HSE rules out special measures to stop site deaths of over-60s
Summary
The HSE has said it will not introduce special measures aimed specifically at preventing deaths of construction workers aged 60 and over, arguing that age itself is not the primary risk factor. Instead, it emphasised that employers should assess individual vulnerabilities and adapt risk assessments accordingly, while noting that the construction workforce is ageing. The HSE also indicated that its response to the consultation on possible updates to RIDDOR reporting requirements will be published in the coming months.
Why it matters
For residential property surveyors, this reinforces the need to base site and inspection risk assessments on individual capability and task-specific hazards rather than age alone. It also signals potential future changes to incident reporting expectations under RIDDOR that surveyors and firms should monitor.
Key points
- HSE will not pursue age-specific measures for older construction workers.
- Employers are expected to adjust risk assessments for individual vulnerabilities.
- Construction workforce demographics are ageing, with more workers over 55.
- HSE plans to respond to the RIDDOR reporting consultation in the coming months.
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