An intensive inspection programme designed to stop dangerous practices on sites has halted  work on some building sites in the North East.  The Health and Safety Executive visited 77 contractors (refurbishment and roofing contractors) on 39 sites across the region from Teesside to Northumberland.

Wishing to raise awareness and aimed at improving safety and preventing unnecessary injuries and deaths, they halted work on several building sites after nine Prohibition Notices were served after concerns about working at height.

9 Contractors were also issued with Improvement Notices when it was found that workers needed Asbestos Awareness Training or improvements on their Personal Protective Equipment.

HSE Inspectors have now carried out 3 unannounced annual initiative checks on the refurbishment sector.