Inspectors eye dangerous sites

The month-long drive, which started September 22, makes sure work spaces with high-risk activities are being managed properly.

These include sites where harmful dusts such as silica and asbestos, among other hazardous substances, can affect the health of staff.

If unacceptable standards are found, inspectors can immediately stop any potentially dangerous activities.

Kirsty Hirst, HSE principal construction inspector, said: “Time and again we find smaller contractors working on refurbishment and repair work failing to protect their workers through a lack of awareness and poor control of risks.

“This isn’t acceptable – it costs lives, and we will take strong and robust action where we find poor practice and risky behaviour.

The inspections apply to Yorkshire and the Humber.