Construction sites across Scotland can expect visits from health and safety inspectors this month as part of a drive to cut the number of people falling at work.

The bid will hopefully reduce the chances of cases like the death of Gary Currie, who fell from a faulty cherrypicker while working on the outside of Buchanan House in Glasgow.

In the year up to April 2012, 49 workers died on the UK's construction sites, with falls from height being the most common cause of fatal injuries.

And an average of five falls are recorded on construction sites across the country every day.


During September, inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive will be visiting sites across Scotland, to remind those working in construction that poor standards can result in enforcement action.

The HSE said standards that put workers at risk are "totally unacceptable".

Although the initiative will primarily be aimed at those working on the external parts of buildings, inspectors will be looking at all work at height.

They will check that risk assessments have been carried out correctly and work has been planned with appropriate precautions in place.

They will also make sure that equipment has been correctly installed, assembled and maintained, and used correctly.

Archie Mitchell, one of HSE's Principal Inspectors for construction in Scotland, said: "All too often straightforward practical precautions are not considered and workers are put unnecessarily at risk. In many cases, simple changes to working practices can make all the difference."

For more information see www.hse.gov.uk/construction/campaigns/fallstrips/index.htm.

(NE)