Safety watchdog declares 10 construction sites unsafe in Lincoln

Date:

18 March 2011

Release No:

HSE/164/11

Standards were so dangerous that workers' lives were being put at risk at 10 construction sites in Lincoln, according to inspectors who visited earlier this month.

In an initiative aimed at reducing deaths and injuries in one of Britain's most dangerous industries, inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive visited 45 sites, 10 of which were found to be so far below required standards that inspectors had to issue formal enforcement notices. They were targeting refurbishment projects − the worst performing sector of the construction industry.

Twelve prohibition notices were issued across the 10 sites which stopped work immediately. The majority of them related to unsafe work being carried out at height or failure to have an asbestos survey.

Latest figures show that during 2009/10 one worker died while working in construction in Lincolnshire and there were more than 110 injuries. Nationally, nearly three quarters of all fatalities occurred during refurbishment, repair and maintenance activities.

Richard Lockwood, Principal Inspector for Construction, said:

"This was the fifth year of the inspection initiative and it is disappointing to find construction sites taking the same unnecessary risks with their workers' lives.

"Although there were examples of good practice, which the industry can learn from, the fact that we found unsafe conditions on almost a quarter of sites is unacceptable. Companies have a responsibility to protect their workers, to help rid construction of its reputation as being one of Britain's most dangerous industries."

More information on construction safety is available at www.hse.gov.uk/construction.

Notes to editors

1. During a similar initiative last year, just over a third of the 17 sites inspectors visited in Lincolnshire failed safety inspections. A total of six notices were issued, either seeking improvements or stopping work activities immediately.
2. During the inspection initiative, HSE inspectors looked 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; and
   • Work areas are clear of unnecessary materials and waste.
3. Falls from height remain 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.
4. Inspectors can issue:
   1. A prohibition notice is served where there is immediate danger and the work must stop immediately, while the issue is resolved.
   2. An improvement notice that sets a timeframe for a particular situation to be resolved, but work can continue.
5. Further information on the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2007 http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm.htm
6. Further information on falls and trips in the construction industry http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/campaigns/fallstrips/index.htm
7. Further information on asbestos can be found http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/index.htm

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