ABSTRACT
Accident statistics for the construction industry indicate that a small but significant number of injuries are caused by failure to prevent objects falling from heights, and by operations with lifting appliances. A number of activities are also regarded as high risk, notably demolition and excavation. The industry has had a poor experience of voluntary use of safety helmets, so that legislative control finally became necessary. This was also welcomed by the industry because of its standardising effect, which would increase the acceptability of controls by the workforce.
