HSE 'has the means' to look after people in construction jobs - 16-05-2008 - 11:01

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has the means to regulate the construction industry, it has been claimed.

Dave Mitchell, technical director, has backed the HSE after a report by the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee expressed concern that the body may not have enough resources to ensure the maintenance of health and safety of people in construction jobs.

It stated that the number of front-line inspectors had dropped from 134 in 2005-06 to 124 in 2006-07, at a time when the industry is increasing.

However, Mr Mitchell argued the HSE is well placed to carry on its role.

"We feel the HSE is adequately resourced and are working closely with them to deliver significant improvements to workplace safety in the house building industry," he said.

It emerged from the report that the construction industry now has an annual turnover of £250 million.

People in construction jobs are also said to account for approximately ten per cent of the UK's working population, making construction the biggest industry in the country.

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