ABSTRACT
Although the record of the UK construction industry compares well with other countries, the fatal accident rate remains over four times the average for all other UK industries, and remains the largest contributor to worker fatalities for any sector. The fragmented and peripatetic
nature of the sector, together with a shortage of skills and casualization, present significant challenges to both industry and regulator. It is most likely that everybody will be aware or involved with some aspect of the construction industry at their place of work – either in terms of the repair and modification of existing buildings or a major new engineering project. It is, therefore, important that the health and safety practitioner has some basic knowledge of the hazards and health and safety legal requirements associated with construction.
