The Map Magazine

The inspection programme started by the HSE recently will see inspectors call on construction sites unexpectedly to ensure whether safety procedures are being adhered to. This programme has been instigated by the HSE to check the hazardous working conditions at work sites in Britain.

Between the years 2008 and 2009, 11, 264 workers were left injured and 53 workers died at construction sites all over Britain. The HSE hopes to reduce the number of avoidable deaths and injuries through its recent initiatives.

Many people die every year as a result of unsafe working conditions on site, said HSE’s Chief Inspector of Construction, Philip White. He said that there has been some growth seen in the way some parts of the construction industry in terms of worker safety, but procedures still appear to be lax, especially where refurbishment work in small projects is concerned.

The HSE finds it intolerable that some construction businesses have a reckless and carefree approach towards the wellbeing of their workers. By taking small steps and following certain procedures for safety, they can easily prevent accidents from happening on site, says Philip White.

The HSE has been carrying out various safety inspections for better understanding and awareness in the industry for the last two years and White hopes that the latest report from the inspection will show that there has been some improvement.

In the previous year, there were 270 notices to stop unsafe work issued after the HSE conducted inspections of 1,759 construction sites and 2,145 contractors all over Britain. Most of these notices were made out to sites where operations were being conducted at heights.

White also said that the HSE would not hesitate in taking strict action against those who fail to comply with the safety norms and put workers at risk.

It is a requirement to undertake a suitable and sufficient risk assessment on all work undertaken where there is a risk of injury as a result of a fall from height, Working at Height training will benefit organisations in helping to minimise the risks of work at height and bring work procedures up to date with the requirements of new legislation. Click health and safety consultancy for information on training, advice and courses.