Industry leader criticised for safety comments

A leading figure in the construction industry been criticised for claiming in an interview that 'health and safety Gestapo' are restricting the work of the sector.

Bob Whincap, president of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation, told Construction News that whenever risks arise on sites the issue is eliminated 'and the problem is you can't build'.

However, Alan Ritchie, general secretary of construction union Ucatt, has called the comments 'deeply disturbing'.

In comments that highlight the need for personal protective equipment, he said: 'On many sites health and safety barely exists.'

He added: 'It is a pity that someone in his position, a figurehead for the industry, appears to be more concerned about cutting corners than ensuring the safety of workers.'

Last week, the Health and Safety Executive held an event on construction safety in Renfrewshire.

The awareness day in Paisley highlighted ways for companies and contractors to prevent accidents on building sites.

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