Express & Star

Cracking down on safety at work sites

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

Published

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 where refurbishment or repair works are taking place.

For four weeks this month, they will be making 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 protective equipment (PPE), such as head protection, is being used appropriately.

During 2011/12, seven people were killed while working in construction in the West Midlands. A further 212 across the region were seriously injured.

The purpose of the initiative is to remind those working in the industry that poor standards are unacceptable and could result in enforcement action. Two thirds of sites involving student properties in the Selly Oak area of Birmingham failed safety inspections following recent targeted checks by HSE.

Inspectors found standards on 17 sites were so poor they were considered to be in breach of health and safety legislation.

Jo Anderson, HSE principal inspector for the West Midlands 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

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.