3rd October 2017
HSE launches second phase of construction inspection campaign
Lighthouse is warning all construction clients to be aware of the HSE’s latest targeted inspection campaign which gets underway today (2nd October 2017).
HSE carried out over 2000 inspections during the first phase of the initiative earlier this year with action being taken to address these issues in almost half of visits. With Fee for Intervention (FFI) currently at £129p/hour and the average invoice being £953, this could work out costly for those sites falling foul!
Focus on control of harmful dusts
In addition to key areas such as falls from height, manual handling and welfare provision – the campaign will specifically focus on control of harmful dusts including respirable silica from concrete, brick and stone, asbestos and wood dust.
HSE says 43 workers were fatally injured in 2015/16, and an estimated ten times that number died from construction related ill-health, with a further 65,000 self-reported non-fatal injuries.
HSE is now asking every construction contractor, client and designer to ensure they are not adding to this unacceptable toll of harm by failing to manage well-known risks.
I’m Running a Building/Refurbishment Site – What Should I Do
Be prepared, forewarned is forearmed! Ensure that the key areas detailed above are being well managed, and pay particular attention to your arrangements for the control of dust. Check on tool extraction is being used, ensure all operatives are made aware of site rules (tool box talks) and that they have received face fit testing if using respiratory protective equipment (RPE). If you are unsure or concerned about anything in this article then ring Lighthouse safety consultants on the advice line 0845 4591724 and arrange for a site inspection.
