Construction Accidents Statistics
Construction Sites - Still a Hazard for Accidents at Work
According to results of a study carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), around 25% of all UK construction sites are unsafe for their workers. Approximately one in four sites failed to comply with safety standards when visited by the HSE in March of this year, making them unsafe for both the public and employees alike. These are worrying construction accident statistics.
During the study, 2014 construction sites were subject to unscheduled visits from HSE representatives as part of an initiative to reduce death and injury in these particular work environments. The inspectors focussed on refurbishment and roofing work, noting factors such as whether work at height was being carried out safely and whether the sites were generally in ‘good order’. As a result of these visits, 691 enforcement notices were issued at 470 sites and notice was given for work to be stopped immediately on 359 occasions.
In 2009, there were 53 deaths and 11,264 injuries on construction sites. The HSE’s initiative has set about reducing this figure significantly. Peter White, the HSE’s Chief Inspector for Construction has said that while many firms are complying with HSE standards, “There are still a small number of employers or contractors who continue to put their own and other people’s health and safety at risk. This is unacceptable. I want to make it clear to these operators that we will not hesitate to take action where standards of health and safety are endangering workers’ lives and livelihoods.”
According to the HSE, over 2.2 million people work in the construction industry. Bearing the results of their study in mind, it is easy to see just how many potential deaths and injuries are to be considered. In the last 25 years there have been 2,800 deaths on construction sites and the figures for injury are far higher. The guidelines for minimising health risks are quite clear and include such things as health checks, the issue of protective clothing and proper risk assessments.
An employer has a legal duty to the health and safety of their employees. In addition, customers and members of the public may be affected by the work carried out on a construction site, so it is imperative that they are considered as well. In the statutes laid down by the HSE, particular attention is paid to minimising the risks to health, ensuring that machinery is well maintained, dangerous substances are handled safely and that all members of staff are given the correct and adequate training to carry out their job safely.
If an employee is injured as the result of employer negligence in a construction accident, they may find they are able to take out a personal injury claim. As part of the process, the injury and all the circumstances pertaining to it must be reported to the HSE. It seems that many employees do not take out these claims for fear of being dismissed. However, any reasonable employer should welcome any safety issues being flagged up, in order to prevent them from reoccurring in the future. In addition, there are laws in place to protect the rights of anyone wishing to make a claim under these circumstances.
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