Secure sites over Xmas warns the HSE

Dec 24 2009 by Cameron Hay, Paisley Daily Express

FIRMS in Paisley are being reminded to secure their construction sites before wrapping up for Christmas.

Construction managers across the town, and throughout Renfrewshire, are being encouraged to reduce the risks of accidents over the festive period once building sites are closed down.

Officials at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued the warning on the back of figures which revealed that 26 members of the public have been killed and almost a thousand have been injured in construction-related incidents across the UK in the past five years.

The HSE, which has had to investigate after members of the public have been killed or injured in a range of incidents, such as those resulting from material being blown off site, scaffolding collapsing or children gaining access to poorly protected sites.

HSE Principal Inspector John Blackburn said: “Before closing the site for the holiday, contractors should carry out checks to ensure loose material is secure and scaffolding is properly supported.

“It should be checked particularly after bad weather.

“Children often see poorly guarded sites as playgrounds, so contractors should do all they can to help prevent them gaining access in the first place.

“They should also ensure that potentially dangerous areas such as deep excavations are secure.

“Should the site be closed for a significant period, it may be sensible to arrange for regular checks to take place to ensure that the site remains safe and secure.”