HSE intensive inspection initiative to be launched

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspection initiative aims to raise awareness of construction site risks and will focus on refurbishment or roofing work.

Inspectors will make unannounced visits to ensure that sites are managing work at height safely and are in good order.

Last year inspectors visited 1,759 sites and 2,145 contractors UK wide and issued more than 270 prohibition notices to stop dangerous work, with much of it relating to working from height.

During 2008/09, 11 people died and 1,553 were injured in the London area while working in construction.

Richard Boland, Construction Operations Manager for HSE London said: "This is the third year running we have run initiatives like this and, after these latest inspections, we hope that we can report back that we have found good practice and safely operating sites."

"However, if we find poor practice that is putting the lives of workers and, in some cases the public, at risk we will take action; this could include closing sites and prosecuting those responsible."

Further information:
Health and Safety Executive