Caution: men at work.

The construction industry has very obvious dangers attached to it, but too many contractors are not taking health and safety seriously. Simon Threadgold reports on the need for sound risk management.

Along with deep sea fishing and coalmining, construction ranks as one
of the most dangerous occupations in the UK. The industry employs 1.5
million people, 5% of the total workforce, but accounts for over one-third
of workplace deaths.


The situation shows no signs of getting better. Despite increasing
legislation to safeguard building workers, the Heath and Safety Executive
(HSE) reported a higher number of construction-related deaths and injuries
in 1999/2000 than the previous year.


Falling from