HSE spot checks raise concern over safety standards

Spot checks carried out by the HSE at construction and refurbishment sites has raised major concerns over the safety standard being employed.

Geoffrey Podger, HSE chief executive said:

"Over one in three construction sites visited put the lives of workers at risk, and operated so far below the acceptable standard that our inspectors served 395 enforcement notices, and stopped work on 30 per cent of the sites.

We stopped work on site immediately during approximately 300 inspections because we felt there was a real possibility that life would be lost or ruined through serious injury. Our inspectors were appalled at the blatant disregard for basic health and safety precautions on refurbishment sites across Great Britain.

It is totally unacceptable that so many lives have been put at risk and we will take all action necessary to protect workers, including closing sites and prosecuting those responsible. The construction industry should take ownership of this issue and do more to tackle poor standards on sites."

You can read the full story at Safety & Health Practitioner