Children may have access to a lot more in the way of sophisticated distractions these days, but the allure of a building site can still be irresistible.

 

Sadly, official figures record dozens of incidents a year with children suffering a range of injuries, some of them very serious. It’s thought about half as many again go unreported to avoid accusations of trespass or damage.

 

Increased standards in safety measures introduced by the industry over the years, such as mesh fencing and CCTV, have made sites a lot less accessible. Even so, it’s important that all ages learn the vital lesson that building sites make for bad playgrounds.

 

A leading voice in this approach is the Considerate Constructors Scheme, a non-profit making, independent organisation founded in 1997 by the construction industry.

 

Ben Francis of Hygrove Homes, and who back the national scheme, was recently joined by special guest ‘Honor Goodsite’ in a visit to Penclawdd primary school. The pair went through the stages of building a house, asking the children to point out the possible dangers.

 

Hygrove is currently building 12 affordable homes on behalf of Family Housing Association at the nearby former Swn-y-Mor site in Penclawdd.

 

Ben and Honor came away very impressed at the level of understanding of the risks shown by pupils and also the technical questions they posed.

 

“The children were very clear about the potential dangers”, he said

 

What’s more, I think we heard from a number of budding construction specialists today”.

 

Find out more about the Considerate Constructors Scheme by visiting https://www.ccscheme.org.uk/

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