The Chief Inspector of Construction for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has challenged the refurbishment industry to act now to protect their workers.
This comes after a recent inspection initiative found that 46% of sites fell below safety standards. Small refurbishment sites were inspected by the HSE over a month. They resulted in the issuing of 692 enforcement notices and 983 notifications of contravention where material health and safety breaches had been found. Inspectors observed issues with immediate risks from working at height, to sites where workers were exposed to silica dust and asbestos capable of causing serious long term health problems.
All breaches were followed up with clients and designers with the aim of reinforcing their duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations SI 2015/51.
Peter Baker, HSE’s Chief Inspector of Construction said: ''It is disappointing that some small refurbishment sites are still cutting corners and not properly protecting their workers. Falls from height are the most common killer in the industry but we still found workers put at risk to save minutes on the job – believing it wouldn’t happen to them. The mis-conception that health issues cannot be controlled is simply not true and ruining people’s lives. Harmful dust, whether silica or wood, is a serious issue and can be managed effectively with the right design, equipment and training. Health effects may not be immediate but the ultimate impact on workers and their families can be devastating. Each week 100 construction workers die from occupational disease.''
Despite concerns, inspectors did note a number of examples of good practice. Peter Baker further added:
''HSE inspectors found lots of good examples of small sites carrying out work safely, proving it can be done. Larger construction sites accepted the challenge a few years ago and have made big improvements, which all of the industry can learn from. My message to smaller businesses is don’t wait for an accident or visit from an inspector before you make the change, but act now and learn from your colleagues’ example.''
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