Long-awaited report into site deaths also says Gangmasters Licensing Regulations should be extended to cover construction

The government should appoint a full-time construction minister to help drive improvements in health and safety, according to recommendations made by Rita Donaghy in her inquiry into construction deaths.

The Department for Works and Pensions report, which was published today, also recommended that the Gangmasters Licensing Regulations should be extended to cover construction.

Donaghy also confirmed that there should be a statutory duty on directors to ensure good health and safety management.

Other recommendations in the 96-page report include:

  • Building Regulations should be changed to cover health and safety.
  • Review of health and safety teaching in construction courses
  • Mandatory common minimum standards for publicly funded construction projects
  • More focus on second-hand equipment and machinery by the HSE
  • HSE should undertake pilot study to assess impact of non-accident prosecutions
  • Employees join trade unions to ensure families receive support and advice in the event of a fatality

Donaghy also found that the HSE did not have the resources to manage its current workload and would need to use its resources more effectively.

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