Injuries - An upward trend? The figures for fatal and major injuries are a cause for concern and reflect the upward national trend (81 construction fatalities nationally). We had 7 fatal accidents in the SW and provisional indications suggest that the incident rate of major accidents has increased slightly. This increase is disappointing as we recognise the amount of positive effort that is being made by many dutyholders in respect of securing a more effective control over site risks. However there are many more dutyholders who fall well short of the benchmark standards.

The launch of the CDM Regulations 2007 brings all of the construction specific legislation together. The regulations and the associated Approved Code of Practice provide both the regulator and the dutyholder with a greater clarity as to what is required and provides more explicit benchmarks particularly in relation to competency. On the back of these regulations we will be looking for a step change in performance to reduce the number of people killed and injured whilst at work in construction.

Falls from height. Falls from height as always account for the majority of reportable incidents with falls from ladders accounting for a high proportion of the incidents. Often the ladders are being used where other access solutions would be more suitable or they are not being used correctly.

We are concerned that a significant proportion of the tower scaffolds that we encounter are not constructed in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and are put up by operatives who have not received sufficient training. With the correct training operatives can erect tower scaffolds safely, eliminating the risk of falls during both the erection and dismantling. One of the fatal accidents was as a result of using ladders and towers inappropriately.

Work on fragile materials account for a large number of fatal and serious injuries. Three of the fatal incidents were as a result of falls from roofs that were unable to take the weight of the deceased. In addition to this we are investigating further non-fatal incidents where the lack of precautions in respect of fragile materials has been a key factor.

Ill health. Asbestos is still the biggest health issue. A major concern is the apparent failure on the part of many dutyholders to take steps to identify the asbestos liabilities within the construction project. We have encountered a disturbing number of developers who have failed to ensure that a type 3 asbestos survey was undertaken before the commencement of the construction phase. This has led to unnecessary asbestos exposure to workforce and enforcement action. We are still seeing a high degree of uncontrolled manual handling. Many dutyholders are failing to adequately control the risks associated with kerbs, lintels and blocks.

Site Transport. Transport incidents form a high proportion of the incidents received. We have seen an increase in the number of incidents with site dumpers (particularly high lift dumpers). The key issues relate to a failure to ensure that operatives are adequately trained to operate this type of plant, that operatives wear their lap belts and that there is effective key control to ensure that dumpers are not used by non-authorised personnel.

Myth busting. We are still concerned about what we call mythical safe systems of work. As inspectors it is amazing when we go onto site as to how many contractors stop what they are doing and take a break and/or leave site whilst we are on site. Further enquiries often identify that despite planning the work is not being and cannot be undertaken in a safe manner. We need to promote more effective monitoring, honesty and worker engagement to allow us to explode these myths and ensure that work can be carried out in a safe manner.

Enforcement. We are being challenged to take a robust enforcement line and be less tolerant where dutyholders are failing to adequately control risks particularly in the areas identified above. In most areas the benchmark standards are well defined and understood. Where dutyholders fall well short of the standards we have initiated prosecution proceedings as well as serving notices. In the past year three dutyholders were prosecuted as a result of targeted inspections where the standards noted on site fell well below those expected. These prosecutions did not involve injury.

Working Well Together. The Working Well Together team (and the associated sponsors) in the SW go to tremendous lengths to put on informative events to provide FREE practical advice and information assist local contractors in managing health and safety on site. I was disappointed by the take-up rate at the 5 events put on this year as they provided a very valuable resource. My thanks goes out to all those involved in these events. This year’s programme is yet to be formally announced but the team are looking at initiatives to assist contractors in securing the necessary competencies required by the revised CDM Regulations. I would strongly urge contractors to take up these opportunities.

Key areas of work in 2007/08. The proactive inspection targets for the 2007/8-year focus on refurbishment, commercial new build, and new homes, particularly those being undertaken by local/regional contractors. As well as continuing with our robust stance on asbestos removal works we will be undertaking targeted interventions on good site order, work at height and the use of MEWPs. More details on the key targets and issues for the year are detailed on the HSEs web pages.

Andrew Kingscott HM Principal Inspector – Construction - Bristol