Constructing Excellence - Long way still to go on safety

Apr 18 2008 by John Nielsen, The Journal

NOW that the new corporate manslaughter legislation is in place, there has never been a more important time for the construction industry to take a long hard look at its health and safety policies.

Early figures produced by the Health and Safety Executive have revealed that the number of people killed on UK sites in the past year has dropped to 70, from 77 in 2006.

Even one person killed is one too many. Although the figures have yet to be officially confirmed by the HSE, this predicted fall in the number of deaths is welcome. But it still paints a far from rosy picture, and we still have a long way to go before we can expect a collective pat on the back.

The HSE responded to last year’s increase in the death toll on sites by launching an inspection blitz on sites in the summer and in February this year. During the two periods of the blitz, a total of 2,400 sites and just over 3,000 contractors were inspected. The inspections resulted in almost 500 Prohibition Notices being issued. Approximately one in three sites and one in four contractors inspected were found to be working below the HSE’s acceptable standard.

Working at height is the biggest single cause of serious and fatal injuries on construction sites. Working safely at height is a matter of following simple precautions. The basic principles are taking time to plan the work and selecting the right equipment and using it properly.

Mobile elevating work platforms can provide excellent safe access to high-level work and can be easily moved from one location to another.

Tower scaffolds are widely used and can provide an effective and safe means of access, however poorly erected and misused tower scaffolds are the cause of numerous accidents each year. Slips and trips, along with falls from height, are the biggest cause of major injuries. Good order on site makes good common sense and is good business practice.

For more information on Constructing Excellence in the North East, contact Catriona Lingwood, on (0191) 383-7435 or catriona@constructingexcellence-ne.org.uk

John Nielsen, a partner at CK21 Consultants and director of the Association of Project Safety (APS)