Prescott calls unions in for safety summit

Exclusive by John d'Arcy

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has invited union leaders to a summit meeting on health and safety in the construction industry.

The offer of top-level talks follows a Government announcement that it will set ambitious new national targets for reducing work-related deaths, injuries, and ill health (CJ, 14 June). It is also believed to be a direct response to a recent cluster of major construction fatalities at Canary Wharf, Hull, and Avonmouth Bridge and speculation that these form part of a sharp upwards turn in site accidents.

A key employer source commented: "After the crane collapse, Prescott really couldn't afford to do nothing. I just hope that he will be talking to the employers, too."

George Brumwell, general secretary of UCATT, said his union welcomes Prescott "singling out the construction industry for its appalling health and safety record.

"What we want from the Government is more support for union safety representatives to carry out their duties in our industry where the bosses still deny our members basic trade union rights. We reserve the right to respond to fatalities on site in our own way - if necessary by stopping the job."

Bob Blackman, national secretary of the TGWU, added: "The Government's move is welcome. But, like the industry targets set by the Egan report, these national targets are going to be difficult to achieve in construction. The current trend looks to be going in the opposite direction.

"I expect to see an increase of about 20% in construction fatalities this year. I expect an increase in the number of serious accidents as well."

Brumwell added: "We will be asking John Prescott for a bit of joined-up Government as far as health and safety in construction is concerned. The Working Time Regulations come under the Department of Trade and Industry. The Health and Safety Executive is covered by DETR. The question of corporate manslaughter is being dealt with by the Home Office."

UCATT's chief said employment rights remained a central issue as far as safety was concerned. For example, it was pointless to have safety representatives when the Fairness at Work Act was being contravened. Brumwell also wants the emphasis put on accident prevention rather than corporate manslaughter or higher fines.

Suzie Thursfield, safety director of the Construction Confederation commented: "If John Prescott wants to make a difference, he needs to sit down with unions, with employers, with clients to find out what really happens in our industry. We need to ask, why do these things happen when everyone wants to improve safety?

"For example, Government as a client doesn't always help the industry to work to its best by cutting programme times, letting projects on a Friday and wanting a start on Monday, or not providing basic programme information."