HSE: Contractors'' safety is of paramount importance

Safety needs to be at the forefront for contractors.

Safety issues for contractors using umbrella companies were highlighted recently when one firm was fined after it erected dangerous scaffolding, which collapsed in high winds.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted William Bedford, trading as B & J Scaffolding, following an incident that occurred in Jedburgh Street, Middlesbrough, in 2008.

Eighty-five metres of the scaffold overturned in the wind and collapsed into the street during the evening and HSE Inspector Natalie Wright said the incident highlights the importance of how important it is for contractors to follow requirements when constructing scaffolding.

"The scaffold had been used as a working platform for at least five days before the incident, by workers on site carrying out work to the house fronts. It could have collapsed at any time, creating a significant risk to workers and members of the public," she stated.

Richard Jones, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health policy and technical director, said that the coalition government needs to do more to support the Health and Safety Executive as it works to reduce the number of fatalities in the workplace.