An intensive inspection initiative, aimed at reducing death, injury and ill health when working at height, will target construction sites across the North East and other parts of the UK.

An intensive inspection initiative, aimed at reducing death, injury and ill health when working at height, will target construction sites across the North East and other parts of the UK.

An intensive inspection initiative, aimed at reducing death, injury and ill health when working at height, will target construction sites across the North East and other parts of the UK.

The campaign is being launched in response to the continued loss of life and serious injury arising from falls from height.

In the last year, 49 workers lost their lives on construction sites in the UK, with falls from height being the most common cause of fatal injuries.

During September, inspectors from the Health & Safety Executive will be visiting sites across the region.

Although the initiative will primarily be aimed at those working on the external parts of buildings, the initiative will be looking at all work at height.

The purpose of the initiative is to remind those working in construction that poor standards are totally unacceptable and could result in enforcement action.

"Poor management of risk in this industry is unacceptable. As we have demonstrated in the past, we will take strong action if we find evidence that workers are being unnecessarily put at risk."

HSE has prosecuted several construction companies recently following incidents in which workers were injured, including: