Labour Inspectorate targets construction sites to improve worker safety
Example of an inadequately secured construction site
The campaign carried out 1.403 inspections of 839 contractors at 310 construction sites and 94 worksites, identifying 2.078 infringements and imposing 970 measures.
The most irregularities found were:
- working at height (scaffolding, safety barriers, access),
- ensuring the use and non-use of personal protective equipment,
- agreements signed between different contractors working on the same construction site, and
- failure to follow the instructions of the occupational safety and health coordinators on active construction sites.
Over the years, the approach to control has been adapted and refined. Since 2013, the Labour Inspectorate has also stepped up its monitoring of workplaces of contractors carrying out short-term work at height. On construction sites - work sites - we checked the implementation of measures that comply with the minimum requirements set out in Annex IV of the Regulation on ensuring occupational safety and health on temporary and mobile construction sites, the use and provision of personal protective equipment. We also monitored compliance with the obligations of the contracting authorities or project supervisors, the OSH coordinators and the (main) contractors.
Over the years, targeted monitoring has contributed significantly to reducing the number of accidents on construction sites, including fatalities, improving safety standards and improving working conditions.
The Labour Inspectorate plans to continue targeted and intensified inspections of construction sites in the future, as the findings and actions bring positive changes in one of the most dangerous labour activities. In addition to reducing accidents, surveillance also helps to raise awareness among employers and workers of the importance of safety precautions and encourages employers to make lasting improvements in occupational safety and health.