12:10am Tuesday 5th August 2008
By Laura Smith
PARENTS have been warned not to let children play on building sites during the summer holidays.
The Health and Safety Executive is trying to stop children putting themselves in danger after new figures showed three children died and 194 were injured between 2002 and 2007 on building sites.
Peter Galsworthy, from the watchdog, said: “Long summer evenings are a time for fun and adventure, unfortunately, all too often it can also be a time of tragedy.
“Understandably some children are drawn to construction sites as exciting places to play, but they are not playgrounds and playing on them can have fatal consequences.
“Industry and parents need to work together to ensure children’s safety.
“While the numbers of children being killed or injured on construction sites have reduced, there is no room for complacency, as even one incident is one too many.”
The following safety tips have been issued for parents: Warn children against playing in dangerous areas, including building sites.
Make sure you know where your children are going, and when they will be back.
Encourage them to play only in safe areas such as playgrounds.
Workers should watch out for children playing around sites. Ifthey see them, they should stop work and make sure they are off site before starting work.
Lay heavy objects on the ground or fix them firmly upright so they cannot fall on to children and injure them.
Secure sites adequately when finishing work for the day.
Never allow children to ride in construction plant machinery.
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