Lincolnshire building sites targeted by safety inspectors

Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will pay unannounced visits to sites across Lincolnshire where refurbishment or repair works are taking place to ensure duty holders are managing high-risk activity, such as working at height.

During 2011/12, 38 construction workers were seriously injured in Lincolnshire. Nationally there were 49 deaths and more than 2,800 major injuries.

The unsafe practices on construction sites across Lincolnshire will be targeted as part of a national initiative aimed at reducing death, injury and ill-health.

They will also check for general good order, assess welfare facilities and check whether suitable PPE, such as head protection, is being used appropriately.

Richard Lockwood, HSE’s Principal Inspector for Construction in Lincolnshire, said: “Death and injury continue to result from avoidable incidents and it is largely those engaged in refurbishment and repair work who are failing to step up to the mark. Poor management of risks and a lack of awareness of responsibilities are unacceptable.

“In many cases simple changes to working practices can make all the difference, and can even save lives. Therefore if we find evidence that workers are being unnecessarily put at risk we will take strong action.”

The national inspection initiative runs from February 18 to March 15.