The ASPC (Aberdeen Solicitors Property Centre Limited) is supporting the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in reminding small-scale property developers that despite the economic downturn, cutting corners on safety can be expensive, dangerous and can put a developer out of business.

Last year alone (2007/08) 38 people died during property development, mostly due to falls from height and electrocution.

HSE launched a new guide for property developers because research shows that many small-scale developers do not know about their legal responsibilities under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007). The regulations aren't there to create paperwork; they are about helping developers choose a competent team that will work efficiently and safely.

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John MacRae, Chairman of the Board of Directors, ASPC said: "I would urge those with plans to develop property as an investment, as opposed to creating your own home, to take a few minutes to familiarise themselves with the health and safety requirements.

"While health and safety may seem like an unwelcome burden, it is important to ensure you offer a safe work environment for those who come into your development."

HSE statistics show a startling snapshot of the repair, refurbishment and maintenance sector: between 1999 & 2007, 340 people died while working in the sector.

Last year (2007/08) alone, it was responsible for more than half (52%) of construction fatalities, some 38 deaths, with falls from height and electrocution accounting for most of these.

(GK/JM)