While activity has returned to an almost normal level in construction and public works (BTP), are we going towards a resurgence of work accidents on construction sites? This is the fear expressed by both the territorial directorates of the Ministry of Labor (Direccte) and those involved in the prevention of occupational risks, almost two months after the end of the confinement imposed to combat the epidemic of coronavirus. In certain regions, the frequency of accidents has increased since mid-May, the date of the end of confinement, with sometimes fatal consequences. To counter this trend, a national prevention campaign will be rolled out throughout the summer.
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It was the services of the Ministry of Labor in Hauts-de-France that raised the alarm at the start of the month. In just a few weeks, three fatal accidents occurred on construction sites in the North, Pas-de-Calais and the Somme, compared to the eight fatal occupational accidents recorded over the entire previous year in the region. Is this trend found at the national level? It is too early to know. But the specialists worry. There is a real risk, they say, of seeing good practices relax. Especially after weeks of campaigning focused on preventing the Covid-19 epidemic.
Beware of the desire to catch up on delays
"This focus on this specific risk can result in a lack of attention compared to traditional risks (falls from heights, knocking of machines, too heavy loads)", worries about Europe 1 Paul Duphil, secretary general of the '' Professional construction prevention organization (OPPBTP), which identifies two other possible factors: the temptation to start work when the teams are not complete or the appropriate equipment not available on site, and the desire to catch up on delays . "Companions or companies must not take short cuts, and forget the rules of the art of construction, including the rules of the art in prevention," he insists.
Hence the launch last week by the OPPBTP of a national campaign aimed at companies and employees in construction and public works. A campaign that recalls good practices and reflexes to be found in terms of prevention on construction sites, with messages that will be broadcast on social networks until the end of the summer.