An industry forum chaired by work and pensions secretary Peter Hain has set up an action plan to reduce construction deaths and improve health and safety standards.

The Framework for Action sets out ways housebuilders, trade unions and government can reduce construction deaths by working together to promote training and share best practice.

Key measures include extending the requirement for all housebuilding site workers to carry a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card and ensuring all projects have trade union representatives.

The plan follows the announcement from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) that nearly one in three construction refurbishment sites put workers’ lives at risk.

“House and infrastructure building is booming, but I refuse to tolerate a parallel increase in construction deaths and injury,” said Hain.

“I am resolutely committed to halting the recent surge in construction deaths.”

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor