Scots construction sites risking accident claimsRSS Feed

Nearly one in five construction sites in Scotland visited as part of an inspection programme are risking accident claims from workers.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) visited 288 sites across the country, finding 53 to be so far below required standards that they were issued with formal enforcement notices to prevent an accident at work.

It comes as part of a UK-wide crackdown on the construction industry that has indentified similar failings across the sector.

Refurbishment works were targeted as these are the worst performing in the industry.

In 2009/10, three people were killed working in construction in Scotland and there were 1,100 injuries.

HSE head of construction for Scotland Jeannette Reuben said the findings of the inspections were "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," she added.

Meanwhile, the HSE identified ten unsafe construction sites in Lincoln, out of 45 visited by inspectors.

Accident claims advice from Serious Law

Posted by M E Dixon

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