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Major contractors call for changes in HSE approach on larger projects 

Construction News has reported that a UK Contractors Group (UKCG) ‘confidential’ paper submitted to the Government Review is calling for a “change in the way the Health and Safety Executive operates”.

The paper is said to highlight refurbishment projects and fire issues as areas where a change in regulator approach is required. Refurbishment projects could be addressed by“re-prioritising” and fire risk requires more than a “tick box” method of inspection.

The paper is said to state that whilst ’self-regulation’ by UKCG members has improved they receive a “disproportionate” number of inspections and levels of enforcement.

Comment

The paper has not be made public although the content may form part of the final report prepared by Lord Young. It will be interesting to see the evidence upon which the paper is based.

The incidence of fatal and other injuries on projects involving UKCG members appears to have fallen in recent years. HSE report that the majority of fatalities now occur on smaller projects involving small contractors. It is therefore not surprising to hear calls for HSE to divert resources towards such sites. 

HSE need to maintain a balance in regulating the various sectors of the construction industry. Perhaps a moved towards ‘earned autonomy’ will be the next step for safer major contractors?  

This article was posted on 2nd September 2010 in ALL LATEST NEWS, REGULATION.
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