HSE clampdown to reduce death and injury on County Durham construction sites

Date:

17 February 2012

Release No:

NE/021/12

Construction sites in County Durham are being put under the safety spotlight as part of an intensive inspection initiative aimed at reducing death, injury and ill health.

Between 20 February and 16 March, inspectors from the Health & Safety Executive will be visiting sites across the county where refurbishment or repair works are being carried out. This is part of a Great Britain wide month-long drive to improve standards in one of Britain's most dangerous industries.

Their primary aim will be to target high-risk activity such as working at height and also "good order" such as ensuring sites are clean and tidy, with clear access routes.

The purpose of the initiative is to remind those working in construction that poor standards are unacceptable and could result in enforcement action.

During 2010/11, one worker was killed and more than 27 serious injuries were reported in County Durham. There were two deaths and 132 serious injuries across the North East as a whole.

Rob Hirst, HSE's Principal Inspector for Construction in the North East, said:

"The refurbishment sector continues to be the most risky for construction workers, all too often straightforward practical precautions are not considered and workers are put at risk. In many cases simple changes to working practices can make all the difference.

"Poor management of risks in this industry is unacceptable. As we have demonstrated in the past, we will take strong action if we find evidence that workers are being unnecessarily put at risk."

In recent months HSE has prosecuted several construction companies following incidents in which workers were injured, including:

• A North Yorkshire firm and a company boss who were fined a total of £4,500 with costs of £1,150 after a worker suffered a smashed left heel and broken right ankle after falling four and a half metres while working on the construction of a new farm building at a farm near Billingham.
• A Tyneside firm was fined £1,500 with £1,500 costs after a worker, from Gateshead, suffered several crushed vertebrae and a fractured left foot when he fell around four metres from unsafe scaffolding at a site in Murton, County Durham. The worker had to have steed rods inserted into his spine and is unlikely to ever be able to return to construction work.

Further information about safe-working in construction can be found online at www.hse.gov.uk/construction

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

Press enquiries

Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office.

Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by COI News & PR (North East)