The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced it will inspect 1,000 refurbishment sites across Great Britain throughout February to tackle poor safety standards.

Last year 77 workers, 10 of whom were from Scotland, died in the construction industry in the UK, and over half of these were in the refurbishment sector where the number of deaths rose by 61%.

Working at height and good site order will be the focus of inspections and contractors can expect strong enforcement action.

During a similar initiative carried out last summer, enforcement notices were issued at an average of one in three sites visited. A total of 175 contractors received a visit from inspectors in Scotland, and enforcement notices were issued on 42 occasions for poor practice relating to working at height and failing to maintain sites in good order and other safety issues. Work has stopped immediately on 26 sites.

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HSE's Chief Inspector of Construction, Stephen Williams, said: "It is totally unacceptable that so many lives have been lost and continue to be put at risk on construction sites, particularly within the refurbishment sector.

"We will continue to take firm action against rogue elements who ignore safety precautions. Sites where health and safety is taken seriously have nothing to fear, but we will root out those that put lives at risk."

For further information, visit the website on: www.hse.gov.uk/construction/tripsandfalls/index.htm.

(JM)