The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its programme of work for 2013/14 which will see it prioritising its inspection effort on small sites, asbestos removal work and refurbishment projects. Over the next 12 months, the HSE will increase its inspection rate of small sites from 30% to 35% of all sites visited as well as take forward its work on revising the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and simplifying health and safety information for businesses.
The specific risk areas that HSE will be focusing on include:
• Fragile roofs
• Fireplaces
• Roof tile cutting
• Health risks in paving and block
• Lifts in buildings
• Temporary Demountable Structures
• Fire (timber frame structures).
The programme also sets out what the industry can expect when an HSE Inspector visits a site which will include
assessments of:
• Working at height
• Asbestos risks
• Provision of welfare facilities
• Site conditions
• Respiratory risks and adequacy of PPE use
• Leadership of health and safety on site
• Management of health risks
• Worker involvement in health and safety
• Contractor competence
• Temporary works.
Further information on the HSE Plan of Work 2013/14 can be found on the HSE website. FPDC members have access to advice on health and safety matters via FPDC on 020 7634 9480.
