Safety inspections of construction sites in Scotland fell by around 30% in 2014, whereas nationally inspections have increased.



In 2013/14 Scotland had 881 inspections compared to 1248 in 2012/13 and 1250 in 2011/12 despite there being more construction activity.



Throughout the UK there have been a total of 11,303 inspections in 2013/14 compared with 10,577 in 2012/13.



Harry Frew, Regional Secretary for construction union UCATT Scotland, said: “Without the expectation of inspections, construction employers are even more likely to ignore safety laws which put lives at risk and will lead to more injuries on construction sites.



“The HSE’s budget has been under attack and has been cut by a third since 2010, but that still does not explain why there has been such a sharp drop in inspections in Scotland. Construction workers need to have answers.”



An HSE spokesman has been quoted as saying: “Inspection is one of a range of techniques used by HSE for improving health and safety in the construction industry.



“Focusing on inspection numbers gives an inaccurate picture and does not reflect all the work being carried out by HSE across the country.



“In addition to inspection, HSE investigates accidents, cases of ill health, and concerns about unsafe construction activities.



“We also influence in the boardroom and work jointly with industry bodies and trade unions in many other ways.



“There have been long term improvements in the health and safety performance of the construction sector.



“The rate of major injuries in the construction industry is currently at its lowest level ever, however the industry remains high risk.



“Everyone has a part to play to further reduce the unnecessary injuries and ill health on construction projects and HSE continues to work with industry partners, including UCATT, to achieve further improvements.”