Campaign aims to keep kids safe near building sites

With construction ongoing at its nearby St Andrews development off Potton Road, the family owned builder wants to educate both teachers, parents and children, helping to prevent any unnecessary accidents during the six week break.

Construction Director Carl Slater explains: “Whilst the number of children killed or injured on UK construction sites continues to fall, there is no room for complacency. That’s why we believe in the importance of reminding young children about the dangers of entering building sites, especially before a long holiday when they have more time to play.

“In addition to arranging site safety visits for school children to a number of developments across the region we have developed five simple reminders for parents and teachers to tell children, helping keep them safe over the summer.”

Safety first this summer

1. Never enter a building site – building sites can be dangerous places and should never be entered by members of the public, especially children

2. Large moving vehicles – large vehicles drive in and out of building sites regularly to deliver materials. Children should never play close to the entrance of a building site or on the building site itself as they may not be seen easily by a driver

3. Dangerous materials – there can be the risk of falling materials and/or hazardous and flammable materials stored on site. It is important that anyone entering a building site has permission to be there, has received the proper training and is wearing the correct safety clothing

4. Machinery in operation – while they may look like big toys, the heavy and dangerous machinery which is in operation on a building site could cause serious injury to a child.

5. Openings and excavations – during construction there can be areas where the ground has been dug out or ledges from which building work is taking place. Whilst these will be barriered off to prevent falls, it is important that children do not enter a site and put themselves at risk

Carl continues: “We hope that these simple facts will help parents and teachers across Biggleswade spread the word to children in the area about the importance of safety on building sites.

“Whilst we always ensure that all of our construction areas are fenced off with the correct warning signs in place we still want to make sure that children understand the dangers and can enjoy their summer holidays without risk of injury.”