A SAFETY "blitz" on construction sites across the Yorkshire and Humber region revealed that many construction sites still have poor safety standards, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

It said enforcement action was taken at a third of the sites visited during the week-long exercise last month, when 131 sites, including 76 smaller sites, were visited.

The major risk of falls from height was not adequately controlled at approximately half the sites visited. HSE inspectors issued 45 prohibition notices and two sites were closed down because of a failure to meet basic safety standards.

Geoff Cox, operations manager for Yorkshire and the East Midlands, said: "We were surprised by the number of sites where safety standards were

inadequate, despite the pre-publicity given to the blitz.

"However, there were a few sites where contractors had put thought and effort into achieving good health and safety standards."

He said inspectors served notices where there was an immediate risk to

safety, adding that the industry had still not successfully dealt with the risk of falls from height.

The HSE will hold safety and health awareness days in the region to address the needs of smaller contractors.

The events, tailored to the requirements of smaller companies, include one at Askham Bryan College, York, on March 11.

Full details can be obtained from Chris Wilson (HSE), telephone 0114 2912309.

Updated: 11:19 Thursday, January 09, 2003