Latest figures from the Health and Safety Commission show that the number of construction workers killed by falls from height in 2004/05 is the lowest since records began in 1996.

However, despite this decline, falls from height remain the construction industry’s biggest killer.

The ECA reported earlier this year that there were no fatalities within ECA member companies during 2004, and only 16% of all reportable accidents were falls from height. Since we launched the Zero Accident Potential (ZAP) campaign in 2001, we have actively targeted work at height and ECA members have demonstrated major improvements in health and safety awareness and good practice.

Since 2001, the number of reportable accidents to ECA members has dropped by over 26%. More significantly, the reduction in major injuries is over 60%.

However, we are not resting on our laurels. While phase one of ZAP closes at the end of 2005, we are already examining new health and safety initiatives and targets to 2010, a time frame that overlaps with construction work for the 2012 London Olympics.

Safety and employee relations aspects will be core to successful projects and these are areas where the ECA is already showing the way. The Olympic projects are expected to demonstrate plenty of best practice, and ECA members of all sizes are expected to play an active part in their delivery.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor