Construction firms carrying out refurbishment projects on Teesside are being targeted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for the second time in five months in order to crackdown on dangerous working practices.

A series of random spot checks in February on several contractors led to work being stopped on two sites because of concerns over working at height. In addition, one improvement notice was issued relating to good order and two other enforcement notices served on contractors.

Further spot checks will take place next week with inspectors again addressing poor safety standards.

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HSE Inspector Jonathan Wills said: "Last year 77 workers 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%.

"When we inspected sites in February our inspectors were appalled at the willingness to ignore basic safety precautions. We will not tolerate poor standards and will take appropriate enforcement action proactively as well as when an accident occurs.

"Our advice to those who work in the refurbishment sector is to plan work, use competent workers and if working at height use the right equipment and use it safely."

HSE inspectors will be looking at whether:

• Jobs that involve working at height have been identified and properly planned to ensure that appropriate precautions are in place
• Equipment is correctly installed / assembled, inspected and maintained and used properly
• Sites are well organised, to avoid trips and falls
• Walkways and stairs are free from obstructions
• Work areas are clear of unnecessary materials and waste
• The workforce is made aware of risk control measures