Media Contact Details in relation to statement issued by HSE on 11 September re ongoing HSE programme of construction site inspections (and closures):

Stephen Williams, Health and Safety Executive‘s Head of Construction issued a statement on 11 September that "Nearly 1 in 3 construction refurbishment sites inspected put the lives of workers at risk",

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out over 1500 inspections as part of its rolling inspection programme, resulting in enforcement action on 426 occasions in just two months. Stephen Williams said, "We stopped work on site immediately during 244 inspections because we felt there was a real possibility that life would be lost or ruined through serious injury. It is completely unacceptable that so many lives have been put at risk. Our inspectors were appalled at the apparent willingness to ignore basic safety precautions"

The latest fatal injury statistics from the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) confirm that the construction industry still has the highest total of fatalities accounting for 31% of the 241 fatal injuries to workers in 2006/7.

Work at height remains the biggest concern. Over half of the enforcement action taken during this inspection initiative was against dangerous work at height, which last year led to the death of 23 workers.

Arco, the UK’s largest safety equipment supplier, offers expert advice and a host of safety solutions that can help employers in the construction industry meet legislative requirements, correctly protect employees and in so doing, protect their businesses. With a head office and National Distribution Centre in Hull and 34 “local” branches around the UK, Arco serves construction firms of all sizes from Kier Group, Aggregate Industries and Northern Rail to many smaller refurbishment businesses.

Through the dedication and knowledge of its workforce, Arco has earned a reputation as being an “expert in safety” and offers a range of safety management services that include training, product trials and face fit testing to name but a few.

Ian Browning, Arco’s Construction Sector Specialist, said, “Employers have a duty of care to their workforce, and unless employees are properly trained and protected, the human and financial cost of accidents and ill-health in the construction industry can be devastating. Arco is determined to help drive down the numbers of accidents and occupational injuries in this industry.”

Email: rachael@mconieagency.com