Spot checks yield further 'dangerous' working practices
February 18, 2008
Random spot checks on Scottish building sites have uncovered more "bad and even dangerous" working practices.
Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued prohibition notices at eight out of the 17 locations they visited across Dundee and Angus.
Work was stopped at many of the sites because of poor standards relating to working at height, while one site was said to have no fire evacuation procedures in place.
Jim Skilling, the HSE's principal health and safety inspector, said the organisation's representatives were "disappointed" with what they found.
"Although some sites were being run well, in many instances our inspectors were appalled at the willingness to ignore basic safety precautions," he remarked.
"We found poor standards across some quite basic things and considered that they were simply accidents waiting to happen, that could have resulted in serious injury or even fatalities."
He warned that poor health and safety standards will not be tolerated, while bosses could face "appropriate enforcement action".
Last year, construction union Ucatt called for an increase in health and safety inspections as part of "the battle for builders' lives".
Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued prohibition notices at eight out of the 17 locations they visited across Dundee and Angus.
Work was stopped at many of the sites because of poor standards relating to working at height, while one site was said to have no fire evacuation procedures in place.
Jim Skilling, the HSE's principal health and safety inspector, said the organisation's representatives were "disappointed" with what they found.
"Although some sites were being run well, in many instances our inspectors were appalled at the willingness to ignore basic safety precautions," he remarked.
"We found poor standards across some quite basic things and considered that they were simply accidents waiting to happen, that could have resulted in serious injury or even fatalities."
He warned that poor health and safety standards will not be tolerated, while bosses could face "appropriate enforcement action".
Last year, construction union Ucatt called for an increase in health and safety inspections as part of "the battle for builders' lives".
More Working at Height news:
Construction firms fined combined GBP 250,000 - November 21, 2008Inquest suggests accident 'due to lack of communication' - November 18, 2008
Cake scheme inspects Thames Gateway firms - November 17, 2008
Construction safety training day held in Colwyn Bay - November 14, 2008
Calderbrook Estates and contractor fined - November 13, 2008
