MCG member sites improve health and safety

There have been no fatalities and incident rates are down across the sites of Major Contractors Group (MCG) members, according to the group's latest progress report on its revised Health and Safety Charter.

The report, which covers the period from April 2005 to March 2006, shows no fatal accidents, compared with 15 in the baseline year of 1999 to 2000.

On incidence rates per 100,000 workers (including direct and indirect employees), against 1999/2000 figures, rates are down on fatal and major injuries to 263 (333); injuries lasting more than three days - 574 (989); and all reportable injuries - 837 (1,331).

This amounts to a 37% reduction in the Accident Incidence Rate for all reportable injuries since the baseline year.

Vaughan Burnand, chairman of the MCG's health and safety group, welcomed the figures, but added: "There is no room for complacency and this is classically an endless journey, not a destination."

CSCS uptake has also increased and by March this year, 79% of people on MCG sites, including subcontractor and agency staff, are now carrying cards from an MCG-Accepted Record Scheme appropriate to their particular occupation.

The report also highlights changes to site inductions on MCG sites, which include: short inductions that are site-specific and should include key statements from the senior manager on site.

The MCG said that in addition to normal existing mandatory requirements for PPE, such as safety footwear, helmets and high-visibility clothing, most MCG companies now have policies for mandatory wearing of gloves and eye protection.

[Contract Journal, 19 July 2006, p. 3]