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HSE launches site crackdown

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has started an intensive inspection initiative aimed at stopping dangerous practices on building sites across Great Britain. The watchdog says it wants to raise awareness of construction site risks and prevent unnecessary injuries and deaths. HSE figures for 2008/09 record that 53 workers died and 11,264 were injured while working in construction. The inspection initiative, which started on 1 March, is focusing on refurbishment and roofing work. Inspectors will make unannounced visits. Philip White, HSE's chief inspector of construction, said: 'HSE does not think a lax attitude to health and safety in one of the more dangerous industries is acceptable, especially when many of the incidents are completely avoidable by taking commonsense actions and precautions.' He added: 'This is the third year running we have run initiatives like this and, after these latest inspections, we hope that we can report back that we have found good practice and safely operating sites. However, if we find poor practice that is putting the lives of workers and, in some cases the public, at risk we will take action; this could include closing sites and prosecuting those responsible.' In inspection blitzes last year, inspectors visited 1,759 sites and 2,145 contractors and 'were forced to issue more than 270 prohibition notices to stop dangerous work - much of it relating to working from height.'

HSE news release.

Briefing document (300 words) issued 5 Mar 2010