Health and Safety Executive inspectors have handed out the first set of notices following changes to CDM 2015 regulations…
In April this year changes to the Construction (Design and Management) 2015 regulations were introduced. The health and safety law applies to the construction process from conception to completion and outlines what must be done to comply with the law.
During a one-month campaign to improve safety, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found 46 per cent of the 1,908 refurbished sites were below the new standard. Numerous refurbishment contractors also received improvement notices.
The checks saw 983 notifications of contravention served. These indicated a “material breach” of HSE rules.
A total of 432 prohibition notices were given in cases that had seen certain activities halted.
Improvement notices were given to 260 teams, meaning plans to improve safety procedures must be put into action.
Breaches can range from safety issues when working at height to exposing staff to dangerous chemicals that could have long reaching health consequences.
However, the HSE also praised examples of good health and safety procedures, and commended firms for committing to best practice.
The HSE’s chief inspector of construction Peter Baker said it was imperative smaller firms showed commitment to safety.
He said: “It is disappointing that some small refurbishment sites are still cutting corners and not properly protecting their workers.
“Larger construction sites accepted the challenge a few years ago and have made big improvements, which all of the industry can learn from.
“My message to smaller businesses is don’t wait for an accident or visit from an inspector before you make the change, but act now and learn from your colleagues’ example.”
Construction Industry Training Board’s health and safety strategy lead Kevin Fear said: “It is disappointing to see a large number of sites are still falling below the required standards.
“On the other hand, it is encouraging that the HSE are regularly carrying out these inspections, following the introduction of the CDM 2015 regulations.
“It is particularly pleasing to see larger construction firms setting the standard in terms of health and safety, and I would expect this to improve with the whole industry becoming more aware of the CDM regulations.
“Over 150,000 downloads of the CDM guidance documents would suggest firms are taking health and safety seriously and rightly so.”
