."

The construction sector is one of the most dangerous industries in the UK, with 11deaths and 1,597 serious injuries in Scotland in 2007/8. In the past two years, there have been nearly 60 serious injuries to children on UK construction sites, including one death.

HSE is advising construction managers to stop work immediately if they see children trying to get onto a site. They should also make sure equipment and materials are locked away safely at the end of each day.

Notes to editors

1. In 2006/7, 30 children aged 15 and under were seriously injured in the construction sector, and one died. In 2007/8, 28 children were seriously injured.

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Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by COI News and PR Scotland.