Wates initiative cuts accidents

Exclusive by Ross Pearman

Wates has achieved a 20% reduction in lost time accidents and is clamping down further on its supply chain.

The group had 40 lost time reportable accidents in the seven months to the end of July compared with 48 in the same period last year. Wates has set itself a target of just 76 accidents in the full calendar year.

Breaking down the figures, the greatest reduction was seen in London with a fall from 17 accidents last year down to seven so far this year. However, there was an increase in accidents on Paddington's West End Quay redevelopment project, as well as on sites in Leeds and Cambridge.

Wates' group safety manager Tony Metcalfe told CJ that this has been due to the practice of reporting every incident on site. He said there might otherwise be a temptation for some site managers to be selective when filling in the accident book.

"One reason for the Leeds rise was that a worker drank a strange-flavoured liquid from a Coke can, which was reported in the accident book. It was later discovered that it was just stale. But of course all of these things count."

On another site, added Metcalfe, a lorry driver came on to the site and fell out of the cab - this had to be recorded in the book.

Wates' first aid figures - covering cuts and grazes - show that while most common injuries have fallen, there has been a rise in the number of back injuries from 23 to 27 and an increase in ankle injuries from 22 to 33.

This has led to Wates clamping down on its subcontractors and suppliers to make sure all rubbish is cleared daily from sites. Furthermore, from 1 November all workers will be required to carry eye protectors and gloves at all times while on site.

Next month, Wates' nationwide health and safety roadshow hits the road, starting at West End Quay.