Health & Safety Update (March 2009)
HSE focus on refurbishment sites again
Sites across Britain where renovations and maintenance work are
being undertaken are to be targeted as part of a renewed campaign
by the HSE.
The inspection drive started on the 2nd of March and
follows last year's spot checks of refurbishment
sites which led HSE chief executive, Geoffrey Podger, to hit
out at the sector's "blatant disregard" for health and safety
precautions.
Inspectors are targeting three main areas - falls from height,
clean, tidy, well-managed sites and asbestos. In 2007/08, the
sector was responsible for over half of construction fatalities,
yet it only accounts for about 40 per cent of the construction
market.
The aim is to visit 1500 sites in March. Inspectors will be
looking for poorly performing sites and poor working practices.
Inspections carried out in March last year resulted in work
being stopped on nearly one in three sites with a total of 395
enforcement notices served.
If you are in doubt as to your H&S compliance on site then
contact our 24/7 advice line or your dedicated Consultant.