HSE
Alarm over 14% fall in HSE construction visits
The number of unannounced visits by HSE inspectors to construction sites has fallen by 14%, according to Freedom of Information requests obtained by construction union Unite.
The information from construction union Unite revealed that in 2015/16 there were 9,219 inspections, reducing to 7,912 in 2016/17.
The reduction in inspections follows a trend as there was also a 4% decrease in the previous 12 months, says the union.
Unite is now seeking urgent meetings with ministers and the HSE as the safety body faces major funding cuts.
Alarming
Unite assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail, said: “These figures are alarming as they demonstrate a huge decrease in vital lifesaving inspections.
“Sadly there remain far too many employers who are all too willing to cut safety regulations and it is only the genuine prospect of an unannounced inspection which keeps them in check.
“The government has slashed funding for the HSE and it is clear that it is increasingly struggling to make ends meet. We also need answers from the HSE about whether they are taking steps to redress this fall in inspections and whether there are specific reasons for these reductions.”
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Alarm over 14% fall in HSE construction visits
The number of unannounced visits by HSE inspectors to construction sites has fallen by 14%.
Alison Fava
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You should be looking at the 90% drop in proactive inspections at all workplaces in both HSE enforced, and LA enforced premises since 2010. On top of that, the massive reduction in staff available to do inspections. The LA I work in has cut H&S Inspectors by 70% – from 10 to 3.