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DOMESTIC REFURBISHMENT SAFETY
HSE blitz on domestic refurb work reveals standards below par
Construction work on 40% of domestic refurbishment sites visited was stopped during a recent blitz by HSE Inspectors in three London boroughs. Problems encountered included:
- unsupported basement excavation undermining adjacent property
- scaffolding at serious risk of collapse and endangering the public
- freestanding scaffold propped on bricks.
HSE Construction Inspector Simon Hester said: “The standards found at a significant proportion of the sites inspected were worryingly low, and put workers, homeowners, members of the public and the buildings themselves at significant risk.”
Comment: Some 22% of all construction sector fatalities during the last three years have involved work by contractors on private domestic property. This is the second largest category after refurbishment work on commercial property. The worsening economic situation is not likely to help the situation as hard pressed home owners look to cut costs and smaller contractors compete for work. Perhaps now is the time for more innovative joined up working between HSE and local authority building control and planning departments?
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