Published at 11:38, Monday, 20 February 2012

CONSTRUCTION sites are being put under the spotlight as part of a drive to cut the number of work-related deaths.

 Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will be visiting sites across Cumbria where refurbishment or repair work is being carried out. The safety checks are part of a month-long drive across Great Britain to improve standards in one of the country’s most dangerous industries.

The inspectors’ main focus will be on high-risk activity including working at height and ‘good order’, such as ensuring sites are clean and tidy with clear access routes.

Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of deaths and major injuries in the construction sector in Great Britain, with more than five incidents recorded every day.

The purpose of the initiative is to remind those working in construction that poor standards are unacceptable, and could result in enforcement action.

During 2010/11, one worker was killed while working in construction in Cumbria and 25 serious injuries were reported. There were seven deaths and 308 serious injuries across the North West during the same period.

Dorothy Shaw, HSE’s principal inspector for Construction in Cumbria, said: “The refurbishment sector continues to be the most risky for construction workers, but small changes to working practices can make all the difference.

“Poor management of risks in this industry is unacceptable, and even the smallest of firms should have a culture which allows workers to raise issues without fear of reprisal.

“As we have demonstrated in the past, we will take strong action if we find evidence that workers are being unnecessarily put at risk.”

For more information about safe working in construction visit www.hse.gov.uk/construction

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk