As the economic downturn continues to bite, some Echo readers carrying out small property developments may be tempted to cut corners to save money.

Our research has shown that many people developing property as a business do not realise they have legal responsibilities for health and safety.

The Health and Safety Executive is running an important new initiative in Dorset to highlight important safety issues amongst property developers.

Whether you think of yourself as a property investor, developer or renovator, everyone has a role to play in helping reduce the number of serious and fatal incidents in the construction industry.

I would urge readers to visit the www.hse.gov.uk/property or call the HSE InfoLine on 0845-3450055 to find out more about the various responsibilities property developers have.

Andrew Kingscott, HM Principal Inspector of Health & Safety, Construction – South West, Bristol.