Intensive Inspection Regime for Construction Sites
There have been dozens of construction sites across Scotland that have been put under the spotlight as part of an intensive inspection regime by the Health and Safety Executive.
According to HSE, a total of 78 sites were inspected across Scotland during the first three weeks of September and while the majority were found to be managing health and safety appropriately, work was stopped immediately on several sites. In all 15 Prohibition Notices were served because the proper precautions were not in place for working at height.
Campaign Response to Continued Loss of Life
The targeted campaign was in response to the continued loss of life and serious injury arising from falls from height. In the 12 months to April 2012, 49 workers lost their lives on construction sites in the UK, with falls from height being the most common cause of fatal injuries.
Jeanette Reuben, HSE’s head of Unit (Construction) for Scotland, Yorkshire and the North East, noted, “Whilst the initiative was primarily to raise awareness of the problem of unsafe working practices, it is of serious concern that such a significant proportion of sites visited were undertaking work at height in a dangerous manner.
No Excuse for Workers Elevated Risk of Danger
“Straightforward practical precautions are well known in the industry. Safe access equipment is readily available for purchase or hire and there is no excuse for workers, and the self employed, to put themselves in a position of danger when working at height. “
Reuben added that HSE will continue to maintain a strong enforcement profile where there is blatant disregard to safe working practice.
Author Michael B. Stack, CPA, Director of Operations, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in employer communication systems and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. He is a writer, speaker, and website publisher. www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com. Contact: mstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
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