The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is planning a month-long intensive inspection initiative aimed at reducing death and injury on Britain's construction sites, particularly during refurbishment, repair and maintenance activities.

During 2009/10, 42 workers died while working in construction and almost three-quarters of these deaths occurred while they were on refurbishment, repair and maintenance jobs. Because of this, these activities will be the main focus of the latest inspections by the HSE.

The unannounced visits will begin on 14 February. Last year inspectors visited 2,014 sites and 2,414 contractors. During these visits, inspectors issued more than 350 prohibition notices to stop dangerous work.

A great deal of these notices related to working from height. Falls from height remains one of the most common causes of fatalities and major injuries in the construction sector - with more than five incidents recorded every single day.

Philip White, chief inspector of construction, HSE, said: "A lax attitude to health and safety in one of the more dangerous industries is not acceptable, especially when many of the incidents are completely avoidable by taking commonsense actions and precautions.

"As we've demonstrated in previous years, we will not hesitate to take action if we find poor practice that is putting the lives of workers at risk."