HSE disappointed with Cheshire inspections

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has revealed it is 'disappointed' with the outcome of its spot-checks on refurbishments sites in north Cheshire.

Five of the areas viewed on the day of inspections were given notices to stop work immediately, while ten out of the 14 sites visited were also handed enforcement notices.

The use of personal protective equipment may have been touched upon during the day, as inspectors dealt with issues included the risk that workers could fall from heights due to unsafe scaffolding.

Catherine Willars, inspector for the HSE, said many site managers in the area were 'struggling'.

She added: 'Persons in charge of construction activities need training and the competence to do so. Training courses are readily available to help site managers and foremen to gain the necessary competence.'

The HSE recently commenced a three-month consultation in relation to its new strategy.

According to organisation, the document has been created to tackle drops in the improvement of the UK's general health and safety performance.

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