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Database shows significant rises on key measures of construction enforcement
The records of prosecutions concluded and enforcement notices issued by HSE Construction Division groups during 2010 are now included in the HSE public Register of Prosecutions and Notices.
Our initial analysis indicates that HSE Construction Division prosecutions have risen by 20% whilst the number of enforcement notices served increased by 25%. The number of cases in which the court imposed a total penalty at or above £25,000 rose 18% over the same period.
- Prosecutions Concluded: 2009=200 / 2010=252 - 20% increase
- Enforcement Notices: 2009=2918 / 2010=3900 - 25% increase
- Fines = or > £25k: 2009=31 / 2010=38 - 18% increase
Comment
The above records relate to action taken by HSE Construction Division groups and do not include construction enforcement undertaken by other HSE operational teams. The figures are therefore likely to underestimate enforcement regarding ‘construction work’.
In June 2009 HSE recruited some 20 Construction Inspectors on two year contracts. The rise in enforcement notices issued may reflect the fact that this cadre of Inspectors will have been fully operational during 2010.
The increase in prosecutions and fines above £25k may flow from more proactive enforcement on smaller refurbishment projects and sentencing guidance issued to the courts regarding H&S cases.