Safety first for builders at the BBC's new Salford HQ

Date:

9 March 2010

The head of Britain's safety at work watchdog has paid tribute to the commitment to high safety standards at one of the UK's biggest construction sites.

HSE Chair Judith Hackitt visits MediaCityUK

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Chair Judith Hackitt visited MediaCityUK - the £500m Peel Media development which includes a new home for BBC in the north - to see how leadership and innovation are helping to ensure workers' safety on site.

Contractor Bovis Lend Lease was keen to show how safety is paramount in delivering the 36-acre site at Salford Quays, which will be home to offices, studios, leisure facilities, a hotel and apartments.

The tour included a demonstration of a new guardrail scaffolding system which is put up and dismantled in a way that virtually eliminates the risk of falls from height. It also uses fewer component parts than traditional scaffolding, meaning it is less likely to be used with parts missing - often a key factor in accidents. An additional benefit is that it can be erected in less than half the time of other similar structures.

Judith also saw how building 'wraps' are used to prevent materials falling and provide additional protection for workers, and heard how the workforce are encouraged to drive the safety culture by suggesting improved ways of working.

Judith Hackitt said:

"The scale and scope of this project is truly impressive and to have had the opportunity to go on site and see it taking shape is an experience that will stay with me.

"It was encouraging to see such commitment to health and safety and innovative ways of reducing risk. It is clear that Bovis Lend Lease is showing leadership in promoting a safety culture and one that involves workers at every level - something HSE is keen to promote.

"HSE will never shy away from taking action against those companies that fail to protect their workers, but our preference is to work with those who want to develop safer working practices and to encourage them to share what they do well."

John Hyne, Bovis Lend Lease project director at MediaCityUK added:

"We are continuously striving to push the boundaries of making our sites safer. It is important that we work closely with our contractors and supply chain and develop solutions together so that we do not just raise the bar on Bovis Lend Lease sites, but we raise standards across the industry."

Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries in Britain, with 53 workers losing their lives in 2008/09 and a further 3,913 suffering major injuries.

The Health and Safety Executive is currently running its Shattered Lives campaign, in partnership with local authorities, to raise awareness of the impact of slips, trips and falls from height in the workplace. The new website (www.hse.gov.uk/shatteredlives) offers practical advice and guidance.

Press enquiries

All enquiries from journalists should be directed to the HSE Press Office