Small construction firms must make a big commitment to safety urges seminar

HSE Press Release E174:02 - 10 September 2002

Construction industry safety experts gathered today at the first in a series of hard-hitting seminars designed to get small contractors and self-employed people in the construction industry to put health and safety at the top of the agenda.

The message from the health and safety seminar, held in West Yorkshire today, was that however small the job or the firm involved, cutting corners and underestimating risks is unacceptable in the construction industry. The initiative was organised by the Working Well Together (WWT)) partnership made up of employers, contractors, safety professionals, suppliers, trade unions and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Provisional figures show that 79 workers died in the construction industry for the year 2001/2002; 45 per cent of them were caused by falls from height. Overall, falls caused over half of fatal accidents to self-employed people.

Mike Cosman, Head of HSE's Construction Sector told the seminar:

"This event is about the industry learning to help itself. Smaller firms who typically work on household and commercial new-build, repairs and refurbishments have the same responsibility on these sites to workers and the public as do the large-scale construction sites. People in the industry have to wake up to the realities and the consequences of taking unnecessary risks to save a few seconds or pounds.

"The partnership of people here today represents all aspects of the industry and we all want to hammer home the same message that however small your operation your biggest commitment on site must be to safety."

Representatives from small firms and contractors attending the seminar saw live-action demonstrations of safe practice when working at heights, a common danger area on many building sites.

Along with supportive advice and exhibitions of the latest safety equipment available, there were also some cautionary words from an accident victim.

Gareth Blenkin from New Farnley, Leeds, was working on the roof of a factory in September 2001 when he fell eight metres through one of its fragile roof lights. There were no safety precautions in place and he sustained serious injuries. Now aged 34 and walking only with the aid of sticks, he faces an uncertain future. After 15 years as a roofer he is no longer able to work in the industry.

He said:

"I want to stop anyone else from being injured in this way. No matter what kind or size of business is involved, safety has to be a priority. Lives and livelihoods are at stake and no short cut is worth that kind of risk."

Ron Wilson, Regional Director of the Federation of Master Builders, a trade association supporting the event, said:

"Events like this are hugely important, we are trying to remind building companies that safety on site should always be paramount. The industry has to realise that putting safety measures in place is in their interests. The cost of operating safely is inexpensive in comparison to the costs of halting labour because of an accident.

"All firms, whatever size, have a responsibility for other people, whether they be employees or passers-by. Every accident happens to someone who belongs to someone else."

Today's event is the first of a series of similar events organised by the WWT partnership taking place across the country.

Notes to editors

1. Originally launched in 1999 the Working Well Together Campaign has been developed by the Health and Safety Commission's Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) and aims to improve performance in four key areas for health and safety - commitment, competence, communication and co-operation.

2. The Working Well Together Campaign telephone hotline number is 0845 2727 500. The WWT website address is: http://www.wwt.uk.com

3. Organisations supporting the Pontefract event include:

Airmats UK Ltd, AJS Safety Services, Alfred McAlpine, Allenbuild, Aon Insurance Services, Babtie, Ballast Construction, Birse, Bluestone, Bolton Institute, Bovis Lend Lease, Bowmer & Kirkland, Brown's Books of Hull, Caddick Construction, Central Safety & Env Services (Mowlem), Combisafe, Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Deborah Services Ltd, Eric Wright Construction, Federation of Master Builders, George Roberts (NW), HBG, Heightec, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), Kensite Services Ltd, Lincsafe (H&S) Ltd, Masons Solicitors, Morrison, National Access & Rescue, Oxford Safety Components, Rawlings Consultancy Services, RBA Construction Consultants, Safe Access Scaffold Inspection Ltd, Safety Access Consultants, Safety Nets UK Ltd, Scafftag, Totty Construction, Turner Access, Wayne Bagnall Consultancy and Xi Training.

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