Bid to cut Rotherham building site casualties

HEALTH and safety officers are carrying out unannounced visits at Rotherham building sites to crack down on dangers in the workplace.

The spot checks are part of a month-long project to reduce unsafe practices in the construction industry. Firms flouting safety laws risk enforcement action.

Figures from the Health and Safety Executive show one Rotherham worker was killed and 27 seriously injured between 2010 and 2012.

Principal inspector Dave Stewart, from the HSE’s regional construction division, said: “In many cases simple changes to working practices can make all the difference and can even save lives.

“We are determined to drive the message home that site safety and worker welfare cannot be compromised.”