Construction sites targeted in HSE campaign

Construction sites in London are being put under the safety spotlight as part of an intensive inspection initiative aimed at reducing death, injury and ill health.

Up to 16 March, inspectors from HSE are visiting sites in London where refurbishment or repair works are being carried out. The campaign is part of a national month-long drive to improve standards in one of Britain’s most dangerous industries. The primary focus will be high-risk activity such as working at height and also ‘good order’, such as ensuring sites are clean and tidy with clear access routes.

The purpose of the initiative is to remind those working in construction that poor standards are unacceptable, and could result in enforcement action. During 2010/11, eight workers were killed and more than 440 others were seriously injured while working in construction across London.

Norman Macritchie, HSE’s principal inspector in HSE’s Southern Region Construction Division, has appeared as a witness more often than he would like in prosecutions.

He said: "The refurbishment sector continues to be the most risky for construction workers, all too often straightforward practical precautions are not considered and workers are put at risk. In many cases simple changes to working practices can make all the difference. "Poor management of risks in this industry is unacceptable. As we have demonstrated in the past, we will take strong action if we find evidence that workers are being unnecessarily put at risk."

Experts offering advice and expert witness services in the construction sector can be found in the Expert Witness Directory on this site.