There is growing concern over the amount of poor scaffolding work at construction sites across Lancashire and Cumbria.

Falling from height remains the most common cause of fatal injury in the workplace, with 45 deaths recorded nationally in 2006-07. In the same year there were 3,409 major injuries - up 24 on the previous year - 68% of which were falls of less than two metres.

Despite the statistics, more than 30 scaffolding enforcement notices have been issued across Lancashire and Cumbria since April, and inspectors say the figure represents one third of all enforcement notices in the construction sector.


To help drive home the message, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is holding a special safety awareness event on Tuesday October 7 which is aimed at senior managers with scaffolding companies across the two counties.

The event - at Truckhaven on Scotland Road in Carnforth, Lancashire - is designed to provide the latest advice and guidance for those in the industry.

HSE Construction Inspector Dave Charnock said: "We want to help companies avoid problems with scaffolds and effective health and safety management. Safe systems of work and public protection are all on the morning's itinerary.

"We will also be looking at more specialist issues such as scaffold design requirements, tying patterns, issues with drilling fixings, and selection and use of harnesses as well as inspection of equipment and rescue planning."

The event starts at 8.30am and, although invites have been sent to the counties' scaffolding companies, other interested parties can be accommodated on the day.

(JM)