HSC press release: C027:04 - 1 July 2004
'Constructing Better Health' the occupational health pilot scheme for the construction industry has moved closer to reality following major funding contributions from industry and Government.
The announcement was made on 23 June 2004, following the inaugural Board meeting of 'Constructing Better Health', the industry-led company set up to test and develop an occupational health scheme for the construction industry. The Board has now secured half of the funds necessary to run the pilot, estimated at £1.3 million.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and Building and Civil Engineering (B&CE) Benefit Schemes are each contributing £200,000.
The Chair of 'Constructing Better Health', George
Brumwell of UCATT said:
"We have reached a significant milestone in the development of
the 'Constructing Better Health' scheme. These
contributions have really kick-started the fundraising process for
the pilot. We will be seeking further funding from both the
industry and other sources."
Philip White, Head of Construction Division said:
"HSE strongly believes in the benefits this scheme will bring
to the construction industry. This pilot is not only testing a
model of occupational health support, it also shows how partnership
between Government and the construction industry can help to secure
real long-term improvements. The financial support offered by HSE,
DWP and DTI demonstrates both HSE's and Government's strong
commitment to the project."
Brian Griffiths, chief executive of B&CE, said:
" B&CE has been working closely with Constructing Better
Health to set up the administration company to manage the pilot,
and we are delighted that the scheme has now raised half its
necessary funding. This takes us another step further to piloting
the scheme."
1. 'Constructing Better Health' is an initiative to pilot a regional occupational health support service that offers free advice and support to construction projects in an agreed area. It aims to offer employees and employers best-practice management solutions to reduce exposure to key health risks. It will allow construction employers to receive free on-site risk assessments and provide a source of free advice and guidance for employers and workers, as well as a gateway to further specialist support, if required. HSE has facilitated the project.
2. 'Constructing Better Health' is a company limited by guarantee, which replaces the Action Forum that was originally established by CONIAC to identify suitable occupational health providers and governance arrangements for the project. The Board of 'Constructing Better Health' represents both construction employers and employees, it comprises of:
HSE sits on the 'Constructing Better Health' Board as an observer. B&CE acts as corporate company secretary to the company.
3. B&CE are the largest supplier of financial services and employee benefits to the UK's construction industry. Almost 8,000 employers use B&CE to provide employee benefits for over 250,000 individuals. They provide the UK's most popular stakeholder pension - with over 250,000 members - and have over £1 billion under management. The B&CE Charitable Trust has three main objectives: education and training in, and research into, occupational health and safety in building and civil engineering industries; education, training and retraining for operatives, past operatives and young people; relief of beneficiaries who are in need by virtue of their poverty, sickness or distress. The trustees meet several times during the year to examine cases.
Proposal and Scoping/Specification for a Feasibility Study into the Establishment of a Comprehensive Occupational Health Scheme in the Construction Industry (Sypol/Lawrence Waterman): http://www.hse.gov.uk/hthdir/noframes/construct.pdf
National Occupational Support Scheme of the Construction Industry: An Initial Feasibility Study (Amey Vectra Ltd): http://www.hse.gov.uk/hthdir/noframes/support.pdf
All enquiries from journalists should be directed to the HSE Press Office
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