A HEALTH and safety watchdog is putting London construction sites in the spotlight to try and reduce death, injury and ill health.

The Health and Safety Executive, who monitor workplace safety, will be visiting sites across the capital between February 20 and March 16.

This is part of a national month-long drive to improve standards in one of Britain’s most dangerous industries.

During 2010/11 eight workers were killed and more than 440 were seriously injured while working in construction across London.

The focus of the inspections will be on high-risk activities such as working at height and also making sure sites are clean and tidy with clear access routes.

HSE inspector Norman Macritchie said: “The refurbishment sector continues to be the most risky for construction workers, all too often straightforward practical precautions are not considered and workers are put at risk.

“In many cases simple changes to working practices can make all the difference.

“Poor management of risks in this industry is unacceptable. As we have demonstrated in the past, we will take strong action if we find evidence that workers are being unnecessarily put at risk.”