Construction site safety remains in HSE focus

The following is taken from the foreword HSE Construction Divisions Plan for 2012/13:

“Despite the economic downturn the construction industry remains one of the largest in Great Britain, bringing employment to around two million people; but it remains extremely hazardous. The characteristics of the industry and the challenges it creates in tackling health and safety are well documented. The industry remains a significant cause for concern, in 2010/11, 50 construction workers lost their lives – this was an increase on the previous year. As well as 50 fatalities, 2298 major injuries were reported and 1.7 million working days were lost through work related ill health. These figures remain unacceptable and we must continue to reduce this burden of injury and ill health.”

This sets a fairly clear agenda for continued HSE enforcement action on construction sites and will be covered under the cost recovery scheme “Fee for Intervention”. Costs will be recovered
where HSE inspectors identify a material breach of the law. Businesses that comply with the law will not be charged (invoiced) at the rate of £124/hour for all HSE time in the case.
Operational activities of the HSE Construction Division

The main operational activities will target the following:

Asbestos (licensing and licensed work)
Small sites/projects
Refurbishment
Major projects/large contractors and clients

Any matters of evident concern or with the potential to cause a catastrophic event identified during a site visit will be appropriately addressed. The following five generic issues will also be
considered during all site visits:

Work at height
Asbestos risks
Provision of welfare facilities
Good order
Respiratory risks.