HSE reports rise in construction deaths

The Health and Safety Executive has reported a rise in the number of deaths on construction sites, according to Building and Construction News.

Construction News reported that HSE's latest figures registered 50 UK deaths, the first annual increase since 2006/7 when 79 deaths were registered, and nine more than over the same period last year. Chief Construction inspector Philip White was reported as saying that the increase was 'extremely disappointing', but that the HSE would continue its efforts to get the numbers down. The injuries are occurring more on smaller sites as major contractors continue to push through safety improvements on site.

Building magazine reported that as a result Construction union UCATT called on the government to rethink its plans to cut funding to the Health and Safety Executive. Acting General Secretary George Guy said they 'were giving the green light to business to avoid taking safety laws seriously'.

Comments

On a visit to UK last year I observed scaffolding been erected on a 2 storey building. None of the workers were wearing safety helmets, gloves, high viz coats and no harnesses. 30% of accidents are caused by the operatives themselves, 30% causeed by management not enforcing H&S proceedures and 30% by combination of the last two and faulty/ untested equipement. Instead of the union asking for the budget not to be cut they should be asking for the vast amount of paperwork to be reduced and site enforcement of H&S by companies and Public bodies increased for a Commonsense enforcement of H&S.

2nd Jul 2011, at 08:36 AM
Francis Masetti

Would it be possible to find out some detailed information on these incidents?

How many of these were non English speaking, I recently visited a site where the employees could not read the safety signs how does this warrant H & S?

I agree with above the paperwork should be reduced and a set of basic rules should be introduced to make things simple but safe. The more rules and regulations increase the less likely small/medium sized firms are going to read legislation.

6th Jul 2011, at 05:51 PM
Jason Margetts