Constructing Better Health plans for national roll-out

Constructing Better Health (CBH), the industry-backed occupational health initiative, has set out its plans for how a national roll-out will be delivered following a successful pilot. The plans include:

A national database linked to a health-card scheme, managed by the B&CE Benefit Scheme. A network of advice and education service providers, which will provide support, guidance and education on CBH through a telephone advice line and website. The delivery of Fitness for Work Health Checks by quality providers.

The development of industry standards for occupational health in construction. CBH is currently working in partnership with the Health and Safety Laboratory to produce some standards early this year.

CBH chairman Trevor Walker said: "The CBH pilot demonstrated that while there is a willingness in the industry to accept responsibility for workers' health, the lack of industry standards and validated data has deterred the majority of companies, large and small, from taking decisive action. "The national CBH scheme means that contractors, clients and workers will have the tools they need to improve construction workers' health."