Safety watchdog declares third of High Peak construction sites unsafe

Date:

16 March 2011

Release No:

HSE/NW/05ResultsHighPeak

Nearly a third of the construction sites visited in High Peak last week were found to be so dangerous that workers' lives were being put at risk.

Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) visited 56 sites in the borough on 8 and 9 March, as part of an initiative aimed at reducing deaths and injuries in one of Britain's most dangerous industries.

A total of 17 sites were found to be so far below the required standards that inspectors had to issue formal enforcement notices.

A site inspected in New Mills

The four-week initiative, which was launched on 14 February, saw inspectors across Great Britain target refurbishment projects − the worst performing sector of the construction industry.

Several of the sites visited received more than one enforcement notice either stopping work activities immediately, or requiring improvements to be made within a set time period.

In total, inspectors issued 23 prohibition and 11 improvement notices in High Peak, with the vast majority relating to unsafe work being carried out at height.

The latest figures show that, on average, a construction worker is injured in High Peak every three weeks. Across the East Midlands, four workers were killed and there were 645 injuries during 2009/10.

Nationally, nearly three quarters of all deaths occurred during refurbishment, repair and maintenance activities.

Nic Rigby, HSE Principal Inspector for Construction, said:

"We saw a total of 68 different contractors in High Peak and it's disappointing that so many of them are ignoring their health and safety responsibilities - especially after we publicised the fact we would be visiting the area.

"It's particularly concerning that so many of the enforcement notices we issued related to unsafe work being carried out at height. This is the number one cause of deaths in the construction industry.

"HSE will not hesitate to use its powers to stop work that isn't being carried out safely, and we expect to see a significant improvement in standards over the next few months."

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

Notes to editors

1. There were six injuries to construction workers in High Peak reported in 2009/10, 16 in 2008/9, 17 in 2007/8, 30 in 2006/7 and 16 in 2005/6.
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. 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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