Building site blitz finds falls from height risks persist

Health and Safety Executive inspectors found over a third of construction sites were well below standard during the national "falls from height" blitz in September.

The inspectors visited over 1,400 sites around the country and served 332 prohibition and 82 improvement notices. Thirteen potential prosecutions are also being considered as a result of the visits.

Kevin Myers, HSE chief inspector for construction condemned the industry for its failure to raise the standards of work at height.

He said: "Since the beginning of April this year 17 construction workers have died due to falling from height and it remains the single biggest killer in this industry. Given that most falls from height accidents are preventable, there is no excuse for not ensuring that all work being carried out at height is done safely."

Myers added: " Many in the industry are deliberately cutting corners, paying lip service to safety and risking the lives of their workers."