![PP Construction Safety logo and link to home page [1]](http://www.ppconstructionsafety.com/wp-content/themes/ppcs960/images/ppcslogo.jpg)
Birmingham developer highlights working together benefits
With work almost completed on Birmingham’s landmark development, The Cube, the developer has been recognised for the way it has worked closely and positively with the HSE to reduce slips, trips and falls.
The on site management team for Builldability, the Birmingham Development Company construction arm, has been in regular, ongoing talks with the HSE construction team, working closely to ensure on site safety is a priority.
Developer praised for “responsible approach”
Mike Ford, HSE Construction Division inspector said:“We recognised that this was a high profile development for the city and the region, so it was important for us to work closely with the developers and construction team.
“There has been a responsible approach to health and safety. As with all construction sites, there are a lot of potential hazards. Nevertheless, we can confirm that the company has made site safety a key part of its work and any incidents that have been reported have been minor and dealt with immediately.”
Benefits flow from working closely with HSE
Aidan Smith of BuildAbility added: 
“Mike has given expert advice from the start and has always been available on the phone, while we’ve always made ourselves available to him. It is a challenging site due to its tight boundaries and the innovative nature of the project, but we have collaborated to ensure the best possible outcome.
“We’ve worked to improve our systems throughout the project. With a development of this scale and build schedule there will always be cables everywhere, so we’ve ensured procedures are in place to elevate them so that the team can work safely.
“We also made sure there were no edges on the top steps of the stairwells, which would be an obvious trip hazard, and installed permanent hand rails.”
Campaign website update
The HSE Shattered Lives campaign involves raising awareness of the impact of slips, trips and falls in the workplace and the new website contains practical advice and guidance.
The campaign is targeted at those sectors where there is a high number of slips, trips and fall accidents each year including plant maintenance, and construction.
Included on the site is an online tool (STEP) and a work at height access equipment toolkit (WAIT). Advice ranges from how to deal with spills and other slip risks, to the importance of using ladders correctly to reduce the risk of falling from height.