HSE launches safety clampdown on North East construction sites

Date:

18 February 2013

Release No:

HSE/016/13

Unsafe practices on construction sites across the North East are to be targeted as part of a national initiative aimed at reducing death, injury and ill health.

To support a month-long drive to improve standards in one of Britain's most dangerous industries, inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will visit sites in Tyneside, Teesside, Durham and Northumberland where refurbishment or repair works are taking place.

From today (18 February) until 15 March, they will make unannounced visits to ensure duty holders are managing high-risk activity, such as working at height.

They will also check for general good order, assess welfare facilities and check whether suitable Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), such as head protection, is being used appropriately.

During 2011/12, 130 workers were seriously injured while working in construction in the North East. Nationally there were 49 deaths and more than 2,800 major injuries.

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

Robert Hirst, HSE Principal Inspector for the North East Construction Division, said:

"Death and injury continue to result from avoidable incidents and it is largely those engaged in refurbishment and repair work who are failing to step up to the mark. Poor management of risks and a lack of awareness of responsibilities are unacceptable.

"In many cases simple changes to working practices can make all the difference, and can even save lives. Therefore if we find evidence that workers are being unnecessarily put at risk we will take strong action.

"We are determined to drive the message home that site safety and worker welfare cannot be compromised."

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

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. During inspections, HSE inspectors will consider 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
   • suitable Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), including head protection, is provided and worn at all times
3. The national refurbishment inspection initiative runs from 18 February to 15 March.
4. Fatal and major injuries for the construction sector in the North East 2011/12 by Local Authority:

   County	Local Authority	2011/12p
   		Fatal injuries	Non-fatal major injuries
   Former County of Cleveland	Hartlepool Unitary Authority	-	3
   	Redcar and Cleveland Unitary Authority	-	9
   	Middlesbrough Unitary Authority	-	6
   	Stockton-on-Tees Unitary Authority	-	8
   	Total	-	26
   Durham County	Darlington Unitary Authority	-	4
   	County Durham Unitary Authority	-	21
   	Total	-	25
   Northumberland	Northumberland Unitary Authority	-	19
   	Total	-	19
   Tyne and Wear	Gateshead MBC	-	9
   	Newcastle-upon-Tyne City of	-	20
   	North Tyneside Council	-	12
   	South Tyneside M B C	-	4
   	Sunderland City of	-	15
   	Total	-	60
   North East	Total	-	130

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