United Kingdom-It doesn't matter if it's the United States or England or halfway around the world, construction site danger lurks everywhere. Safety inspectors had to take action at almost half of the building sites they visited during a recent crackdown - because contractors were found to be breaching regulations designed to safeguard the lives of staff working there.
During a sweep of 86 construction sites in four counties, safety inspectors had to stop the work on 31 construction sites because people were at risk for sustaining serious, if not fatal, injuries.
All of the sites visited were refurbishment projects and inspectors were particularly looking for hazards that could cause a trip or fall - one of the biggest causes of death at work.
They also wanted to see good practice in the areas of working at height and electrical safety, both well-known risks in the refurbishment sector.
But the majority of stop notices served on the sites were issued for breaches relating to the kind of risks contractors would be most aware. The risks should have been evident to a contractor familiar with this type of work. Construction industry accidents resulted in 59 deaths and 3,677 major injuries in 2005-2006.
In the Yorkshire region, three people died and 365 people suffered major injuries while at work during 2005-2006.
Throughout the same period hundreds of cases were brought to court and secured 133 convictions against employers who breached the rules, with an average fine of £5,000 being handed down by the courts to those admitting guilt or being convicted.
Prosecution will be considered where there is a blatant disregard for the rules and where companies have received previous relevant advice.
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/localnews?articleid=3107999
