In an effort to make sure Welsh construction sites are safe, a recent health and safety check was initiated, with some rather disturbing results.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), close to one-in-three of the construction sites visited in Wales during a month-long inspection initiative failed health and safety checks. Inspectors visited sites throughout Wales as part of a national HSE clampdown aimed at reducing death, injury and ill health.
When the results were in, a total of 69 of the 224 sites inspected were discovered to not to meet the minimum legal standards for health and safety, and 70 enforcement notices were issued as a result.
They included 44 Prohibition Notices which stopped some work activities immediately and 26 Improvement Notices which required improvements to be made to working practices.
Construction Proves a Dangerous Industry
The inspectors visited sites where refurbishment or repair work was taking place, to support a drive to improve standards in one of Britain’s most dangerous industries.
They made unannounced visits to ensure companies are managing high-risk activity, such as working at height. They are also checked for general good order, assessed welfare facilities and checked whether Personal Protective Equipment, such as head protection, was being used appropriately.
During 2011/12, a pair of workers died while employed in construction in Wales, and 164 were seriously injured. Nationally, there were 49 deaths and more than 2,800 major injuries.
The purpose of the initiative is to remind those employers in the industry that poor standards are unacceptable and could result in enforcement action.
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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