Designers more aware of health and safety risks

Designers in the construction industry are becoming aware of their responsibilities to design out health and safety risks as required by legislation, according to research carried out by Health & Safety Executive inspectors.

In 2003, HSE inspectors found that 33% of those visited were judged to have adequate or good knowledge of their legal duties under CDM and other relevant legislation - but in 2004 that figure has jumped to 60%.
 
And this year nearly 62% of designers had effectively succeeded in minimising the risks associated with work at height during construction and maintenance compared with the 34% (construction) and 33% (maintenance) reported in 2003.

During April 2004 HSE construction inspectors met designers and planning supervisors at 122 sites across Scotland and the North of England, focusing on falls from height.

Designers had the opportunity to explain what they have done, during the design stage, to reduce the risks from work at height for workers on site during construction and those carrying out future maintenance as required by Regulation 13 of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 1994 (CDM).    

Kevin Myers, HSE's chief inspector of construction, said: "The results of this latest initiative are a welcome sign that the awareness and good practice we know exists among some is beginning to percolate out into the wider design community.   

"Analysis of designer performance suggests a marked improvement in comparison with a similar initiative conducted in March 2003.  In particular, positive progress appears to have been made in relation to designers' knowledge of the law, training, and the practical steps that should be taken to reduce risks on site."

In May, a National Audit Office report also concluded that designers lack knowledge of their responsibilities under the CDM Regulations 1994.