Inspections uncover construction nightmare

HEALTH and Safety Executive (HSE) blitz inspections in the construction industry over the last year have revealed a nightmare of safety breaches and illegality.

The inspections, focussing on falls and trips found that approximately one in three sites and one in four contractors inspected were working below the acceptable standard.

In February this year, inspectors visited over 1,100 sites and issued over 200 prohibition notices over work at height. In 13 cases, inspectors regarded the situation on site as so poor that prosecution is being considered. Last summer inspectors visited nearly 1,300 sites and issued over 200 prohibition notices on work at height.

HSE inspectors said they had “identified significant amounts of poor practice across Great Britain” and that “almost 1 in 5 sites were failing to address work at height risks on site”.

The Unite general union said that the figures “prove the case for more inspection and enforcement action”.