HSE to target Construction Sites in September 2013

HSE Campaign: Safer sites – targeted inspection initiative September 2013

HSE Construction Inspectors have been carrying out a major inspection and enforcement initiative during September 2013, targeting the refurbishment sector. They have revealed that they have visited over 1000 sites so far and inspected 1500 contractors. They have also revealed that they have found “material breaches” at nearly half of the sites visited in their month of unannounced site checks. This has led to enforcement notices being issued in quite a few cases.

The main aims of the initiative:

• to achieve an improvement in industry standards, in particular at small sites
• to increase awareness of HSE’s expectations of the industry
• to demonstrate that HSE will use the enforcement tools at its disposal to prevent immediate risk and bring about sustained improvements

This initiative will focus on the main causes of accidents and ill-health in refurbishment projects, including:

• falls from height
• site good order
• structural stability
• asbestos
• respirabile silica
• welfare

From earlier this year

Between the 18th February and 15th March 2013, 631 enforcement notices were served across 433 sites for poor practices that could put workers at risk. There were 451 notices ordering that work stop immediately until the situation was put right.

The UCATT General Secretary (Steve Murphy) has commented:

“These figures demonstrate the dangers faced by construction workers on a daily basis. Failure to ensure a sites safety could lead to the death or injury of a worker. The next time a Government minister complains about red tape strangling business they should be reminded of these figures.”  He also went on the comment: “While these initiatives by the HSE are very welcome, inspectors are only visiting a small percentage of all the construction sites in the country. These findings demonstrate why the HSE needs more resources to conduct this type of inspection in all parts of the country throughout the year.”

Be prepared for a visit from the HSE.

Make sure that you are  ready to answer their questions.

If in doubt, call LRB Consulting on 01509 550023 for assistance.