One in four Newcastle construction sites 'put workers' lives at risk'RSS Feed

Close to one in four construction sites in Newcastle are risking accident claims because they are paying enough attention to safety.

Formal enforcement notices were issued to nine out of 37 sites visited by inspectors as part of a nationwide clampdown on unsafe working practices in the industry being conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

In 2009/10, there were more than 70 injuries during construction work in Newcastle.

Nationally, three-quarters of all fatalities occur during refurbishment, repair and maintenance activities, which were the focus of the inspections.

HSE principal inspector for construction Rob Hirst described the findings as "unacceptable".

"Companies have a responsibility to protect their workers, to help rid construction of its reputation as being one of Britain's most dangerous industries," he said.

It comes after the HSE found one in five construction sites in East Lancashire are risking an accident at work by failing to operate safely.

Accident claims advice from Serious Law

Posted by T B Walters

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