Building sites in Scotland under safety crackdown

In order to ensure that workers are safe on Scottish building sites, inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive are conducting checks to cut down on cowboy practices.

The initiative has begun following news that 13 workers were badly injured at a Renfrewshire site in 2011/12.

Across the country 316 workers were seriously injured on building sites and three died. It is imperative that workers carry out the best possible practices when conducting construction work.

These can be as simple as making sure that hardhats, safety shoes and reflective workwear are worn or checking power tools are functioning safely. It is also important to make sure ladders are supported or scaffolding is correctly assembled.

Head of construction for Scotland with the Health and Safety Executive Jeanette Reuben said: “Death and injury continue to result from avoidable incidents and it is largely those engaged in refurbishment and repair work who are failing to step up to the mark. Poor management of risks and a lack of awareness of responsibilities are unacceptable.”

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