UK Health & Safety Guide
Construction

The Importance of Health and Safety

Health and safety is crucial in the construction industry to protect workers from injuries and fatalities and to ensure a safe working environment.

In the UK, the construction industry reported 45 fatal injuries in the 2022/23 period, up from 29 the previous year, making it the sector with the highest number of workplace deaths. Falls from height were the leading cause, accounting for over half of these fatalities. 

This highlights the urgent need for effective health and safety measures to protect workers in this high-risk industry.

Source: (GOV.UK) (Project Safety Journal).

Moral Reasons

Employers have a fundamental responsibility to safeguard the well-being of their workers, ensuring that everyone returns home safely at the end of each day.

Protecting workers from harm is not just a legal duty but a moral imperative that reflects the value placed on human life and dignity.

Legal Reasons

Compliance with health and safety regulations is legally required to prevent workplace accidents and avoid legal repercussions.

In 2019, a London site manager was given a suspended six-month prison sentence after a worker died from a fall due to unsafe scaffolding, highlighting the severe legal consequences of neglecting health and safety regulations.

Financial Reasons

Poor health and safety practices can lead to costly lawsuits, fines, and a damaged reputation, ultimately affecting the financial stability of a company.

In 2023, Abercorn Construction Limited in Belfast was fined £77,000 after being found guilty of breaching health and safety regulations, specifically related to inadequate safety measures for work at height.

Our Reason

We aim to make it easier for employers to understand and implement the necessary health and safety requirements, ensuring that these critical practices are accessible, practical, and effective in protecting workers on-site.