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HSE refurbishment inspection initiative again reveals poor standards
Nearly one in four construction sites in Newcastle were “so dangerous that workers lives were being put at risk” according to inspectors who visited them during February 2011.
As part of a UK wide initiative HSE Construction Inspectors that nine out of 37 sites were so far below required standards that inspectors issued formal enforcement notices. Eight prohibition and six improvement notices were issued. Seven of the notices related unsafe work at height.
The visits targeted refurbishment projects said to be the “worst performing sector of the construction industry” with nearly three quarters of all fatalities occurred during refurbishment, repair and maintenance activities.
Unnecessary risks taken with peoples lives
Rob Hirst, Principal Inspector for Construction, said:
“This was the fifth year of the inspection initiative and it is disappointing to find construction sites taking the same unnecessary risks with their workers’ lives.
Although there were examples of good practice, which the industry can learn from, the fact that we found unsafe conditions on nine in 37 sites is unacceptable.
Companies have a responsibility to protect their workers, to help rid construction of its reputation as being one of Britain’s most dangerous industries.”