HSE urges construction directors to "take advantage"

E071:08 22 December 2008

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is urging construction industry leaders to take advantage of a free guide that could bring significant benefits to their business. The guidance, entitled, 'Leading health and safety at work', is issued jointly by the Institute of Directors & HSE.

The call comes as research revealed that a third (33%) of construction firm directors surveyed knew of the publication.

Stephen Williams, HSE's Chief Inspector of Construction, said:
"The construction industry faces trying times but this information is a must read. Ownership & leadership of health and safety issues are vital in setting a good example. Good health and safety practices also help projects run on time and to budget."

Stephen Williams concluded: "Whilst it is pleasing to see that a third of construction firm leaders know of this publication, I would urge others to take advantage of this free publication that is written by business people for business people."

Notes to editors

1. 'Leading health and safety at work', ING417, is available free of charge at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg417.pdf
2. 'Leading health and safety at work' was launched in October 2007. The guidance is written 'by directors for directors' and offers them straightforward practical advice on how to; Plan, Deliver, Monitor and Review, health and safety in the workplace. Production of the guidance was overseen by an IoD led steering group with nominees from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), Local Government Association (LGA), National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), NHS Confederation, Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Warwick Law School, University of Warwick
3. To establish awareness of the guidance amongst directors and equivalents of organisations with 5 or more employees in the public, private and third sectors, HSE commissioned Databuild to survey directors of 1600 organisations. 183 of these worked for construction firms. Telephone surveys were undertaken during 2008 July 28 - September 9.

Press enquiries

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