The ECA has achieved a 59% reduction in major accidents over the target period of its Zero Accident Potential (ZAP) initiative.

The ZAP targets set in 2001 aimed to achieve a 40% reduction in reportable major accidents by the end of last year. The ZAP initiative also called for zero fatalities and a 30% reduction in RIDDOR reportable accidents.

The industry just failed to make the 30% target, achieving a 27% drop in reportable accidents since 2001. While there were no fatalities in 2005, there were two reported deaths since the 2001 launch.

Figures are based on the annual JIB accident survey. The ZAP statistics are based on firms with more than 30 operatives because these are statistically reliable.

"This is a great performance and we can go forward with that," said the ECA's health, safety and environment adviser Paul Reeve. "It is a powerful message that JIB members have half as many accidents as other electrical contractors."

The ECA now plans to extend ZAP to 2010, aiming for a 70% reduction in major accidents from 2001 and a 35% drop in reportable accidents.

"We must also tackle occupational health issues," said Reeve. "Issues such as asbestos, manual handling and newer issues such as stress, working time, rehabilitation and disability."

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor