Month-Long Initiative Taking Place Across September

By Rob Dixon

The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE’s) new month-long initiative of unannounced checks at construction sites across Britain has been welcomed by workplace injury lawyers, who represent victims of accidents at work.
 
Launched at the start of this month, the initiative will see inspectors visit construction sites to consider how high-risk tasks such as working at height are being properly managed, as well as to ensure general welfare facilities are being provided.
 
The initiative is based around the sector as it remains the most high-risk industry, with workers being four times more likely to be killed in construction than the average worker and 70 builders believed to be suffering health problems as a result of work.
 
Irwin Mitchell’s specialist workplace injury experts represent victims seriously injured in work accidents across the UK, as well as the families of those killed in such incidents.
 
Sally Rissbrook, a lawyer at the national law firm’s Sheffield office who specialises in providing advice on such issues, said: “We see numerous instances when construction workers have suffered serious life-changing injuries as a result of accidents at work, which could and should have been avoided, with our work ensuring they are able to access rehabilitation and support.
 
“This campaign is a vital step towards promoting proper health and safety in the sector, as well as ensuring that employers are held to account for failings and made aware of their responsibilities in this regard.
 
“Health and safety should always be a priority in the workplace and all employers in the construction industry need to recognise this.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in relation to Construction Industry Accident Claims