HSE discussion document will spur debate

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) hopes its discussion document, Revitalising Health and Safety in Construction, will provoke debate and spur the industry to action on its appalling safety record.

The document suggests much greater involvement by clients and designers in improving the industry's record. It suggests that architects need to show more commitment to incorporating safety measures at the design stage and that responsibility for breaches of health and safety rules should be extended to clients, architects and planning officers.

Other proposals include a review of the implications of employing foreign workers; insurance firms should refuse insurance to contractors unless they meet certain safety criteria; and local authorities

Construction minister Brian Wilson said: "This document opens up the debate, taking a broader view across the Respect for People agenda. I believe it is an excellent contribution in pursuit of our common vision for a world class industry which is healthy and safe for all." 

The report also notes that performance in health and safety cannot be separated from performance in other key business areas, such as quality, timely delivery and profitability, and develops a number of ideas raised in the Accelerating Change report launched last week by the Strategic Forum.

The industry has until 31 December to comment upon the document's proposals.

The document was launched on the same day as the department for work and pensions announced the appointment of a new minister for health and safety, Nick Brown. He remains minister for work.

Brown said: "I intend to work closely with Bill Callaghan and the Health & Safety Commission. With recruitment and retention increasingly important at this time of record employment, improving health and safety at work will benefit employees and employers alike."