HSE site visits focus on building repairs sector

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently focused on the safety of workers in the refurbishment and repairs sector.

In February and March, the HSE visited numerous sites where refurbishment and repairs were being carried out. The HSE has been concerned about poor health and safety standards in this sector for some time, and the month-long initiative was designed to demonstrate the organisation’s resolve to see progress.

One of the key objectives of the visits was ensuring the risks of working at height were minimised. Other objectives were the correct installation and maintenance of equipment, and making sure walkways, stairs and work areas were as clean and tidy as possible to prevent slips, trips and falls.

The construction industry is notoriously dangerous — 50 construction workers lost their lives and there were 2,298 reportable injuries in 2010-11. It is hoped that HSE visits will lead to enforcement action and remind employers that, despite the government’s onslaught, health and safety rules are still in force.