HSE to inspect safety standards in refurbishment sites
The refurbishment sector has had a high rate of industrial accidents over the past few years. In fact, more than half of the reported cases of death in the construction industry in the year 2008 have come from reconstruction and repair sites. Previous HSE investigations into the safety standards maintained at these sites over the past two years had resulted in one third of them being slapped with action.
As the situation refuses to improve, the HSE will start another round of inspections, which will target 1500 refurbishment sites across Great Britain.
As part of the inspections, The HSE will be looking into the following concerns:
- How the workplace is maintained, whether it is systematic and organised and free from commotion
- The waste disposal system, cleanliness and order in the workplace
- The overall condition at the site and the absence of obstructions
- Special focus on working at a height safely, the equipments used for this purpose and the effectiveness in ensuring the safety of the worker
- The presence of harmful substances like asbestos and the steps that are taken to minimize the hazardous effects of the materials in accordance with the existing rules and regulations
- The awareness generated among the workers regarding their own safety and the risk involved in the work they are doing
The HSE has conveyed a stern message to the contractors who own and manage these reconstruction sites. If they are found to be neglecting the health and safety of their workers, then the HSE will leave no stone unturned to bring them to law. Health and safety training for staff and managers can help in reducing workplace accidents and can improve a company’s health and safety culture, visit the website all about the nebosh national general certificate.
The large number of sites that were prosecuted by the HSE in similar campaigns in the last two years is a clear indication of how serious it is about the issue.
