Startling new research carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveals that nearly one in three construction sites inspected put the lives of workers at risk.

This follows the release of figures showing that during 2006/07 a total of 77 fatalities occurred on construction sites, a rise of 28 per cent on the previous year. Many of these deaths occurred on smaller construction projects such as the refurbishment of shops, industrial units, offices and residential buildings.

Robert Higgs, chief executive of the Heating and Ventilation Contractors Association (HVCA) comments: "It comes as no surprise to us that prosecutions brought by the Health and Safety Executive are increasing.

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"Too many small construction companies, builders and developers continue to flout relevant legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, but more importantly the recently updated Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007.

"These companies should know what they are doing but are too ready to cut corners by using poorly trained, ill equipped and non-qualified workers, usually simply to save time and money regardless of the consequences for everyone on site."

He continued: "Our advice is simple, if you are involved in refurbishment, repair or maintenance and you want to avoid the very serious penalties that come with taking risks on health and safety matters, only use reputable, competent contractors, and always ensure that health and safety legislation is complied with or you could be taking a short cut to serious injury or even death."

The recently updated Construction (Design and Management) regulations 2007 now includes a section setting out competences which should be expected of a contractor.

(JM)