Several construction sites across Scotland are currently under scrutiny following a substantial and intensive inspection regime by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

HSE has revealed how a total of 78 sites were inspected across the country throughout the first three weeks of September.

The Executive found that, while the majority were undertaking health and safety measures effectively and responsibly, numerous sites were ordered to cease work immediately.

15 Prohibition Notices were served due to a lack of proper precautions in place for working at height.

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The campaign follows continued loss of life and serious injury arising from falls from height.

In the year leading up to April 2012, as many as 49 workers lost their lives on construction sites in the UK. Falls from height remains the most common cause of fatal injuries.

Jeanette Reuben, HSE’s Head of Unit (Construction) for Scotland, Yorkshire and the North East, said: "Whilst the initiative was primarily to raise awareness of the problem of unsafe working practices, it is of serious concern that such a significant proportion of sites visited were undertaking work at height in a dangerous manner.

"Straightforward practical precautions are well known in the industry. Safe access equipment is readily available for purchase or hire and there is no excuse for workers, and the self employed, to put themselves in a position of danger when working at height."

She added: "HSE will continue to maintain a strong enforcement profile where there is blatant disregard to safe working practice."

(IT)