Mandatory registration the key

Mandatory licensing or registration of contractors is expected to feature as one of the key ideas for improving construction's health and safety record in a new discussion document to be published shortly by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).

The discussion paper will aim to generate a debate on how to achieve a step change in site safety performance. It is likely to be based substantially on over 50 action points generated by the various working groups taking part in last October's HSE conference in London's Docklands.

An HSE spokesman said a draft of the discussion document is set to go before the Health & Safety Commission within the next few weeks. The paper is now likely to be published in September.

All industry stakeholders have already agreed to press forward with a single industry skills card scheme. They are also backing the development of current non-statutory contractor accreditation systems which guarantee health and safety standards.

In addition, all parties are set to give further consideration to the compulsory registration of contractors if they feel that a case can be made out for this.

The discussion document is also expected to put forward ideas and seek comments on integrated team working, the planning system, changes to the CDM regulations and banning dangerous materials.