ZAP happy

Following the successful 2003 conference, which attracted a capacity audience of over 130 delegates, the 2004 event will examine how electrical contractors can work with enforcers, clients and insurers to ensure high standards of safety in the industry, in ways that support business competitiveness.

First and foremost, the conference will review the industry's accident performance up to the end of 2003. The latest figures will set the tone of the ECA's ZAP safety initiative for 2004 and beyond.

In addition, the event will focus on imminent legislation, such as the Working at Height Regulations 2004 (EMC, Feb 2004, p17) and the practical guidance that the ECA and others are working on to help members stay compliant and competitive. For example, the ECA intends to produce web-based guidance with the support of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This will give practical alternatives to working on stepladders, a day-to-day issue for the bulk of electrical contractors.

Looking at the broader picture, the last year has seen some major developments from various stakeholders. ECA members are familiar with questionnaires about safety issues from major contractors and clients. Schemes and initiatives abound, ranging from the OHSAS 18001 management system to Quality Mark, CHAS and Safe Contractor.

During 2003, the Major Contractors' Group (MCG) issued pre-qualification criteria that set out health and safety arrangements for those tendering for work with its members. Such criteria are also likely to be of interest beyond those working for MCG firms as they indicate the sort of arrangements that are being increasingly required by the HSE and throughout industry.

The ECA actively supports high standards of health and safety at work, which is why it set up ZAP in 2001. As such, it backs the aims of many of these schemes, but wants to work with the organisers to make sure they add value to clients and contractors. How it addresses this challenge will be a subject for the 2004 conference, which has a speaker from CHAS, a leading health and safety contractor appraisal scheme.

In addition to company-led safety initiatives, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has just issued a report on employer's liability insurance. Premiums have risen dramatically in recent years and the DWP report recommends that insurers, businesses and the HSE adapt underwriting so that it reflects a firm's actual safety performance.

In 2003, the Association of British Insurers issued guidelines on how trade associations can measure members' safety credentials, to further control insurance premiums. If these insurance-led initiatives succeed, there will be yet another compelling reason for businesses to adopt cost-effective health and safety measures.

All these themes and more will be covered at the conference by top speakers representing clients, insurers and the HSE. The event is an opportunity to hear more about developments in health and safety at work, what they mean to ECA members of all sizes, and to put forward views. It also allows delegates to network with other safety movers and shakers in the contracting industry. Places are limited so book early for 29 April to avoid disappointment.