Construction Workers at most risk...

From falls and trips.

In 2005/06 24 construction workers died as a result of falling from height.
In 2006/07 a further 23 construction workers died resulting from a fall from height.

Nearly 4,000 major injuries, such as broken bones or fractured skulls are reported to HSE each year by the construction industry 0 over half of these are falls from height or tripping over materials on site.

HSE’s construction inspectors carried out over 1500 inspections on refurbishment sites across the country in June and July 2007.

They were looking specifically to see if sites were:

• Getting it right when working at height
• Keeping sites in good order  

Reduction in numbers of injuries and deaths from fall and trips is a priority for HSE to help prevent the devastating effect these kinds of accidents have on the lives of workers and their families.

What did our inspectors find?

Almost 1 in 3 sites and 1 in 4 contractors inspected were found to be working so far below the acceptable standard that our inspectors felt it necessary to serve enforcement notices to immediately stop the work or activity on site or require improvements to be made within a specified timescale.

Almost 1 in 6 were failing to address work at height risks on site.

What did we do?

• 1295 sites and 1586 contractors were inspected
• 220 Prohibition Notices and 26 Improvement Notices on work at height issues served.
• 24 Prohibition Notices were served for 13 Improvement notices on good order concern
• 143 Enforcement Notices were served for other serious areas of concern.

In a number of cases, conditions on site were so poor that investigations may lead to prosecution.

Take the sensible approach

Competent, skilled construction workers should be valued highly. By taking a sensible approach the numbers of accidents can be reduced.

Always:

• Plan and organize work properly
• Make sure that people involved in work at height are competent
• Select and use the right equipment
• Keep walkways on site clear of obstructions

Follow this link and visit trips and falls for more information about this initiative and advice and guidance on how to manage the risks associated with working at height and keeping sites tidy.