Health and Safety Evaluations of Greater Manchester Construction Sites
Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive will be performing checks and visits on the Greater Manchester area in a bid to reduce death and injury as part of an intensive inspection initiative.
With 117 serious injuries reported within the construction industry in this area alone during 2010 and 2011, as well as 7 deaths and 308 serious injuries in the North East of England as a whole, it is hoped that this clampdown will help to dramatically reduce these figures in one of the most dangerous industries in the UK.
The Health and Safety Principal Inspector for Construction, Neil Jamieson, 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”
Falls from heights remains one of the most common causes of major injury and death with more than five recorded incidents per day across Great Britain. The initiative hopes to highlight the fact that poor working standards and practices are unacceptable and that those partaking in such practices could face prosecution.
The focus of this initiative will be on high-risk activities such as working at height as well as ensuring that construction sites are kept in good working order with clear access routes.
