Hamilton pedestrians are advised to be careful when walking around construction sites where wooden ramps are posing safety hazards, particularly to senior citizens.

Claudette Fleming, who runs the seniors advocacy group Age Concern, said there have been a number of accidents reported in Hamilton particularly among senior citizens.

It is happening quite frequently, particularly in areas where trucks, equipment, traffic and pedestrians are all pushing to get in and out of the same area.

Ms Fleming said areas of the city are no longer pedestrian friendly. "There was a report of an older lady who fell on the sidewalk, members of the public helped her up, people have reported that it is happening in the area quite frequently."

Accidents have been occurring at the construction site on the corner of Church Street and Par-La-Ville-Road where a senior fell late last week.

Pedestrians in the area also had trouble navigating the wooden ramps and cracked sidewalks which surround the block.

"Extra attention needs to be given to the attention of sidewalks and this would be a reminder to those who care for them to follow up on safety issues," said Ms Fleming, adding that she had already sent her concerns in writing to Hamilton Mayor Lawson Mapp.

"Hamilton is not pedestrian friendly, its even difficult to access via a wheelchair. Cars and bikes are also parking on the sidewalk, in most cities around the world there are strict parking and safety codes especially in the US where you can get sued for taking such action," said Ms Fleming.

"Particular attention needs to be paid otherwise seniors will not be able to access certain areas."

Corporation of Hamilton secretary Kelly Miller said attention is being paid to street areas. The Corporation is responsible for maintaining public streets around construction sites.

"If we see anything that needs fixing or is unsafe or dangerous if its reported at specific area we look at it right away," said Ms Miller.

She said traffic wardens who are employed by the Police are supposed to take care of the issue of vehicles parking on sidewalks which is a traffic violation under the law.

Ms Miller added the Corporation is looking at ways to keep the city safe in the midst of the construction boom.

"We're looking at putting guards around the trees and in areas whenever anyone calls about a specific incident, there have not been many reports, but we will go right away if there is a problem and keep checking the areas on an ongoing basis."