The Institution of Civil Engineers has called for a review of money spent on improving health and safety in the construction industry.

ICE chairman Liz Bennett said pouring further money into health and safety was unlikely to improve the industry’s record.

She said: “What is needed is a professional review of health and safety in the UK, an informed debate on willingness to pay and some decisions about where we should place the emphasis to deliver quality of life to the majority.”

She said the UK construction industry had an enviable record on safety compared with other countries although health and safety was still a major concern for construction professionals. Bennett said the responsibility for employees had to be the foremost concern of all managers.