Construction expert reappointed to HSE board

E034:09 8 May 2009

Bovis Lend Lease Chairman John Spanswick has been reappointed to the board of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has announced.

John, who was first appointed as a Health and Safety Commissioner in 2006, will serve an additional three years. He has more than 40 years' experience of the construction industry, having joined Bovis after leaving school.

Judith Hackitt, HSE chair, said:

"John brings an enormous amount of specialist insight into the construction industry and in conjunction with board colleagues he has been integral to the development of our forthcoming strategy.

"His reappointment ensures we have robust strategic direction that takes account of the important contribution that construction makes to health and safety, and also provides us with continuity - an essential factor as we face the challenge of making Britain's workplaces safer."

John Spanswick said:

"Workplace safety is a significant issue in Great Britain. Even today, there are far too many people who are injured at work or suffer from work-related illness. More than 200 people a year die in their workplace.

"As well as constituting deep, personal tragedies, these incidents have a huge financial and reputational impact on the businesses concerned. I believe good health and safety practice is also good for business.

"Significant improvements in the construction industry's track record should not make us complacent because it remains one of the most dangerous sectors to work in. There is still plenty to do and I am delighted to have the opportunity to remain involved."

Notes to editors

1. Photographs are available by contacting HSE PR on the numbers below.
2. The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and Health and Safety Executive merged on 1 April 2008, when the commissioners became non-executive board members.
3. John Spanswick is a key figure in the UK construction industry. He joined Bovis after leaving school and rose through the ranks in a 40-year career, becoming Chief Executive of Bovis Lend Lease's UK and European business in 2000 and Group Chairman in 2005. He was Chairman of the Major Contractors Group and is currently Chairman of the Strategic Forum Health and Safety Group.

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