Study reveals sub-standard levels of H&S on site

A recent study conducted to ascertain how UK construction sites are performing with regard to Health and Safety, clearly indicated more needs to be done to prevent accidents, injury or long term illness.

Almost half of the sites audited were found to be providing sub standard levels of care, with both dangerous activities taking place and a severe lack of attention to install suitable prevention methods against harm.

During the nationwide campaign, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) visited 2,607 sites where refurbishment or repair work was taking place.

Inspectors found basic safety standards were not being met on 1,105 sites.  On 644 sites, practices were so poor that enforcement action was necessary to protect workers – with 539 prohibition notices served ordering dangerous activities to stop immediately and 414 improvement notice issued requiring standards to improve.

The most common problems identified included failing to protect workers during activities at height, exposure to harmful dust and inadequate welfare facilities.

These results highlight the need for a ‘don’t walk by’ culture to exist , not just within the construction industry but across all UK workplaces.

If you see something you think is dangerous or may cause harm to others, please do not ignore it…ACT!

Report it to someone who can make a change for the better, or take steps to rectify the problem yourself, but always ensure you remain safe whilst doing so. It may be your own life you save in the future.

Source:  HSE

Rick March, Safety Advisor, Lighthouse Safety Training.