Figures highlight the importance of PPE

New figures have highlighted the potential importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE) in the construction industry.

Research by trade union Ucatt revealed that over 70 construction deaths occurred in the UK during 2007-08, with the regions recording the most fatalities found to be Scotland, London and eastern England.

The only area no workplace fatalities in the industry were recorded was the northern part of England.

Alan Ritchie, general secretary of Ucatt, claimed it was unfortunate that the deaths 'barely rated a mention in the media'.

He added: 'Too often bosses regard deaths in construction as an inevitable consequence of the industry. That kind of shocking attitude must be stamped out.'

Christina Goddard, an inspector for the Health and Safety Executive, recently described falls from height as 'largely preventable'.

She made the comment after a Wirral company was fined for an incident in which a worker fell from a roof.

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