BUILDERS working on sites in Worcester are being urged to carry out extra safety checks in a bid to cut the number of child injuries.

Every year, more than 100 children are seriously injured playing on construction sites.

As major building projects are currently under way in the St John's area of the city, the Federation of Builders is keen to raise awareness during the run-up to the summer holidays.

The NFB, which represents almost 4,000 builders and contractors, has launched the campaign in an attempt to reduce the number of accidents over the coming months.

They are also warning parents and teachers to make children aware of the potential dangers of building sites before the school term ends next month.

"To a child, a building site is an adventure playground," said Tony Maynard, chief executive of the NFB.

"Parents and teachers could help by warning children about the risks involved in playing on building sites.

"We're urging builders and contractors to help minimise the threat of accident and injury, should a child gain access to a site by carrying out simple risk assessments.

"The sad truth is that many of the accidents that take place on building sites could be prevented.

"By taking the time to ensure a site and its contents are secure and by warning children of potential hazards, we can all help to reduce the injury toll."

The NFB have produced a ten-point safety check for builders. These include making sure boundary fencing is secure, with no gaps or weaknesses; keeping stacks of material away from fencing as this can provide access; securing any temporary storage areas and ensuring there is no risk of bricks, concrete blocks or timber collapsing.