There is no doubt that construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the UK.

Every year dozens of people die on site, several thousands get injured or develop work-related health problems. See our Construction Dust Risks news item for more on risks from dusty work.

This is why improving health and safety on construction sites plays a key role in the Hazards Trust's daily work and ongoing campaigns.

We want employers to comply with the existing health and safety regulations, and we want workers to know their rights.

Every worker also needs to have a good grasp of major workplace dangers so they can contribute to better protection.

Legislation 

The primary piece of legislation dealing with occupational health and safety is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA).

It specifies the general duties placed on employers, occupiers of the buildings, manufacturers, employees and the self-employed.

Employers have a duty to protect workers as well as the general public.

Occupational ill-health is the general term for a variety of health problems and diseases that have been caused by or made worse by a person’s work.

Blacklisting campaign

Individuals have been prevented from further employment in construction and other sectors by employers who have operated a "blacklist" of those who they don't want to employ again.

This has ruined their chances of future employment and ruined many lives. 

Find out more about our blacklisting campaign