Skip to main Content

HSE tackles construction sector

21 Feb 2012

Posted by Oliver Churchill

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a new campaign to tackle work at height accidents in the construction sector.

In an attempt to improve safety standards across the industry, inspectors will be visiting sites around the country over the space of a month.

This week the HSE will be in West Yorkshire to assess areas where refurbishments and repair works are being carried out.

Philip White, chief inspector of construction, told Building.co.uk that refurbishment continues to be one of the most dangerous areas for workers.

"All too often straightforward practical precautions are not considered and workers are put at risk," he said.

To prevent accidents when working at height, the HSE is urging all employers to carry out and follow risk assessments.

Companies must plan and organise work, ensuring that it is carried out by a competent, well-trained person.ADNFCR-781-ID-801298700-ADNFCR

Related Articles

View all
  • 16 May 2012

    Be aware of what triggers stress

    The construction industry can be a stressful, although rewarding, place to work. Thus many electrical contractors may find themselves feeling the pressure. When feelings of anxiety or tension occur it is important that people take steps to combat them. According to Kevin Friery, clinical director at Right Management Workplace Wellness, the most essential thing is that individuals identify those trigger points that cause stress. "This is about self-awareness, because one...

  • 14 May 2012

    Ensure all equipment is up to code

    Electricians must ensure that all equipment is up to code and meets safety standards to avoid encountering undue risks. The construction industry is one of the most dangerous working sectors in the UK and every year workers suffer injury and fatality as a result of the failure of bosses to adequately maintain equipment. This was highlighted recently when Stephen Cartwright fell from poor condition scaffolding and landed on a flat garage roof. As a result of the fall, Mr Cartwright...

  • 08 May 2012

    Businesses benefit from in-house health and safety

    Businesses, especially trades like electrical contracting companies, can gain huge benefits from hiring a dedicated health and safety expert.As well as helping fulfil a legal requirement, having excellent health and safety credentials will mark businesses out as good employers.Jane White, research and information services manager at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (Iosh), said that firms can either hire an external adviser or have an in-house professional."Usually, you...

  • 26 Apr 2012

    Electrical safety is paramount amid flood warnings

    Electrical contractors must remember to be especially careful over the next couple of weeks, amid flood warnings and torrential rain. With homes in high-risk areas for flood likely to need electrical support should waters keep rising, it is important that electrical contractors remain vigilant and advice customers on good safety practices. Following the announcement by the Environmental Agency that there is a high possibility flood, the Electrical Safety Council is advising people not to...

  • 25 Apr 2012

    Electricians reminded of asbestos danger as former worker dies

    Electrical contractors have been reminded of the danger they face from asbestos, as a retired electrician dies after years of persistent exposure. Ian Stanford passed away at the age 76 from pneumonia, which pathologist Dr Hitchcock ruled was the result of contact with the deadly fibre, This is Derbyshire reported. The deceased was repeated placed in the centre of an "asbestos storm" when working at Willington Power Station between 1959 and 1993. Mr Stanford was responsible for...

Back to top