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Construction Chief spells out HSE priorities and projects for the coming year

The HSE Chief Inspector for Construction has revealed details of what can be expected from HSE construction division during 2012/13. See summary below.

Development of a revised regulatory package for the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and introduction of Fee for Intervention will be important work. The investigation of incidents and ill health and the associated enforcement action will also continue to account for a significant proportion of HSE construction resources.

In addition, Chief Inspector Philip White highlights the new ‘Leadership and Worker Involvement’ Toolkit designed to help small and medium sized businesses improve their health and safety performance adding:

“This year we will continue the work we started with larger contractors with a view to encouraging them to help businesses both within and outside of their supply chains to use the toolkit.”

Construction remains a significant cause of concern for HSE. There were 50 deaths in 2010/11 which was an increase on the previous year. In addition, 2298 major injuries were reported and 1.7 million working days were lost through work related ill health.

Priority operational activities

During 2012/13 HSE Construction Inspectors will target asbestos; small sites/projects; refurbishment and major projects/large contractors and clients. In addition, any other serious uncontrolled risk identified at visits will be addressed immediately by inspectors.

The following risks and issues will considered during site visits:

1. Key generic risks – work at height; asbestos; welfare facilities; good order and respiratory risks;
2. Leadership – how effective directors and senior management are at leading health and safety;
3. Health risks – raising awareness and promoting knowledge of health risks in construction;
4. Worker involvement – encouraging effective worker involvement, so every worker plays an active role;
5. Contractor Competence – emphasis on the competence of organisations and individuals; and
6. Temporary Works – managing temporary works through adequate management arrangements.

Projects to be undertaken

A range of projects will be undertaken including:

• Demountable structures – safety during the erection etc in the events and entertainment industry;
• Employers liability and compulsory insurance (ELCI) – compliance and enforcement;
• Fire – implementation of the UKTFA guide where proximity to other structures is a factor;
• Solar Capture Equipment – adequate control of risks on small sites; and
• MEWPs – knowledge of and adherence to industry guidance on safe use etc.

Partnership working with others

Key areas of collaboration include:

• Working Well Together – support to the WWT Campaign;
• Building Control – reviewing collaboration agreement between HSE and the Building Control Alliance;
• Lift installation – supply chain initiative following recent incidents;
• Supplier and others – identify routes to deliver guidance and key messages to small sites;
• Asbestos in retail – work with retail sector on the management of asbestos risk during refurb work; and
• Training and CPD – work to improve the H&S content for undergraduate courses and improved CPD.

This article was posted on 30th June 2012