6 July 2004 - Contributions for "Constructing Better Health" Pilot Now Halfway
Major funding from industry and the Government for the "Constructing Better Health" pilot scheme, for better health within the construction industry, has now brought fruition of its aims closer.
"Constructing Better Health" is an initiative to pilot a regional
occupational health support service that offers free advice and support to
construction projects in an agreed area, which aims to offer employees and
employers best-practice management solutions to reduce exposure to key
health risks.
Contributions totalling £600.000 by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE),
Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) and Building and Civil Engineering
(B&CE) Benefit Schemes, for which each gave £200.000, has been a major input
to the £1.3 million required.
The inaugural Board meeting of "Constructing Better Health" made the
announcement on 23 June 2004.
Originally, the Action Forum, set up by CONIAC was established to identify
suitable occupational health providers for the pilot scheme. The
"Constructing Better Health" company is an industry-led company, limited by
guarantee and replaces the CONIAC Action Forum and represents construction
employers as well as employees.
The Board comprises of George Brumwell - Union of Construction, Allied
Trades and Technicians; Ian Davis - Federation of Master Builders;
Trevor Walker - Construction Confederation; and Bob Blackman -
Transport and General Workers' Union.
The HSE sits on the "Constructing Better Health" Board as an observer and
B&CE acts as Corporate Company Secretary to the Company.
The Chair of ‘Constructing Better Health’, George Brumwell of UCATT commented:
“We have reached a significant milestone in the development of the ‘Constructing Better Health’ scheme. These contributions have really kick-started the fundraising process for the pilot. We will be seeking further funding from both the industry and other sources.”
Philip White, Head of Construction Division also commented:
“HSE strongly believes in the benefits this scheme will bring to the construction industry. This pilot is not only testing a model of occupational health support, it also shows how partnership between Government and the construction industry can help to secure real long-term improvements. The financial support offered by HSE, DWP and DTI demonstrates both HSE’s and Government’s strong commitment to the project.”
Brian Griffiths, chief executive of B&CE added his comments:
"B&CE has been working closely with Constructing Better Health to set up the administration company to manage the pilot, and we are delighted that the scheme has now raised half its necessary funding. This takes us another step further to piloting the scheme."
Article by Alexandra Johnston
