Builders liability insurance holders have been told that a poor and lazy attitude to health and safety measures is not acceptable.
Robert Hirst, principal inspector with the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) construction division in the north-east, said that each year too many workers in the trade are needlessly injured or killed.
"While some sectors of the industry have made real improvements in recent years, we are really concerned about standards in the refurbishment sector, particularly on small projects. HSE does not think a lax attitude to health and safety in one of the more dangerous industries is acceptable," he added.
Mr Hirst did warn builders liability insurance holders that if it finds poor practice during inspections then it will take action, including closing sites down and prosecuting those responsible.
The health and safety expert's words come as the HSE launched the latest phase of its Shattered Lives campaign to cut out slips, trips and falls in the industry.