Pictured: Ruth Ross, Managing Director of Building Trust in
Safety Ltd
Construction companies across Shropshire are being urged to
ensure they are meeting their health and safety obligations in the
wake of an official crackdown on unsafe building sites.
Shrewsbury-based consultancy Building Trust in Safety Ltd has
warned firms that the Health and Safety Executive is stepping up
the number of random spot-checks it carries out in a bid to stamp
out poor working practices throughout the industry.
Under the clampdown, safety inspectors are able to turn up on
site unannounced, and demand to check that all necessary
precautions have been put in place to minimise a variety of
potential risks, including working at height, exposure to asbestos
and other harmful materials, and preventing slips, trips and
falls.
Ruth Ross, Managing Director of Building Trust in Safety,
revealed: "The construction sector employs around two million
workers nationwide, yet it remains one of the country's most
dangerous industries. Fifty workers died in fatal accidents last
year, with thousands more suffering serious injuries, while more
than 2.5 million working days were lost due to sickness or
ill-health.
"In such challenging economic circumstances, some construction
companies may be tempted to put profits before health and safety by
trying to cut corners. With the increase in random safety
inspections, the likelihood is that they are now going to get
caught out, which could lead to hefty fines for
non-compliance."
To help construction companies make sure they are providing a
safe environment for their workforce, Building Trust in Safety is
inviting local firms to take advantage of its free safety audit
service, which will help them to develop and deliver a
comprehensive action plan so that they meet all necessary legal
policies and procedures.
"Many of the tragic accidents that occur on building sites can
be avoided by taking simple precautions, and our audit is an easy
way to put the necessary preventative measures in place. To see if
your company is eligible for our free health and safety audit,
please call on 01939 200 221 or email ruth@btsltd.co.uk," Ruth Ross
concluded.
Building Trust in Safety Ltd was launched in 1999 and is now one
of the most respected health and safety consultancies in the UK.
Offering a comprehensive and practical solution to all health and
safety needs across all industry sectors, Building Trust in
Safety's team of dedicated specialists provides an extensive range
of services, enabling businesses to flourish without fear.