New research has revealed over 80% of construction workplaces have never had a health and safety inspection.

In a study carried out by the Trade Union Congress (TUC), only one-in-six industry safety reps were aware of an inspection in the last year.

With 65,000 work-related injuries and 67,000 work related illnesses in 2015, union UCATT has slammed the studies findings and stated the research reveals the "utter neglect" by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

By 2019/20, Government funding of the HSE will have been slashed by nearly half, while local councils have reduced workplace inspections by 97%.

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UCATT Acting General Secretary, Brian Rye, said the survey result was "astonishing".

"What is the point of the HSE if they don't inspect? UCATT health and safety reps, shop stewards and convenors spend their working lives trying to protect British construction workers, the very least we could expect from our Government is some support," he said.

TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady added: "I am appalled that 80% of reps in construction say their workplaces haven't been inspected. Construction workplaces can be some of the most dangerous places to work.

"Huge cuts to the HSE and to local authorities continue to undermine vital safety protections at work. That means more workers at risk of accidents in unsafe workplaces every day. It's time to fund the HSE properly and make sure bosses know that they can't get away with chancing workers' lives in dangerous workplaces."

(LM)