HSE Spot Checks of Refurbishment Sites Set to Start!

Health and safety inspectors will be spot checking construction sites from Monday 22 September 2008 to tackle poor standards of health and safety. The inspectors will be paying particular attention to refurbishment sites.

This follows an initiative earlier this year where almost half of the construction sites visited in Derbyshire were found to be putting the lives of workers at risk. Seven enforcement notices were served all of which involved stopping work on site. In the High Peak four prohibition notices were served at the six sites visited.

HSE's Principal Inspector of Construction for the East Midlands, Frank Lomas, said,

"Following the disappointing standards we found at High Peak refurbishment sites in February, it is necessary to revisit this area to see if standards have improved.

It is totally unacceptable that so many lives have been lost and continue to be put at risk on construction sites, particularly within the refurbishment sector.
We will have inspectors out across the High Peak throughout this week to continue to take firm action against rogue elements who ignore safety precautions. Sites where health and safety is taken seriously have nothing to fear, but we will root out those that put lives at risk".

Main failings from the February inspections included poorly erected scaffolds/ tower scaffolds, general falls issues within buildings, and scaffolders not clipping their harnesses on - even when at risk of falling 16m to the ground. Several fire issues were also identified such as no protected means of escape from 3 - 4 storey buildings.

During the inspection initiative starting this week, HSE inspectors will be looking at 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 and the risk from falling
• Work areas are clear of unnecessary materials and waste
• The work force is made aware of risk control measures
• Ladders are in good condition and are being used safely.
• The risk posed by fire has been recognised and general fire precautions/ alarms etc are present.

More information is available at the HSE website