Construction firms warned not to cut corners on workplace safety

Categories: Construction Health and Safety |


Construction firms warned not to cut corners on workplace safety Business leaders who cut corners on health and safety to try and save money in the current climate could find themselves facing a jail term, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned.

Debbie John, construction inspector for north Wales, said there are new legislative powers now in place to penalise firms which fail to follow legal requirements.

Indeed, the Health and Safety Offences Act 2008, which came into force in January, gave courts the power to impose fines of up to £20,000 or prison terms for serious breaches of the law.

Her comments come as the need for businesses to consider personal protective equipment, such as safety helmets and hi vis clothing, has been further highlighted by new research into work-related accidents in Wales.

Four deaths, 233 major injuries and 411 accidents which left staff facing three or more days off work occurred in Wales between 2007 and 2008, HSE data has shown.

Ms John said: "Cutting corners or ignoring health and safety requirements is a false economy as the consequences of a breach can be lost productivity and the cost of any resulting enforcement action."ADNFCR-1200-ID-19023529-ADNFCR

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