HSE reveals – over 40% of visited construction sites failed a safety check

Last month the HSE carried out unannounced checks at sites where refurbishment projects or repair works are undertaken. The HSE has revealed that over 1,100 construction sites failed a safety check. During the nationwide campaign, the HSE visited 2,607 sites where refurbishment or repair work was taking place. Inspectors found that basic safety standards were not being met on 1,105 sites. The most common problems identified included failing to protect workers during activities at height, exposure to harmful dust and inadequate welfare facilities. The HSE findings revealed that: 644 sites had practices so poor, enforcement action was required to protect workers. 539 prohibition notices were served ordering activities to stop immediately, and 414 improvement notices issued, requiring standards to improve.