HSE clampdown on unsafe construction sites in the East of England

Date:

14 February 2011

Release No:

HSE-e-07-11

Over the next four weeks, construction sites across the East of England will be visited as part of an intensive inspection initiative aimed at reducing death and injury in one of Britain's most dangerous industries.

Between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2010, two men died in incidents involving construction work in the region and there were 749 serious injuries. County by county breakdown of these injuries is detailed below.

Most serious or fatal incidents in construction occur during refurbishment, repair and maintenance activities. These areas will be the main focus of the latest inspections by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

During these unannounced visits - starting on 14 February 2011 - inspectors will check that projects are managing work at height safely, that sites are in good order, and that risk of exposure to asbestos is being properly managed.

In last year's campaign in the East of England, inspectors visited 158 sites and issued 20 enforcement notices requiring contractors to either change the way they were working or immediately stop dangerous work - much of it relating to working from height.

Norman Macritchie, a Principal Inspector for HSE in the East of England, said:

"We expect to find examples of both good and bad practice - projects where employers are taking all the measures they reasonably can to protect their workers, and others where safety is way down the priority list.

"A lax attitude to health and safety in one of the more dangerous industries is not acceptable, especially when so many incidents are completely avoidable by taking commonsense actions and precautions. As always, we will not hesitate to take action if we find poor practice that is putting lives at risk.

"Workers, such as electricians, plumbers and joiners commonly involved in refurbishing older buildings, are especially at risk from lung disease arising from exposure to airborne asbestos fibres. This year, to help ensure that risks are properly managed, we will check that, where appropriate, asbestos surveys have been carried out prior to any refurbishment work. Many workers believe that, because asbestos has been banned as a building material, it's no longer a threat to them. But that simply isn't true. Any premises built or refurbished before 2000 could contain asbestos"

Source: HSE, RIDDOR

Notes to editors

1. During the inspection initiative, HSE inspectors will be looking at whether:
   • Jobs that involve working at height have been identified and properly planned to ensure that appropriate precautions are in place
   • Equipment is correctly installed / assembled, inspected and maintained and used properly
   • Sites are well organised, to avoid trips and falls
   • Walkways and stairs are free from obstructions
   • Work areas are clear of unnecessary materials and waste
2. Falls from height remains one of the most common causes of fatalities and major injuries in the construction sector in Great Britain, with more than five incidents recorded every day.
3. Further information on the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm.htm
4. Further information on falls and trips in the construction industry http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/campaigns/fallstrips/index.htm
5. Further information on asbestos can be found http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/index.htm

Press enquiries

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Issued on behalf of the Health & Safety Executive by COI News & PR East