![PP Construction Safety logo and link to home page [1]](http://www.ppconstructionsafety.com/wp-content/themes/ppcs960/images/ppcslogo.jpg)
SBF Chief fears recession could lead to cutting corners on safety
A construction sector survey published the Scottish Building Federation (SBF) has revealed that quality and safety standards are under pressure as companies cut costs to remain competitive. The survey found that the majority of Scottish building firms operate on “razor thin” margins.
SBF CEO Michael Levack said: ”The competitive pressure on many SMEs at the moment is immense. In the public sector, we’re seeing upwards of ten firms being invited to tender for each new contract. I’ve heard cases of recent local authority tender lists that have run to more than 20 companies, which is frankly ridiculous.”
He added: “In such a fiercely-competitive environment, one of my greatest fears is that responsible construction companies risk being undercut by less scrupulous firms, who can offer lower prices by cutting corners on quality and safety. Contractors – both public and private sector – need to be vigilant and make sure that by pushing for construction work to be delivered at the lowest possible cost they don’t price out reputable firms and end up instead with shoddy work carried out unsafely” .