Small construction sites targeted by HSE
Health and Safety inspectors are targeting small construction
sites across London in their latest wave of inspections.
Construction sites account for some of the highest levels of
workplace accidents and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is
keen to ensure that all sites are following regulations.
Figures released by HSE showed that 59 workers employed on
construction sites have been involved in a fatal workplace accident
between 2004 and 2010.
Thirty of the deaths were as a result of falls from height and
the vast majority of them – 70 per cent – occurred on small
construction sites.
Currently, 150 small sites, carrying out domestic extensions,
roofing and refurbishment, have been visited by the inspectors.
Almost one in four of the construction sites have had
prohibition notices served to them, meaning that some or all work
must cease in a bid to reduce what the inspectors deem 'immediate
risk' to workers.
HSE inspectors are particularly focusing on how each site is
managing those working at height, those carrying out heavy lifting
and those doing roof repairs. The use of appropriate health and
safety signs and welfare facilities for staff will also be
checked.
Small sites across Lewisham, Bromley, Enfield, Kensington &
Chelsea, Wandsworth, Brent, Redbridge, Westminster, Newham, Camden,
Haringey, and Richmond will be investigated over the next few
weeks.