HSE targets construction jobs

25/11/2008

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has targeted construction workers in its latest crackdown on workplace safety regulations.

Its inspectors visited 16 building sites and closed down 12, which it said had unsafe working practices.

Sarah Snelling, an HSE Inspector said, she was appalled at the "willingness of building owners and their contractors to ignore basic safety precautions".

"Our advice to those who work in the refurbishment and conversion sector is to plan work, use competent workers and, if working at height, use the right equipment and use it safely," she said.

The organisation's advice for workers in construction jobs is to use only equipment that has been correctly installed, assembled, inspected and maintained.

Contractors that ignore HSE directives were "literally risking the lives of those working on these sites as well as others in the immediate area", Ms Snelling went on.

All employers have a duty of care to their employees and the government insists all registered businesses comply with its health and safety guidance.

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