Campaign launched to reduce site deaths

A massive campaign to reduce the two most likely causes of death and injury on building sites has been set out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Construction Division today.

The new priorities for the HSE Construction Division in 2003/04, as outlined in their Annual Work Plan, focuses on falls from height and management of site transport - as figures for 2001/2002 reveal that: 47% of fatal injuries to workers were caused by falls from height; and 14% of fatal injuries were caused by being struck by a moving vehicle. Provisional figures show that, so far, there are around 80 deaths relating to construction in 2002/03.

Other issues identified by the HSE include occupational ill-health problems caused by manual handling, hand-arm vibrations (HAV) and noise induced hearing loss.

Kevin Myers, Chief Inspector for Construction and head of the Construction Division, said: "While there are some signs that the industry is beginning to improve on its poor health and safety record, there is no room for complacency.

"In the long term, by developing a competent workforce at all levels, with greater commitment and better communication and co-operation across the procurement supply chain, we can together attain improvements in business, and therefore in health and safety, performance."

Between April 1 2001 and March 31 2002, there were 85 fatal injuries in the construction industry – six of which were to members of the public. During the same period, 4,862 people suffered major injuries, of whom 382 were members of the public. And 9,587 workers in the construction industry suffered injuries that kept them off work for more than three days.

Targets set out for improvement include reducing the rate of death and major injury by 40% by 2004/5 and 66% by 2009/10. It is also hoped that the number of working days lost from work-related injury and ill health will be slashed by 20% by 2004/5 and by 50% by 2009/10.

Tom Mellish, TUC Health and Safety Policy Officer, said: "The TUC welcomes the priority given to occupational health issues. The provision of a comprehensive occupational health service is something that both government and the construction industry must address."

The HSE Construction Division will also build on the Working Well Together campaign – which uses local safety and health awareness days (SHAD's) around the country, to reach small businesses and sole traders. Last year approximately 2,300 people attended a SHAD, with a similar target aimed to be reached this year.

(GMcG)