Construction sites are dangerous places especially for anyone who is not aware of the unknown and unforeseen dangers that may exist on the building site.
Building Sites - protection of the public during building work
If you have a complaint about a dangerous building site, you need to contact the Health and Safety Executive, as it is they who are responsible for enforcing the protection of the public. The Health and Safety Executive issue the following guidance, and suggest that builders ask themselves the following questions at all times:
- Are the public fenced off or otherwise protected from the work?
When work has stopped for the day:
- Are the gates secure?
- Is the perimeter fence secure and undamaged?
- Are all the ladders removed or their rungs boarded so they cannot be used?
- Are excavations and openings securely covered or fenced off?
- Is the plant immobilised to prevent unauthorised use?
- Are the bricks and materials safely stacked?
- Are flammable or dangerous substances locked away in secure storage spaces?
There is no legislation to protect the public after the work is finished, since the builders/developers/site owners are required by the Health and Safety Executive to leave the site in a safe condition.
You can get further information from
Health and Safety Executive
Marshalls Mill
Marshall Street
Leeds
LS11 9YJ
Tel: (0113) 283 4200 (Fax No: (0113) 283 4296) or see the Health and Safety Executive website from the link on this page.
You can also find general safety advice and guidance can be found on the technical pages of the Building Standards web pages.