Checks on 200 building sites by health and safety inspectors last week resulted in more than 100 being closed down on the spot.

In total, inspectors found problems on 140 of the 200 sites they visited. Most of the problems were linked to a lack of safety measures for the installation of solar panels and new roofs, such as proper scaffolding, fencing and other barriers to prevent falls.

Over 150 inspectors were involved in the spot checks and a particularly large number of problems were found in Limburg and Noord-Brabant.

Over the past three years, five people have been killed while installing solar panels. ‘Many accidents could be prevented by keeping to health and safety rules and taking proper precautions,’ project manager Jane Tijssen said.

In total, inspectors spotted 250 infringements of health and safety legislation.