Birmingham is preparing to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games in 140 days’ time and the HSE has noted “increased development across the city potentially raising risks for both workers and the public.”

Sarah Hill, one of the HSE inspectors leading the campaign, said: “With a high volume of construction sites in the busy city centre, there is inevitably more potential for incidents which can result in life-changing injuries or worse and working environments which can pose respiratory risks and are hazardous to workers’ health and well-being.

“This week, HSE colleagues and I will be visiting sites across the city to check that employers are managing risk and keeping workers and the public safe.

“The fatal injury rate in the construction sector is around four times the all-industry rate, while over 3,500 builders die each year from cancers related to their work, so this is a reminder to employers that there is no room for complacency or non-compliance.

“The majority of work-related illness, injuries and fatalities are wholly avoidable if those responsible for the welfare of their workers follow health and safety guidance and regulation. Construction is a high risk industry, but those that work in it are as entitled as everyone else to go home safe and well at the end of the day.”