Government minister sees construction workers doing their bit for safety

Date:

30 March 2010

Release No:

HSE-E-62

The Government's health and safety minister saw first hand (26 March) how an Essex construction firm is improving safety on site by getting employees to play their part.

Lord McKenzie, accompanied by Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Board Member Robin Dalhberg, visited construction workers and contractors for Higgins Construction at the Swan Housing Association site in Basildon and heard how they are benefitting from the 'Do Your Bit' training programme.

Lord McKenzie presents course delegate JJ Gordon-Irving with a National Construction College Certificate

The pilot course which has been running on this site has helped to inform HSE's approach to its year long initiative which includes an offer of subsidised training courses. These aim to get businesses started with worker involvement, helping to improve arrangements for getting their employees and subcontractors more involved in health and safety matters.

It is in response to workplace research which provides evidence to suggest that involving workers has a positive effect on health and safety performance.

Witnessed by the course facilitators Alison Rodgers, from the National Construction College and Billy Baldwin, UCATT's North West Regional Health and Safety Adviser, Lord McKenzie presented participants with National Construction College Certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the training.

Said Lord McKenzie, health and safety minister:

'I'm delighted to have been able to visit and to see first hand how well the worker involvement pilot scheme has been received. HSE places great importance on worker involvement and consultation and it's clear that employees here are motivated to play their part in ensuring health and safety is a priority. The scheme is an excellent advertisement, in itself, for the benefits of worker involvement promoted by the HSE Strategy."

Added JJ Gordon-Irving, a course delegate and trainee site manager for Higgins Group:

'The course has been invaluable. We now feel equipped with the necessary skills to identify risks and contribute to health and safety policy. It doesn't have to be complicated. It's about talking to each other and solving problems together."

John Green, Group Safety Manager for the Higgins group added:

'Safe workplaces are about trust, respect, cooperation and joint problem solving. This course has not only helped the group to remove any existing barriers to good worker involvement but has given employees a real sense of ownership.'

HSE is initially aiming the 'Do Your Bit' campaign and subsidised training at new potential health and safety representatives at the construction, manufacturing, transport and motor vehicle repair sectors.

In addition, any organisations seeking to improve on their existing consultation and worker involvement arrangements can express their interest in a fully funded training package.

For practical advice and to find out about the latest training dates, visit www.hse.gov.uk/doyourbit.

Notes to editors

1. HSE do your bit website www.hse.gov.uk/doyourbit
2. Research on the effectiveness of worker involvement in reducing workplace risk http://www.hse.gov.uk/involvement/research.htm
3. Photos available on request

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