HSENI warn contractors are 'accountable'

In the run up to an inspection campaign next week, the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) have warned contractors: "Risk employees and you will be held accountable."

The HSENI say that for many contractors the use of scaffolding and close-hung safety nets has become normal practice, however, in a clear warning to those contractors who are resistant to change, the HSENI say they are aiming to make all contractors fully aware of their responsibilities with regard to health and safety at work.

Ken Logan, head of HSENI's Construction Group, said: "Thanks to these initiatives we have seen the number of accidents as a result of falls from heights reducing over the past year. However, we cannot afford to be complacent, as falls from heights still remains the number one cause of accidents in the construction industry. In light of this we are warning those contractors, who are still prepared to put their workers at risk, that they will be held accountable.

"Everyone in the construction industry should be well aware of the standards required when carrying out work at heights and therefore no excuse for poor practice will be accepted by HSENI. Review your work practices now and where necessary bring the up to proper standards."

Inspectors from the HSENI will be visiting construction sites throughout the province in the last week of June.

Pointing to the information and advice service provided by the HSENI, Mr Logan added: "There is simply no excuse for anyone involved in the construction process to plead ignorance of good health and safety practice."

(SP)