HSE to take harder line on construction safety breaches

Categories: Construction Health and Safety |

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is looking to impose stricter regulations on the construction industry in order to continue to curb workplace fatalities.

According to Construction News, leading members of HSE proposed at a recent discussion with MPs the introduction of more stringent rules governing health and safety provision, as well as the naming and shaming of companies found guilty of breaches.

Additional suggestions put to HSE by the Work and Pensions Select Committee suggested an increase in fines for workplace deaths, as well as a more consistent policy among regional courts on appropriate penalties.

Judith Hackitt, chairperson of HSE, said: "Not only should [an] extension be built to last … it should be built in a way that doesn't put at risk the people who have to build it in the first place."

Existing governmental regulations related to health and safety in construction include the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations of 1992, which require employers to supply appropriate workwear such as safety helmets and hi vis clothing for those in potentially dangerous industries.

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