HSE inspectors to be slashed under Tories, warn UCATT

Plans by the Tories to slash 'red tape' will mean a cut in the number of inspectors in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and lead to a huge rise in construction industry accidents and deaths, building workers have been warned.

Alan Ritchie, general secretary UCATT said: "It looks like the total number of construction fatalities during the year ended 31 March 2005 will be 72, approximately the same as last year.

"This is unacceptable. Six deaths a month. And of course there are thousands of non fatal accidents which badly injure workers and shatter family lives.

'But worse, the Tories say that if they form the next government they will cut red tape and one of their targets will be the HSE. The number of inspectors will be cut at a time when we need more, not fewer, of them," he said.

Ritchie continued: "If there are fewer inspectors more building firms will be tempted to cut corners with unimaginable effect.

"Building workers everywhere must think carefully before they cast their vote in the forthcoming general election and ensure they do not vote for a party which will give us a less safe industry with fewer inspectors, more accidents and inevitably more fatalities."