Small firms 'account for half of construction deaths'
Construction
28th April 2009
A large proportion of the construction workers killed last year were employed by small companies, it has emerged.
According to Alan Ritchie, the general secretary of the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (Ucatt), many small firms do not take the safety of employees seriously enough.
Mr Ritchie's remarks come following the publication of a report by the union which showed that small businesses accounted for half of construction deaths, but only one-third of the industry itself.
A union spokesman said every death on UK building sites is preventable.
"Everyone in construction knows of colleagues and friends who have been maimed or killed while at work," he commented.
Ucatt is calling on the government to introduce tougher penalties for bosses who do not implement proper health and safety policies.
The union has also welcomed a recent private member's bill in the House of Commons seeking justice for sufferers of pleural plaques.
For more information on how Giles can help you with your business insurance, Click here.
