HSE concern after Rochdale spot checks

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has issued warnings on nearly 40% of the construction sites it visited during spot checks in Oldham and Rochdale on Wednesday.

HSE inspectors visited 22 sites and issued eight enforcement notices. Seven of these concerned people working unsafely at height, and a further one for poor site management.

The HSE is visiting 1,500 sites in a blitz on the refurbishment sector across the UK. In total, 1,500 construction sites are being targeted across the UK as part of the new campaign – including 200 in the North West.

There were 38 deaths in the refurbishment sector last year, representing 50% of all construction fatalities, even though it only represents 40% of all activity in the industry.