Industry update
June 1st 2008 One in three of the 1,000 plus construction sites visited by the HSE as part of a targeted inspection initiative earlier this year were found to be putting workers lives at risk, explains the Health and Safety Executive's Chief Inspector of Construction, Stephen Williams
Although early returns for 2007/08 point to a reduction of around 10% in the total numbers of fatalities in construction, including workers and members of the public, in the previous year (2006/07) the number of worker deaths in construction rose by 28% to a total of 77. While this figure was still lower than five years ago, worryingly it was the first time in those five years that the downward trend in deaths had been reversed. As usual most of those deaths were in the refurbishment and repair sector. 39 workers died in refurbishment in 2006/07, accounting for just over half of all construction deaths, representing a rise of some 63% over the previous year.
Falls and Trips inspection initiative
Throughout February 2008 our inspectors carried out a rigorous 'Falls and Trips inspection initiative' focused directly at refurbishment construction sites across Great Britain. Inspectors arrived unannounced and took enforcement action where they found unacceptable and unsafe work practices taking place.
Over one in three of the 1,000 plus construction sites visited put the lives of workers at risk and operated so far below the acceptable standard that our inspectors served 395 enforcement notices and stopped work on 30% of the sites. Inspectors were appalled at the blatant disregard for basic health and safety precautions on many of the refurbishment sites they visited.
My message is clear; HSE will not tolerate negligence or poor safety standards on construction sites. It is totally unacceptable that so many lives have been put at risk and we will take all action necessary to protect workers, including closing sites and prosecuting those responsible.
The construction industry must take ownership of this issue and do more to tackle poor standards on sites.
During the unannounced visits, our inspectors looked at whether:
• Jobs that involved working at height had been identified and properly planned to ensure that appropriate precautions were in place;
• Equipment was correctly installed/assembled, inspected and maintained and used properly;
• Sites were well organised, to avoid trips and falls;
• Walkways and stairs were free from obstructions;
• Work areas were clear of unnecessary materials and waste, and;
• The work force was made aware of risk control measures.
What our inspectors found confirmed what we already knew - that work at height remains a huge concern. Over half of the enforcement action taken during this inspection initiative was against dangerous work at height, which in 2006/07 led to the death of 23 workers.
Health must move up the agenda
We must not of course forget the health of the construction workforce as well as their safety. In 2006/07 1.8 million days were lost in the construction industry due to work related health. As well as the industry working hard to drive down accidents and fatalities, HSE has challenged it to make remarkable changes to its attitude towards health. We want occupational health to move up the agenda for all construction companies.
In a bid to help the industry tackle occupational health issues, HSE recently launched the Construction Occupational Health Management (COHME) tool, which is a web-based guidance tool on the management of occupational health risks faced by large construction companies. COHME will provide the industry with a single point of access to clear guidance. By using this, large companies can show real leadership in influencing the cultural change required.
Looking forward
In addition to the ongoing inspection and enforcement program HSE's Construction Division will be taking forward a number of other work streams including:
The 'Major Accidents Potential Project' which aims to support the industry to manage the risk of infrequent incidents that have the potential for multiple fatalities.
'Local Authority (LA) Construction Engagement' project which aims to develop a strategy for engagement to improve standards of health and safety in construction where LAs are clients, procurers or enforcers and/or considering building control, planning and other functions
'Vulnerable Workers' project which aims to develop targeted interventions based on a network of research and information flow to ensure vulnerable construction workers (migrants, young people) benefit from the protection of the law
'Small sites and small construction firms' project which aims to develop a sustainable strategy to engage with the SME sector, particularly high risk, hard to reach small sites.
Construction is a boom industry, contributing around £256 billion per year by turnover to the UK economy and employing over two million people in around 250,000 firms. However, the industry remains undeniably dangerous and all too often demonstrates the unacceptable human cost of getting things wrong.
I want to see the construction industry continue to take ownership of the health and safety challenges, show leadership in taking action and forge new partnerships to accelerate health and safety improvements. More articles from Health and Safety Executive: | 
