![PP Construction Safety logo and link to home page [1]](https://www.ppconstructionsafety.com/wp-content/themes/ppcs960/images/ppcslogo.jpg)
HSE START CRACKDOWN ON REFURB AND REPAIR PROJECTS
Inspection charging regime will hit those failing to manage projects
Starting today (18th February) unsafe practices on construction sites undertaking refurbishment or repair works are being targeted by HSE construction inspectors as part of a 4 week HSE national initiative.
Between 18 February 2013 and 15 March 2013 HSE inspectors will make unannounced visits to projects to check on how high-risk activity e.g. work at height is being managed effectively.
During inspections, HSE inspectors will look for:
- Work at height – jobs identified and properly planned with appropriate precautions in place;
- Equipment – correctly installed/assembled, inspected and maintained and used properly;
- Organisation – sites organised to avoid trips and falls with access free from unnecessary waste etc.; and
- Welfare – facilities which comply with minimum requirements e.g. toilets, washing facilities, rest areas etc.
During 2011/12, 49 workers were killed while working in construction and 2,884 major injuries were reported. HSE state the purpose of the initiative is to “remind those working in the industry that poor standards are unacceptable and could result in enforcement action”.
Poor management and lack of awareness is unacceptable
This is the first time that such a ‘clampdown’ has taken place since the Fee for Intervention regime has been in operation. Errant sites may now expect a substantial invoice in addition to any prosecution and downtime cost.
HSE will recover costs from all relevant parties, including clients, designers and contractors, found to be in ‘material breach’ of the law.
Philip White, HSE Chief Inspector of Construction, said:
“Death and injury continue to result from avoidable incidents and it is largely those engaged in refurbishment and repair work who are failing to step up to the mark. Poor management of risks and a lack of awareness of responsibilities is unacceptable.
In many cases simple changes to working practices can make all the difference, and can even save lives. Therefore if we find evidence that workers are being unnecessarily put at risk we will take strong action.
We are determined to drive the message home that site safety and worker welfare cannot be compromised.”
Latest Construction Health and Safety News
POORLY DESIGNED SCHOOL GATE CRUSHED CHILD
Sliding gate over-run mechanism proved insufficiently robust
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 9th March 2020POWER GENERATOR PROSECUTED OVER UNSAFE SYSTEM
Maintenance workers seriously injured when energy suddenly released
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 2nd March 2020CEILING BELOW SAVES WORKMAN IN ROOFLIGHT FALL
Roofworker fell through roof after stepping on fragile rooflight
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 2nd March 2020INEXPERIENCED WORKER FELL THROUGH OPENING
No physical protection or warning of opening and fragile covering
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 29th February 2020CDM PRINCIPAL DESIGNER IN COURT OVER FIRE RISK
Designers and contractor prosecuted for risk management failings
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 29th February 2020LATEST HSE CONVICTIONS AND NOTICES REGISTERS
View current online HSE registers of prosecution convictions and notices
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 28th February 2020PRISON SENTENCE FOR RECALCITRANT DIRECTOR
Prohibition and improvement notices ignored and danger persisted
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 26th February 2020TEMPORARY WORKS HOARDING FELL ON PEDESTRIAN
Member of the public struck when site fence collapsed suddenly
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 26th February 2020CHILD FATALLY INJURED BY UNSECURED POLE
Pole stored on embankment moved and trapped boy against fencing
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 26th February 2020OWNER RESPONSE TO HSE INSPECTION ENDED IN COURT
Police uphold HSE right to inspect without threats, aggression or abuse
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 24th February 2020HSE TARGETING WELDING FUME CANCER RISK
Inspections to enforce improved controls required by new risk evidence
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 24th February 2020CONTRACTOR FAILED TO REPLACE MISSING PROTECTION
Painter and decorator fractured hip in fall from landing
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 18th February 2020RISK OF DERMATITIS SUFFICIENT FOR PROSECUTION
Company failed to implement controls and surveillance required by COSHH
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 18th February 2020COSHH FAILINGS CAUSE ASTHMA AND PROVE COSTLY
Uncontrolled exposure to isocyanates during paint spraying operations
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 18th February 2020POLICE EMPLOYEE SHOCKED BY DATA CABLE WORK
South Wales Force fined over electric shock from ceiling void cable
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 18th February 2020COLLAPSE OF PUMP SET TRAPPED WORKMAN
Unsafe system of work transferring from pallet to a raised platform
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 18th February 2020MODIFIED PODIUM STEPS CAUSE FALL FROM HEIGHT
Firm failed to select and correctly assemble with necessary training
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 14th February 2020SCHOOL LACKED SAFE SYSTEM FOR ROOF RETRIEVAL
Workman fell from roof whilst retrieving shoe of pupil
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 11th February 2020ARM OF WORKMAN AMPUTATED IN CONVEYOR
Major construction materials supplier fined heavily over unsafe system
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 11th February 2020CONCRETE BLOCK PLANT GUARDING BREACHED
Sections of machinery perimeter safety fencing missing for months
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 11th February 2020FATAL FUEL TANK EXPLOSION DURING CUTTING
Companies failed to meet known, established and clear standards
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 10th February 2020FIRMS FINED HEAVILY OVER STUDENT FIRE RISK
Senior fire officers found “blatant disregard” for law and resident safety
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 3rd February 2020ROOFER SURVIVED OVER 6M FALL FROM ROOF EDGE
Replacement of asbestos cement roof lacked proper planning
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 3rd February 2020CLIENT & BUILDER ACCOUNT FOR ASBESTOS FAILINGS
Asbestos survey identified ACMs which were removed without controls
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 30th January 2020UNSAFE USE OF SKIP LIFTER CAUSED FATALITY
Fork lift being lifted on to vehicle fell when winch wire failed under load
Posted on 30th January 2020
