Construction sector making "real progress" in protecting staff

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has acknowledged 'real progress' from the construction sector in meeting a series of action plans designed to improve staff protection through training.

Kevin Myers, chief inspector of construction at the HSE, has presented his second report to health and safety minister Nick Brown.

"There is evidence of real progress in delivering the action plans. The drive towards a fully qualified workforce is producing some real changes - as well as challenges. We are beginning to see benefits that challenge the perception that a highly mobile workforce cannot be reality trained and competent in health and safety," he said.

The report covers the period from December 2001 to November 2002, focusing on the industry's progress introducing action plans agreed at the Construction Summit in 2001.

The industry set a number of targets to improve the safety record in the construction sector:

These included: reducing fatalities and major injuries by 40% by 2004/5 (66% by 2009/10); and reducing work-related ill health by 20% by 2004/5 (50% by 2009/10)