2000 construction injuries a day are avoidable says Euro-MP

5.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 22nd Oct 2004

At the end of European Construction Safety Week, Liberal Democrat Employment spokesperson in the European Parliament, Liz Lynne MEP has called for more action to enforce existing rules to prevent the estimated 800,000 construction accidents each year.

To mark the European week, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work held an exhibition in Brussels. While visiting their stand Liz was shown how to properly lift heavy items by Alun Jones, their EU Network Manager.

Following the demonstration she said:

"Nearly 50% of construction workers complain of backaches and over a third complain of neck and shoulder problems because they do not lift properly. It is therefore important that all employers make sure their employees know the correct procedure for lifting.

"I would like to thank the Agency for highlighting the problem of safety at work in the Construction industry across the EU. Construction is one of Europe's largest industries, but unfortunately it also has one of the worst occupational health and safety records with a cost to the employer and European taxpayers of over 75 billion Euros each year.

"All levels of government and industry should be doing more to reduce the disturbingly high number of deaths and injuries sustained in the construction sector.

"Recent inspections of construction sites across Europe found that over half of those inspected fell well short of EU health and safety legislation. This is why it is important for the EU to make sure legislation is equally enforced throughout all member states.

"In the UK, only about 20% of reported serious accidents get investigated. Only about 10% result in a successful prosecution most of which attract very low fines and do not provide an effective deterrent to cowboy companies who won't take safety seriously. Member states should introduce tougher penalties for companies who do not provide their workers with proper safety education or equipment."

ENDS