HSE safety blitz targets 1,000 sites in 2 months

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced a summer campaign to heighten awareness over falls from height, which will see it inspect over 1,000 sites nationwide in June and July.

Last year, 24 of the 59 worker deaths in construction were caused by falls from height. A further 4,000 major injuries were reported last year, half of which involved a fall from below head height.

HSE inspectors will focus on making sure that the correct precautions are taken during work at low and high heights. They will also check that sites are kept in good order with footpaths, corridors and stairwells free from obstructions.

HSE chief inspector of construction Stephen Williams said: "The figures speak for themselves and we are going to tackle the issue head on with enforcement led inspections.

"Of course, the key to success will be support from construction workers and the industry itself. However we are prepared to take action against those who carelessly flout safety precautions with devastating effects to workers and their families.”

Last year, 1,379 contractors were visited during the HSE's 'Fit-Out' campaign, a similar initiative. They took enforcement action against 170 firms in relation to work at height, with a further 29 due to lack of good order on site.