Dozens of Scotland sites inspected as working at height put under safety spotlight to prevent death and injury in the construction industry

Date:

12 October 2012

Release No:

NE/012/12

15 Prohibition Notices served

Dozens of construction sites across Scotland have been put under the spotlight as part of an intensive inspection regime by the Health and Safety Executive.

A total of 78 sites were inspected across Scotland during the first three weeks of September and while the majority were found to be managing health and safety appropriately, work was stopped immediately on several sites. In all 15 Prohibition Notices were served because the proper precautions were not in place for working at height.

The targeted campaign was in response to the continued loss of life and serious injury arising from falls from height. In the 12 months to April 2012, 49 workers lost their lives on construction sites in the UK, with falls from height being the most common cause of fatal injuries.

Jeanette Reuben, HSE's Head of Unit (Construction) for Scotland, Yorkshire and the North East, said:

"Whilst the initiative was primarily to raise awareness of the problem of unsafe working practices, it is of serious concern that such a significant proportion of sites visited were undertaking work at height in a dangerous manner.

"Straightforward practical precautions are well known in the industry. Safe access equipment is readily available for purchase or hire and there is no excuse for workers, and the self employed, to put themselves in a position of danger when working at height.

"HSE will continue to maintain a strong enforcement profile where there is blatant disregard to safe working practice."

Notes to editors

1. The Health and Safety Executive is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice; promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice; and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk
2. Further information on safe working in construction can be found online at http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm.htm

Press enquiries

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

Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by the Regional News Network