Figures obtained by construction union UCATT revealed a decline in the number of proactive inspections made by the Health and Safety Executive.
A Freedom of Information request revealed that the total number of HSE inspections for 2012/13 was 10,577 compared to 9,656 in 2014/15.
The decline in inspections came at a time when the construction industry was recovering from recession and activity was increasing.
The biggest reduction was in Scotland which saw a drop of 55.7% in inspections.
There were also large decreases in the North East 28.5%, North West 32.5%, the South East 19.6% and in Wales 3.4%.
There were some English regions where the number of inspections increased and the overall reduction for England was 2%.
Brian Rye, Acting General Secretary of UCATT, said: “This fall in inspection activity is deeply troubling.
“The prospect of an unexpected knock on the door by a construction inspector is what keeps many employers on their toes.
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“If employers believe that their safety procedures are not going to be checked this will lead to slackness and corners being cut. Workers could pay with their lives.”
