HSE spot checks caught out five contractors in Newcastle

Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have found examples of bad and even dangerous working practices in workplaces in Newcastle.

Out of a total of 30 contractors who received unannounced spot checks from the HSE, five were found to be employing poor working practices and subsequently stopped work immediately.

Working at height and maintaining health and safety were the main reasons behind the prohibition orders being issued with one contractor caught out for not implementing an asbestos check before workers started knocking down some walls.

Michael Brown, HM Inspector of Health and Safety, said: "Our inspectors were appalled at the willingness to ignore basic safety precautions."

"We will not tolerate poor standards and will take appropriate enforcement action proactively as well as when an accident occurs," he added.

According to figures from the HSE, last year up to 77 workers died in the construction industry with over half of these taking place in the refurbishment sector.

Find out more about Construction safety