27/11/2001

HSENI issues warning to roofing contractors

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has issued a warning to all industrial roofing contractors that poor health and safety standards will not be tolerated.

The announcement heralds a week-long province-wide inspection campaign by the organisation, which will focus on ensuring that appropriate safety measures are taken to prevent falls when working at heights. Inspectors will be looking out for the use of correct equipment and procedure, and HSENI will serve Prohibition Notices to any site that is dangerous, forcing work to be stopped in advance of an accident occurring.

Ken Logan, Head of the Construction Group at HSENI explained: “Falls from heights are a major source of fatal and major injury accidents and as such this is an area of great concern to HSENI. In order to create a safer working environment for roof workers it is essential that everyone involved in the construction process plays an active part in raising standards. This includes clients, designers and contractors.”

Drawing attention to the fact that despite three earlier campaigns, the lesson had still not been learn, Mr Logan continued: “HSENI have always been here to give advice in relation to health and safety at work. Information on safe working at heights may be obtained from HSENI’s Information and Advice Centre and Helpline Service which can be reached by phoning 0800 0320 121.

“There is simply NO excuse for anyone involved in the construction process to plead ignorance of good health and safety practice.” (CL)

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