Research by Unite, the UK’s leading union, has revealed a shocking and frightening decline in vital unannounced construction inspections being undertaken by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Freedom of Information

A series of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests has discovered that inspections have declined by 31 per cent in less than a decade. In 2013/14 the HSE undertook 11,303 proactive (unannounced) construction inspections but the figures for the last full year 2021/22 reveals that just 7,793 inspections took place.

The sector remains the most dangerous in the UK, making safety inspections vital to protect the safety of workers. Earlier this month  it was revealed that 30 construction workers were killed at work in 2021/22.

Shocking figures

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “These figures are shocking, as they demonstrate that the HSE are either unwilling or unable to ensure the safety of construction workers.

“Construction is a dangerous industry, made more dangerous by unscrupulous employers who risk workers’ lives by ignoring safety laws. If the HSE fails to ensure safety, then deaths and injuries will increase.

“The safest sites are union organised workplaces where independent union safety reps are able to challenges safety concerns and keep their fellow workers safe. Unite is unstinting in its campaign to increase organisation and reduce deaths throughout the construction industry.”

Falls in inspections 

The biggest regional declines in inspections was in Wales, where inspections declined by 57 per cent, followed by the South East (51 per cent) and London (46 per cent).

Unite’s research has also revealed a huge decline in the number of enforcement notices (which are issued to employers to ensure that safety improvements are made) following an inspection. The issuing of these has declined by 51 per cent from 2,293 in 2013/14 to just 1,119 in 2021/22.

HSE must explain

Unite national officer for construction Jason Poulter said: “The HSE must explain and justify the sharp decline in construction inspections. For too many employers it is only the fear of being caught which ensures they follow safety laws.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

Email: [email protected]

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.