Unite, the largest union for construction workers, has called on the government to address its concerns over the sharp drop in construction inspections being carried out by the HSE over the past 12 months.
Statistics obtained by the union through the Freedom of Information Act show that only 7,912 unannounced inspections on construction sites were carried out by the HSE for the year ending 31 March 2017, down 14% from the year before.
The statistics also found that across the country only Scotland had seen an increase in the number of unannounced inspections taking place.
In Scotland the number of inspections increased 9%, compared to the North East where they dropped 39%, the South West, which saw a 32% drop, and the East Midlands, which saw a 26% drop.
In London there were 14% fewer in inspections, while the number of inspections in the North West fell by 5%.
Since receiving the FOI response Unite has written to the HSE and David Gauke, the new work and pensions secretary, seeking meetings.
Unite is seeking information from Gauke about the government’s future plans for the HSE and safety laws. The HSE’s funding is set to be cut by 46%, compared to what the organisation received in 2010, by 2020.
Successive Conservative governments have scrapped safety laws and there are concerns this could increase as part of the Brexit process.
Unite is also seeking a meeting with the HSE to ascertain exactly what caused the latest decrease in construction inspections and what strategies are being put in place to reverse the trend.
Unite assistant general secretary, Gail Cartmail, said: “These figures are alarming as they demonstrate a huge decrease in vital lifesaving inspections. Sadly there remain far too many employers who are all too willing to cut safety regulations and it is only the genuine prospect of an unannounced inspection which keeps them in check.
“The government has slashed funding for the HSE and it is clear that it is increasingly struggling to make ends meet. With a new secretary of state in place Unite and our members need to know what plans he has for the HSE and safety laws.
“We also need answers from the HSE about whether they are taking steps to redress this fall in inspections and whether there are specific reasons for these reductions.”
