Enforcement action taken at one in five construction sites

Date:

25 March 2013

Notice served after workers found barrowing over makeshift bridge in ice and snow

(More images are available in the image gallery on the right)

Nearly one in five construction sites visited across Britain have been subject to enforcement action after failing safety checks.

In a month long initiative, inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) visited a total of 2363 sites where refurbishment or repair work was taking place and saw 2976 contractors.

631 enforcement notices were served across 433 sites for poor practices that could put workers at risk, with 451 notices ordering that work stop immediately until the situation was put right.

Said Philip White, HSE's Chief Inspector of Construction:

Flammable materials stored unsafely

(More images are available in the image gallery on the right)

"This initiative has once again shown us that the majority of construction employers do take their responsibilities to their workers seriously.

"However, our inspectors also encountered numerous examples of poor practice, from lack of edge protection on stairwells and scaffolding to unsafe storage of flammable materials and inadequate personal protective equipment. None of these are acceptable on a modern construction site.

"HSE will not hesitate to use its enforcement powers against reckless employers. It is they who continue to make construction one of the most dangerous industries in which to work."

Prohibition notice served - no edge protection whilst working at height

(More images are available in the image gallery on the right)

Between 18 February and 15 March inspectors made unannounced visits to construction sites to ensure they were managing high-risk activity, such as working at height.

Checks were also carried out in on whether there was general good order on site, whether PPE was being used effectively and if welfare facilities were adequate.

During 2011/12 49 workers were killed while working in construction and 2,884 major injuries were reported.

Notes to editors

1. The Health and Safety Executive is Britain's national regulator for workplacehealth 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. During inspections, HSE inspectors considered whether:
   • jobs that involve working at height had been identified and properly planned to ensure that appropriate precautions are in place
   • equipment wascorrectly installed / assembled, inspected and maintained and used properly
   • sites were well organised, to avoid trips and falls
   • walkways and stairs were free from obstructions
   • work areas were clear of unnecessary materials and waste
   • that suitable PPE, including head protection, was provided and worn at all times

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