Government accused of risking workers lives

The government has been accused of putting the lives of workers in the UK at risk due to complacency.

According to the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (Ucatt), those in power have failed to support statutory directors' duties for health and safety at work while claiming only 44 per cent of companies have embraced the voluntary guidance approach.

The union states the introduction of duties for directors would mean those who fail to adhere to health and safety requirements could face jail.

Alan Ritchie, general secretary of Ucatt, believes self-regulation provides no benefits in industries such as construction and claims the government is not doing enough on workplace safety issues.

"By talking about the importance of giving 'advice and guidance' ministers and the HSE's [Health and Safety Executive] chiefs, give the impression that they think it is more important to stuff education material into envelopes than inspect sites," he said.

According to the HSE, the construction industry employs over 2.2 million people and 2,800 have died over the last 25 years from injuries they have sustained on sites.