The UK’s Health & Safety Executive is canvassing public opinion for ideas to reduce the death toll on construction sites.
It has published a discussion document, ‘Revitalising Health and Safety in Construction’, to stimulate debate on how to improve health, safety and welfare standards across the construction industry. HSE wants anyone interested in the industry to contribute their views.
This document is designed to provoke debate and deliver a spur to action, the HSE said. Construction workers are six times more likely to be killed than other workers in the UK. Provisional figures for the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002 show that there were 79 fatal injuries to construction workers in the UK, accounting for 32% of all worker fatalities. The figures also show 47% of construction fatalities were caused by falls from height; 15% were struck by a moving/falling object; and 14% were struck by a moving vehicle.
Bill Callaghan, chairman of the Health & Safety Commission, said: ‘The industry accounts for about a third of all work-related fatalities and has a fatal injury rate six times the all-industry average. But the industry has recognised that things must change and the discussion document is intended to support the change process. But we must not let our guard down. Many of the causes of injury and ill health are well known. This dialogue is not an alternative for action.’
Kevin Myers, HSE’s chief inspector of construction, said: ‘We recognise that addressing the underlying cultural problems requires more joined up thinking and action within this fragmented industry, particularly to engage the small and medium sized firms. This is a golden opportunity for all those interested in the issues we have raised to give us their views on how the industry can become a safer and healthier place to work.’
The document explores such issues as leadership and the scope for using various business and financial levers; employment and individual competence; organisations in the industry working together to achieve better commitment, co-operation, communication and corporate competence; improving occupational health; possible changes in legislation, and the contribution government can make.
Copies of the discussion document can be downloaded from HSE’s website at www.hse.gov.uk/disdocs/construction.htm or printed copies ordered free, from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA, UK. Fax: +44 (0) 1787 313995.
Comments must be received by 31 December 2002.
HSE has also set up an online discussion forum on the website at www.hse.gov.uk/disdocs/construction.htm where people can exchange and develop ideas.
