As the school summer holidays get under way, Linden Homes Midlands is warning adventure-seeking children, and their parents, about the dangers of building sites.
The stark message from the regional new homes builder comes as construction work on a series of new and existing developments is due to continue through the summer.
Each year, many children are injured and some even killed as a result of construction site accidents in the UK, as youngsters seek out a seemingly exciting place to play.
According to statistics from the Health & Safety Executive, more than 80 children have been seriously injured in building site accidents since 2006.
In line with the HSE, Linden Homes is encouraging parents to warn their children of the dangers of playing on or near building sites – and has also been talking directly to youngsters and teachers around the region in recent months about health and safety.
Linden Homes Midlands production director Brendan Blythe said: "Understandably some children are drawn to construction sites as exciting places to play, but they are not playgrounds and playing on them can have potentially serious consequences.
“The school holidays present an ideal opportunity for a timely reminder to children and parents about the dangers of construction sites – many of which continue to remain active throughout the summer.
“The lighter evenings during the summer months create more time for children to play outdoors – however, we would appeal to parents to check that their youngsters are in a safe environment when playing.”
According to HSC figures, 30 children aged 15 and under were seriously injured and one child died in the construction sector in 2006/07. In 2007/08 28 children were seriously injured. In 2008/09, 25 children were seriously injured.
Linden Homes does have strict and visible guidelines in place at each construction site – there is also advice on the company website surrounding safety on site.
Brendan added: “As part of out community engagement commitment, we have been helping to spread the important message to youngsters, hosting regular site visits for schoolchildren and their teachers in attempts to raise awareness of potential dangers as well as working in the community to spread the word.”
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For further press information please contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on 01733 371363 or email cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk
