London basement projects face safety scrutiny

Construction inspectors will be focusing on sites in two
boroughs – Kensington and Chelsea, and Hammersmith and Fulham – in a bid to
improve safety in the increasingly popular basement sector.

This action follows a number a number of fatal incidents, as
well as serious injuries, in the capital in recent years relating to basement
projects.

Over the last 10 years, HSE has received reports of 17
construction workers having died as a result of an excavation collapsing,
whilst in the same period 27 were seriously injured.

In December 2014, following the death of a labourer in a
basement excavation collapse in Fulham, a company director was found guilty of
manslaughter offences and jailed.

Inspection teams will be looking at key safety issues
including collapsing excavations; risk of building collapse from structural
alterations or undermining by excavating; the dangers of handling heavy steel
beams; poor access and risks of open or unprotected parts of sites. Other
issues such as poor welfare facilities and lack of training can also give rise
to HSE action if found.

HSE construction inspector James Hickman, whose team covers
south-west London, said: “The construction of basements in London is
increasingly widespread. Often it is carried out under existing homes as owners
seek to increase their living space without a house move.

“The work is technically challenging and can carry
substantial risk. Standards are often poor and often vulnerable sections of the
labour market are recruited.

“Contractors are failing to appoint a competent temporary
works engineer to design suitable propping to support excavations and existing
structures. Likewise, on many projects basic safeguards are missing, such as
edge protection to prevent falls from height. And all too often little thought
is given to providing proper welfare facilities for site workers.

“Where we find poor practice that is putting lives at risk
we will take action, including stopping work and prosecuting those
responsible.”

The risks of working in unsupported excavations are well
known throughout the industry, as are the precautions required to ensure work
is carried out safely. The HSE publication HSG150 ‘Health and safety in
construction’ contains advice and guidance on what measures to take in order to
ensure excavation works are carried out safely. This document is free to
download from the HSE website.

The targeted inspection is part of continuing efforts by HSE
to improve health and safety in this sector of the construction industry.