The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today released the date of its spot inspections on refurbishment sites in Bedford, Luton and Peterborough.

Teams of HSE inspectors will be targeting the refurbishment sites - where construction work is carried out on existing properties, in the area on February 19.

Last year one construction worker died every week in England (62 in total) and over half of those were in the refurbishment sector, where the number of deaths rose by 61%.

A number of refurbishment premises will be visited in Bedford, Luton and Peterborough to make sure they are getting it right when working at height, and keeping their sites in good working order.

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Contractors can expect strong enforcement action - last year there were 30 prosecutions relating to construction in the East.

HSE's Principal Inspector of Construction for Bedford, Luton and Peterborough Peter Galsworthy, said: "The proportion of deaths on refurbishment sites is increasing across the country. The challenge for HSE is to raise awareness among this group and promote the proper use of the sensible precautions that are needed to stem these deaths.

"During the blitz, inspectors will provide advice and will take robust enforcement action where there is a serious failure to comply and control the risk to those working on site.

"HSE wants to help builders get it right and thereby avoid the pain and suffering caused by such tragic deaths and the financial loss and delay arising from not taking the right precautions."

(VB/JM)