Safety watchdog declares one in four construction sites unsafe in Newcastle

Date:

7 March 2011

Release No:

NE/xx/11

Nearly one in four construction sites in Newcastle were so dangerous that workers lives were being put at risk according to inspectors who visited them during February.

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 37 sites. Nine of these 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.

Several of the sites visited received enforcement notices either stopping work activities immediately or requiring improvements to be made. In total, inspectors issued eight prohibition and six improvement notices, with seven of the notices relating to unsafe work being carried out at height.

The latest figures show that, during 2009/10, there were more than 70 injuries during construction work in Newcastle. Nationally nearly three quarters of all fatalities occurred during refurbishment, repair and maintenance activities.

Rob Hirst, 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 nine in 37 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, inspectors visited 39 sites in the North East. A total of 17 enforcement notices were issued, with many relating to working at height.
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
   • 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. Further information on the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2007 http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm.htm
5. Further information on falls and trips in the construction industry http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/campaigns/fallstrips/index.htm
6. Further information on asbestos can be found http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/index.htm

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