Construction sites urged to promote protective boots

Construction site firms are being urged to encourage their employees to follow safety measures such as the wearing of protective boots.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is calling on building companies to reduce the number of injuries caused by workplace accidents.

A recent inspection by the group found that one in five construction sites may be at risk of failing safety checks.

Phillip White, HSE's chief inspector of construction, says he finds the lack of health and safety measures taken up by many contractors worrying.

He commented: 'This inspection initiative was well publicised and for our inspectors to still find this level of disregard for basic health and safety standards on refurbishment sites is disappointing.'

Inspectors from the workplace regulator visited 1,759 refurbishment sites during March.

They assessed whether construction areas were following regulations relating to risk control measures and use of protective equipment.

A new scheme, entitled Be Part of the Solution, will be launched by the HSE in June to promote health and safety across the entire UK workforce.

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