Union: HSE must explain drop in inspections


The Unite general union has called on the HSE to “explain and justify the sharp decline in construction inspections” after its research found unannounced visits in the sector had plummeted by 31% in less than a decade.


A series of freedom of information requests revealed that. While the HSE carried out 11,303 proactive construction inspections in 2013/14, that figure dropped to just 7,793 in 2021/22. Wales saw a 57% decline, while inspections dropped by 51% in the South East, and by 46% in London. There was also a huge decline in the number of enforcement notices following an inspection. These fell by 51% from 2,293 in 2013/14 to just 1,119 in 2021/22, Unite reported.


“These figures are shocking, as they demonstrate that the HSE are either unwilling or unable to ensure the safety of construction workers,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham. “If the HSE fails to ensure safety, then deaths and injuries will increase.”


“The safest sites are union-organised workplaces where independent union safety reps are able to challenge safety concerns and keep their fellow workers safe,” she added.


Last year, 30 construction workers were killed at work.