Safety blitz halts City builders

SAFETY checks led to work being halted on almost half of building sites targeted by health and safety officials. More than 220 sites in London were visited last week, leading to enforcement action being taken in two-thirds of cases.

Some sites were closed down completely, while unsafe working practices were halted on almost half the sites. The Health and Safety Executive, which had publicised the crackdown in advance, said it was disappointed with standards on many sites.

Barry Mullen, who led the operation, said the building industry had not got to grips with the problem of workers' falling from heights. 'This is totally unsatisfactory, especially since warnings had been given that a blitz would take place.'

Inspectors reported that rubble and equipment was left lying around sites, while some toilet facilities were said to be 'appalling'. The HSE will be targeting construction sites in other parts of the UK later this month.