The Alternative Remedies Guide

The HSE has seen some progress in compliance with health and safety regulations in the construction sector. Last year the HSE had to take enforcement actions in 30% of the sites checked. However, the percentage was reduced somewhat as 20% of the construction sites failed the checks this time.

During the first trimester of the year, close to 1800 sites, being run by approximately 2,150 contractors, were visited to check compliance with the safety regulations. Approximately 350 sites were found to be in desperate need of remedial action to ensure the safety and health of the workers. As a result, around 500 enforcement orders were issued for ensuring compliance with the regulations.

The biggest concern is violation of regulations regarding work done at heights. This year 50% of the enforcement orders were to ensure compliance with height regulations since in the last year these violations caused more than 30 deaths. In 2007-2008, 52% of the on-site deaths took place in the refurbishment and maintenance sector.

Therefore, Phillip White, new Chief Inspector of Construction with HSE said that this rate of improvement is not sufficient, though it is a good sign. It is very important to follow high standards of safety, and a complete disrespect of regulations at some sites is a major cause of worry. This was also reflected in that fact that the inspection officers had to issue so many orders in spite of the fact that the checks had been publicised in advance, thus giving the contractors and others sufficient time to ensure compliance.

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