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PRO INSTALLER DECEMBER 2015
PRO BUSINESS
@proinstaller1
Chief Inspector challenges
small construction sites to
act now to manage workers
health and safety
The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE’s) Chief Inspector of Construction is challenging the refurbishment industry
to act now and protect their workers, after 46% of sites fell below standards during a recent inspection initiative.
HSE targeted small refurbishment
sites during the month long drive
and 692 enforcement notices and
983 notifications of contravention
had to be served where there was
a material breach of health and/or
safety. Inspectors had to deal with
immediate risks, such as work at
height, and also to deal with sites
where workers were being exposed
to silica dust and asbestos, which
cause long term health problems.
Health and safety breaches were also
followed up with clients and designers,
reinforcing their duties under the Construction Design and Management Regulations
(CDM) 2015 and help them understand their
responsibilities.
‘The misconception
that health issues
cannot be controlled
is simply not true’
Despite the high rate of enforcement
action, the inspectors found a number of
examples of good practice*.
Peter Baker, Health and Safety Executive’s
Chief Inspector of Construction said: “It is
disappointing that some small refurbishment sites are still cutting corners and not
properly protecting their workers. Falls
from height are the most common killer in
the industry but we still found workers put
at risk to save minutes on the job – believing it wouldn’t happen to them.
“The misconception that health issues cannot be controlled is simply not true and ruining people’s lives. Harmful dust; whether
silica or wood, is a serious issue and can be
managed effectively with the right design,
equipment and training. Health effects may
Across Great Britain
Total No. of sites
Total no. of inspections (N.B there can
be mor RF