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13 October 2005 - Second Meeting of
Construction Industry Forums
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The second meeting of the Construction Industry Council
Strategic Forum's Health and Safety task group has taken place with a welcome
rise in the number of signatories to the forums' "Respect for People" (RfP) code
of practice from 130 to 230.
The RfP code of practice provides an interaction of different
groups. Experiences, both good and bad, can provide benefits from
lessons learned and in turn provide a higher standard of health and safety and
greater productivity.
Some of the initiatives tabled at the meeting already being
taken for improvement in safety records within the construction industry are as
follows:
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The MCG has announced its commitment to independent testing of
powered hand tools to help reduce risks from hand arm vibrations (HAVs). This
will give companies user friendly data about performance levels of equipment
commonly used on sites.
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MCG, HSE and the tool hire industry are collaborating to develop
group risk assessments for plant and equipment to assess vibration and noise
emissions.
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Proposals are being developed to adopt a single set of core
criteria for the health and safety pre-qualification of contractors.
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Work is going on between the HSE, CPA and MCG on the elimination
and reduction of risks from handling board products.
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SEC Group is targeting people on site with a respect for people
message in a pocket card. And they are introducing a site safe access
certificate to help smaller contractors (SME’s).
The meeting also heard some positive signs of progress being
reported, such as the following:
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The TUC reported they saw signs of a culture change towards
health and safety amongst construction workers, especially those under 40 years
old.
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HSE reported that it was about to launch its ”fit-out” campaign,
and that the “Working well Together” campaign has been re-launched in Scotland
and London.
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The Office of Government Commerce has recently published the
Common Minimum Standards for the Procurement of Built Environments these are
mandatory on Government construction clients.
Chairman, Mr. John Spanswick said:
“I am very encouraged by the wide range of action group
members are taking. Cumulatively much is being done, and I really hope that they
will begin to make a real difference to conditions in our workplaces. But
there is still much to do.
"For example, we are frustrated by the level of integration
of health and safety into tertiary education courses linked to the built
environment.
"Surely we must all agree that the next generation of
industry graduates must be taught about health and safety, and not just as a
‘bolt on extra’ but as an integral part of their course. We in the industry are
very willing to help bring this about.”
Further information on the Strategic Forum Code of Practice and
details as to how to sign up for the initiative, can be accessed from the HSE
webpage by clicking the following:
Construction:
Strategic Forum Code of Practice
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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