Accidents at Work

Unsurprisingly Britain’s Health and Safety statistics show that most workplace injuries occur within the construction, agricultural and transport sectors.

The high risk construction sector accounts for only 5% of employees in Britain and although there has been a significant reduction in the rate of injury over the last 20 years within this sector, 27% of fatal injuries to Britain’s employees occur within construction and account for 10% of major injuries.

It has recently been reported by Health and Safety Government that more than 1000 construction sites failed safety checks. The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) conducted a month-long safety drive, which found dangerous practises and poor standards at nearly half the building sites visited.

The nationwide campaign saw inspectors visiting 2607 sites where refurbishment and repair work was taking place. Basic safety standards were not being met on an astonishing 1105 sites. On 644 of these sites, practises were found to be so poor that enforcement action was necessary to protect workers. It’s in situations such as these when an accident at work solicitor may be required.

539 prohibition notices were served ordering dangerous activities to stop immediately and 414 improvement notices issued requiring standards to improve. The top three problems which were highly apparent at many of these sites included failing to protect workers working at height, exposure to harmful dust and inadequate welfare facilities.

HSE’s Chief Inspector of Construction, Heather Bryant said, “It is disappointing to find a significant number of sites falling below acceptable health and safety standards. The inspections revealed that poor practice often went hand in hand with a lack of understanding. Through initiatives like this we are able to tackle underlying issues before they become established and we will continue to work with the industry in an effort to drive up standards. However, those who recklessly endanger the health and lives of their workforce can expect to face tough consequences.”

If you think you could be at risk, or require more information for an accident claim at work, please do not hesitate to contact Winn Solicitors.

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