HSE launch campaign to increase construction safety

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today launched a campaign to increase health & safety awareness among those involved in developing property as part of their business.

Last year 38 people died in construction refurbishment, repair and maintenance projects.

The HSE has worked with stakeholders across the construction industry to develop the campaign.

Robert Parkes, of HSE's construction division, said: “Tragically, last year, 38 people died on these types of projects and many more were injured or suffered ill-health because of poor health and safety practices.

“Whether you think of yourself as a property investor, developer or renovator, everyone has a role to play in helping reduce the number of serious and sometimes fatal incidents.”

Chris Tisi, who chairs the campaign stakeholder group, added: “I've been involved in development of property in various capacities over 35 years and found that health and safety has to be an integral part of any project in bringing it to completion on time and to budget.

“In my experience a safe and healthy site is a successful site.”

Between 1999 and 2007, 340 people died in construction refurbishment, repair and maintenance projects, with the majority of these being from falls from height or electrocution.

The campaign has been launched after the HSE discovered many people developing property for business do not know about the legal responsibilities clients have under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007).

Mr Parkes concluded: "If you see yourself as a property developer, I would urge you to visit hse.gov.uk/property for free advice on what you need to know and what you need to do."