Construction sites are currently under scrutiny after the death of eight builders in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire over the past two and a half years. Seven of the deaths involved builders carrying out repair work or extensions on houses. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will carry out intensive inspections, focusing on smaller building projects, and said that the proportion of deaths on such sites was also on the increase across the country.
Philip Poynter, HSE principal inspector in the Home Counties region, said, "The challenge for the HSE is to raise awareness among this group and promote the proper use of the sensible precautions that are needed to stem these deaths. Builders must realise that there is no truth in the belief that 'it won't happen to me.' The evidence is that death, delays and significant fines can happen on any project."
In similar news, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations SI 2007/320, were published in February 2007, which revoke and replace the existing legislation on this subject. They make provision for occupational health, safety and welfare in construction, and place management and practical responsibilities on those involved in construction projects. After the original provisions came into force, concerns were raised that they were failing to promote effective health and safety management. The new combined Regulations differ by increasing the focus on effective planning and management of construction projects, specifically to improve risk management by making sure responsibility is given to those best placed to manage and influence it.
