Construction Sites Put Workers At Risk

Following a spot check of 1000 refurbishment sites across Great Britain The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has stopped work at more than 30%.

The checks, carried out in February, found that one in three construction sites put workers at risk and 395 enforcement notices were served.

Targeting poor performance in the construction industry the HSE's construction division reported that basic safety precautions were being flouted and issues such as work at height remain a concern.

Last year work at height led to the death of 23 workers and more than half of the enforcement action taken during inspection initiatives for this reason.

In 2007 the number of workers who died on refurbishment sites increased by 61%.

David Urpeth, a Partner from Irwin Mitchell Solicitors said: "It is shocking that the HSE stopped work at nearly a third of the construction sites they inspected. It is clear that employers are not taking the safety of their employees seriously.

"Given the fact that the construction industry is a major source of industrial accidents, this latest news is all the more worrying.

"I represent many workers who have been injured or killed in accidents at work. A large number of works accidents I handle, involve falls from height.

"I therefore welcome this latest initiative by the HSE and hope it leads to employers improving workplace safety."

If you have been injured at work you may be able to claim accident at work compensation.