Spot checks on building sites to cut deaths

HEALTH and safety officers are to carry out spot checks on Warrington building sites in a bid to cut rising numbers of serious and fatal accidents.

The Health and Safety Executive plans to inspect 1,000 sites across Great Britain to tackle poor safety standards.

There were 12 deaths on construction sites in the north west in 2006/07.

Inspectors will focus on construction workers who work high up, and will be looking for strong enforcement of safety procedures.

HSE officers made 33 prosecutions and issued 84 enforcementt notices at more than half the sites visited last summer under a similar drive.

Stephen Williams, HSE's chief inspector of construction, said: "It is totally unacceptable that so many lives have been lost and continue to be put at risk on construction sites, particularly within the refurbishment sector."

"We will continue to take firm action against rogue elements who ignore safety precautions.

"Sites where health and safety is taken seriously have nothing to fear, but we will root out those that put lives at risk."

During the inspection initiative HSE inspectors will be checking numerous factors including correctly assembled and maintained equipment that is used properly, if sites are well organised to avoid trips and falls and if workers are aware of risk control measures.

Source - Thisischeshire.co.uk

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