Health and Safety Update (December 2008)

HSE Spot-Checks on Dangerous Building Sites

Construction firms undertaking property development and refurbishment projects have been targeted by the HSE in a crackdown on dangerous working practices.

The main target areas are such as working at height, unsafe structures, fire risks, a lack of competent workers and unsafe excavations. Inspectors are actively shutting down sites and issuing Improvement and/or Prohibition notices.

The advice to those employers who work in the refurbishment and conversion sector is to plan work, use competent workers and, if working at height, use the right equipment and use it safely.

HSE inspectors looked at whether:

• jobs that involve working at height have been identified and properly planned to ensure that appropriate precautions are in place;
• equipment is correctly installed, assembled, inspected and maintained and used properly;
• sites are well organised, with competent workers;
• excavations are safe and buildings not being undermined;
• work areas are clear of unnecessary materials and waste;
• the workforce is made aware of risk control measures.

Remember that you can have your Consultant visit and audit your sites as a bespoke package for your Company. This will raise the awareness of safety and health and also indicate where you as the employer may be falling short of your statutory duties. Contact our advice line or your Consultant for more details.