January 2008 Press Release

HSE Head of Construction Stephen Williams outlines HSE major ‘Falls and Trips inspection initiative’ after major rise in number of deaths on construction sites.

Last year the number of deaths in construction rose by a massive 28% to a total of 77 workers.

Although this figure is still lower than five years ago, worryingly it is the first time in five years that the downward trend in deaths has been reversed, and most of these deaths were in the refurbishment sector.

Last year alone 39 workers died in refurbishment, accounting for just over half of all construction deaths and representing a 61% rise from 24 deaths in 2005/06.

Throughout February our inspectors will be carrying out a rigorous ‘Falls and Trips inspection initiative’ focused directly at refurbishment construction sites across the UK.

Inspectors will arrive unannounced and take enforcement action where they find unacceptable and unsafe work practices taking place.

In Summer 2007, during another similar inspection initiative, we carried out over 1586 inspections and the results were startling.

We took enforcement action at nearly one in three sites inspected and 244 prohibition notices were served, stopping work on site instantly.

We certainly do not wish to see the same level of bad practice this time around, however, if we do, we will not hesitate to take firm action against those who flaunt safety precautions.

Work at height remains our biggest concern and falls from height will be the focus of inspections.

Over half of the enforcement action taken during the summer inspection initiative was against dangerous work at height, which last year killed 23 workers and was responsible for over 1000 major injuries.

Inspectors will also expect to see good site order to lower the risk of trips, which accounted for over 1000 major injuries.

If you are a principal contractor, you should:

* Have a system for the procurement and control of contractors that includes arrangements to check the competence of workers.

* Actively monitor the work of your subcontractors.

* Ensure their safety standards are the same as yours.

All duty-holders need to:.

* Identify jobs that involve work at height and ensure that appropriate safety precautions are in place.

* Have procedures for the selection of correct equipment and ensure that the selected equipment is actually used.

* Communicate risk control measures to the workforce.

* Ensure workers are competent to use the equipment that has been correctly installed / assembled.

* Arrange inspection and maintenance of equipment as appropriate.

* Have a risk assessment in place that applies the Work at Height Regulations hierarchy

Plan how the site will be kept tidy.

* Traffic routes should be segregated from pedestrian routes.

* The logistics of material supplies and movements should be considered (what is to be delivered, when, and where it is to be stored), alongside waste control.

* Walkways and stairs should be kept free of tripping hazards such as trailing wires and loose materials.

This is especially important for emergency routes.

* Work areas should be kept as clear as possible of unnecessary materials, equipment, debris and other hazards.

My advice to all duty holders, and especially site managers and contractors, is to plan work carefully; use competent workers; if working at height use the right equipment; use it safely and keep walkways on site clear of obstructions.

Everyone on site should look out for the hazards they encounter and take a moment to help manage the risks sensibly.

A fall could be fatal or change lives forever!

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