Safety warning to children about construction sites dangers
July 2, 2009
Dozens of children are seriously injured on construction sites every year, and the Health & Safety Executive is concerned that there may be an increased danger this year with more sites being mothballed during the economic downturn.
Companies are being reminded that, even if no work is taking place, regular checks should be carried out to make sure people are not able to get onto sites and they are in a safe condition.
Jeanette Reuben, HSE Head of Operations for Construction in Scotland, said:
We want children to enjoy playing outside during the summer holidays but it’s vital they stay safe. Construction sites often appeal to young people as they look like giant adventure playgrounds, but they can be extremely dangerous. The recession has led to some sites shutting down in Scotland, which means there aren’t workers on duty to make sure children stay away. There should be good security fencing around construction sites, but children can often find their way onto them if they try hard enough.
Scaffolding, excavations, fragile surfaces, electricity cables and stacked up building materials are all potential dangers on building sites. We’re asking companies to ensure building sites are properly secured to make it harder for members of the public to get onto them.
The construction sector is one of the most dangerous industries in the UK, with 11 deaths and 1,597 serious injuries in Scotland in 2007/8. In the past two years, there have been nearly 60 serious injuries to children on UK construction sites, including one death.
HSE is advising construction managers to stop work immediately if they see children trying to get onto a site. They should also make sure equipment and materials are locked away safely at the end of each day.
Find out more about Construction Safety
Companies are being reminded that, even if no work is taking place, regular checks should be carried out to make sure people are not able to get onto sites and they are in a safe condition.
Jeanette Reuben, HSE Head of Operations for Construction in Scotland, said:
We want children to enjoy playing outside during the summer holidays but it’s vital they stay safe. Construction sites often appeal to young people as they look like giant adventure playgrounds, but they can be extremely dangerous. The recession has led to some sites shutting down in Scotland, which means there aren’t workers on duty to make sure children stay away. There should be good security fencing around construction sites, but children can often find their way onto them if they try hard enough.
Scaffolding, excavations, fragile surfaces, electricity cables and stacked up building materials are all potential dangers on building sites. We’re asking companies to ensure building sites are properly secured to make it harder for members of the public to get onto them.
The construction sector is one of the most dangerous industries in the UK, with 11 deaths and 1,597 serious injuries in Scotland in 2007/8. In the past two years, there have been nearly 60 serious injuries to children on UK construction sites, including one death.
HSE is advising construction managers to stop work immediately if they see children trying to get onto a site. They should also make sure equipment and materials are locked away safely at the end of each day.
Find out more about Construction Safety
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Company fined GBP18000 after worker loses parts of fingers in machinery - September 29, 2009
Plant fined GBP30,000 after worker loses three fingers - July 3, 2009
Company ignores rules for eight years - June 24, 2009
