Parents must keep kids off building sites

Children are being seriously injured on building sites every year. This year the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is issuing a new warning urging parents in the West Midlands to keep their kids away from construction sites so they stay safe.

Companies are also being reminded that even if no work is taking place, regular checks should be carried out to make sure people cannot gain access to sites.

HSE Head of Operations for Construction in the West Midlands, Rosi Edwards said: “We want children to enjoy playing outside during the summer holidays but it’s vital they stay safe. Construction sites often appeal to young people as they look like giant adventure playgrounds, but they can be extremely dangerous.

“The recession has led to some sites shutting down in the West Midlands, which means there aren’t workers on duty to make sure children stay away. There should be good security fencing around construction sites, but children can often find their way onto them if they try hard enough.

“Scaffolding, excavations, fragile surfaces, electricity cables and stacked up building materials are all potential dangers. We’re asking companies to ensure building sites are properly secured to make it harder for members of the public to get onto them.

“If sites are being shut down, construction workers should remove anything that might make it easier for children to explore the site, like ladders and even scaffolding. They should also regularly revisit sites to check the fencing is still secure.

“I hope parents will remind their children of the risks of construction sites and encourage them to stay away during the holidays. If anyone does have any concerns about a site’s security, they should contact us as soon as possible.”

The HSE is advising construction managers to stop work immediately if children are spotted trying to get onto a site. Equipment and materials should also be safely locked away at the end of each day.

Members of the public concerned about the security or safety of a construction site should call HSE’s InfoLine on 0845 345 0055. Information is also available at www.hse.gov.uk