Poor standards of welfare and unsafe work on building sites in the West Midlands will be targeted this month as part of an annual push to reduce death, injury and ill health in the industry.

During a concentrated drive running in February, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will visit sites across the region, focusing on ill health on construction sites.

This will cover issues such as noise and vibration, manual handling, dermatitis, welfare, and correct use of personal protective equipment and respiratory protective equipment and face-fit testing.

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HSE inspectors will make unannounced visits to construction sites across the West Midlands conurbation and in parts of Worcestershire and Warwickshire. They will be checking to ensure high-risk activities, such as work with noisy, vibrating power tools, is being done safely. They will also check welfare facilities on site are adequate, such as having hot, running water available so substances like cement can be washed from the skin to prevent the development of conditions such as dermatitis.

Workers' protective equipment will also be checked to make sure it's in good working order and respiratory protection equipment to ensure it’s working and fits the wearer correctly.

Latest figures show construction workers are nearly four times as likely to be killed at work compared to the average worker, and an estimated 70,000 in the industry will today be suffering ill health as a result of their work.

The purpose of the campaign is to drive home the message to those working in the industry that poor risk management and a lack of awareness of responsibilities are not only unacceptable, but can cost lives.

(CD/IT)