27.02.2004

A dismal week for UK site safety

In what must be one of the worst periods ever three UK construction workers lost their lives this week after falls from height. As previously reported, a painter lost his life on a Skanska site in Coventry after falling down a lift shaft. On the same day a roofer in Bristol fell four metres from of ladder he was using, he died later in hospital from head injuries.

Previous to that a man employed to fit storage racking and conveyor systems for German firm Fischer Gmbh, died from head injuries after falling three floors on a Wilkinson distribution centre site in Worksop, Nottinghamshire.

These deaths will invariably put pressure on the HSE to take a tougher stance on changes to the regulations following the consultation paper and ongoing debate regarding new temporary work at height rules and penalties. The HSE to take a tougher line on such work practices that have resulted in the rising toll of deaths.