05-03-2008
HSE criticises north-east refurbishment sector
News by Adfero for Simply Business - independent providers of public liability insurance, business finance, landlord insurance, buy-to-let mortgages & commercial mortgages.
Britain's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has levied criticism against the performance of the north-east's refurbishment sector.
Speaking after a series of inspections in the region, the HSE has warned that out of every three construction sites inspected across the north-east, one operated in a manner which endangered the lives of employees.
Moreover, in addition to work being stopped at a total of eight sites, 19 others were served with enforcement notices by the HSE.
"We stopped work on site immediately during eight inspections because we felt there was a real possibility that life would be lost or ruined through serious injury," said Michael Brown, HM inspector of health and safety.
"Our inspectors were appalled at the blatant disregard for basic health and safety precautions on refurbishment sites across the north-east."
Throughout the whole of last month, the HSE inspected more than 1,000 different refurbishment sites across the UK.
Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, the HSE was created as a consequence of Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
