Latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures which show that many people are still being injured on building sites despite industry moves to improve safety standards have disappointed Egger (UK) Ltd.
The company, which manufactures a new build flooring product, said that HSE inspectors visited 1,429 construction sites last year and found that more than one-third fell below safety standards. Thirty-three construction workers died and many others suffered serious injury after falling from height in the workplace – one of the biggest killers on building sites.
Egger national sales manager Barclay Scott, said: “These figures appear to indicate that there is still a general lack of awareness among UK building firms, particularly smaller ones, about the dangers of workers falling from height and a distinct lack of urgency about eliminating the risks.”
Mr Scott said the dangers could be reduced by using the latest wet weather protected flooring board during first floor construction. He added: “This type of boarding, which is fully BBA certified for 42 days’ exposure to the elements, gives a safe working platform thanks to its unique anti-slip finish providing excellent foot holding properties for site workers at heights.”
