Teeside next for inspections

Following on from its announcement to inspect construction sites in Newcastle, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed Teeside will be the next location where building firms carrying out refurbishment work will be inspected.

Earlier in the year, the executive carried out random spot checks in the area and closed two sites for poor safety concerning employees working at height, while one improvement notice was issued relating to good order.

Over the next week, construction firms will face further scrutiny of their health and safety practices.

Jonathan Willis, a HSE inspector, said: "When we inspected sites in February our inspectors were appalled at the willingness to ignore basic safety precautions".

He added the number of deaths in the refurbishment sector has increased by 61 per cent over the past year and action will be taken against companies neglecting responsibilities.

"We will not tolerate poor standards and will take appropriate action proactively," Mr Willis continued.

According to the HSE, falls from height are the biggest causes of fatalities in Britain's workplaces, accounting for 23 of the 77 worker deaths in construction in 2006 to 2007.