CONSTRUCTION sites in Hampshire come under the safety microscope this month - and firms had better have their house in order.

Health and safety inspectors are carrying out spot checks in a drive to cut down on work-related accidents.

Last year one person was killed and 368 people were injured on construction sites in the county. Of those, 132 people were seriously hurt.

Alongside visits to construction sites, the Basingstoke based Health and Safety Executive has produced guidance aimed at clients, designers, planning supervisors and contractors. It is called 'Healthy Handling 2005', and targets poor work practices that can cause long-term disability and wreck careers.

Inspectors will focus on handling tools, materials and substances which can result in fractures, strains, musculo-skeletal disorders, skin allergies, cement burns, hearing loss and potentially debilitating vibration syndrome.

Hampshire's principal construction inspector, Andrew Gordon, said: "I see the consequences of poor work practices on a daily basis.

"My team will be working closely with local construction companies to make them aware of potential dangers and the negative effects they can have on employees and the business itself.

"Everyone has the right to work in decent, safe conditions.

"Our inspectors will be requiring those in charge of construction sites to ensure that workers can earn a living without risking injury.

"It can be challenging for the building industry to appreciate long-term health risks when faced with more obvious safety risks, such as falls from height.

"This blitz is designed to redress that balance."

Inspectors will expect to find order and organisation at sites, along with other important issues like safe handling and tools maintenance.

To find out more click on to infonet@hse.gsi.gov.uk or www.hse.gov.uk/construction.