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The latest news and updates on health and safety in construction to help you and your workforce stay safe on site HEALTH SAFETY &
Construction deaths are on the rise
Construction is the most dangerous industry in the UK to work in, says HSE, with more than twice as many fatalities recorded in 2022/23 compared with the second most dangerous industry, agriculture, forestry and fishing. The data shows that 45 construction workers died on the job, compared with 21 agricultural workers and 15 manufacturing workers. In 2021/22, 29 construction workers died on the job, with 39 fatalities in the previous year. The most common causes of fatalities recorded across all industries were: 40 – falling from height 29 – struck by moving objects 20 – struck by a vehicle
The Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) has issued an ‘amber’ rating for the new Building Safety Regulator (BSR), which is set to take on responsibilities for signing off any high-risk or high-rise buildings in the UK from October. The IPA defines amber ratings as: “Successful delivery appears feasible but significant issues already exist, requiring management attention.” It issued the rating in March in its annual report for 2022/23. The BSR – part of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – will act as a watchdog, evaluating the competence of construction project delivery teams and overseeing the conduct of Building Amber rating for Building Safety Regulator
Read the full HSE report at bit.ly/MB-HSE-fatal
HSE inspects silica respiratory risks Builders working
Control personnel. In its own annual report, the HSE acknowledged that there were “significant issues” with the BSR that had be overcome before assuming full responsibilities. Read the full IPA report at bit.ly/MB-IPA
with bricks, tiles or at manufacturing
facilities will be subject to HSE inspections assessing
respiratory risks to workers posed by silica dust exposure.
Government launches new Cladding Safety Scheme in England
Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a
The Government’s Cladding Safety Scheme has been officially launched following a speech by Housing Secretary Michael Gove. The scheme provides £5.1 billion of Government funding for the removal of unsafe cladding on all medium-rise buildings between 11 and 18 metres across England, and high-rise buildings over 18 metres outside of London. There are plans to extend the scheme to include the social housing sector. Under the current terms, thousands of mid-rise buildings will qualify across the country. Uptake is expected to be strong given that there are no costs involved for residents/leaseholders. To qualify for remedial works, building owners will need to apply through Homes England Cladding Safety Scheme, showing that fire safety professionals have recommended the works take place. For more details on the scheme, visit bit.ly/MB-Govt-Clad
significant risk factor for developing serious health conditions including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. It is found in stones, rocks, sand and clay. Employers have a duty to manage risks to workers under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). HSE inspections, which commenced in July, form part of its Dust Kills silica campaign. Find out more at bit.ly/MB-HSE-Silica
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