HSE Campaign To Reduce Workplace Accidents

On the 18th of February, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a month-long, national campaign aimed at reducing the number of workplace accidents that result in death, injury or ill health on construction sites.

The Chief Inspector of Construction for the HSE – Philip White – has stated that strong action would be taken against any employers who are unnecessarily putting their workers at risk. Every day workers are injured and risk death as a result of being involved in avoidable workplace accidents.

According to the HSE, 49 people were killed and 2,884 suffered major injuries at work during 2011 to 2012, and as the construction industry in one of the most naturally dangerous, it is essential that employers take responsibility for the safety of their construction workers.

Continuing Health & Safety Failings

This initiative follows a recent case between the HSE and Hertfordshire based contracting company, Stoneforce Ltd. The company had been handed a number of improvement notices in September 2011 for the site they were running in Newcastle, as a result of poor safety standards that were putting workers at risk of harm.

Even after this initial visit, the company continued to neglect its responsibilities as an employer and the HSE received a number of complaints, including allegations of risks relating to falls, poor housekeeping, and lack of welfare facilities which led them to re-visit the site in February 2012.

The HSE found numerous health and safety failings which resulted in Stoneforce Ltd being ordered to pay £5,195.70 in costs after they pleaded guilty to 5 offences under The Work at Height Regulations 2005, and The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007.

With defiant and continuing breaches of safety legislation like this, combined with the nature of the work at hand – it’s no wonder that the construction industry is still one of the most dangerous industries to work in. 

Surprise Safety Visits

During the campaign, which will run from 18^th February to the 15^th March, HSE inspectors will be making surprise visits to construction sites, trying to raise awareness of the risks of improper Health and Safety measures, and improve standards of safety to lower the risks to workers.

During the inspections the HSE will be monitoring high risk activities and tasks, such as working at heights or with heavy machinery, to ensure they are being carried out properly and safely. They will also be assessing the general order on site and checking the available welfare facilities and personal protective equipment are working and being used in accordance with Health and Safety legislation.

They are hoping to highlight the continuing poor safety standards that are rife within the industry and ensure employers are made aware that this is wholly unacceptable. They will be ensuring all employers are aware of the possibility of fines and prosecution as a result of poor safety management – not to mention the risk of serious injury or death of an employer they are legally and morally responsible for.