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DWP pushes for construction deaths action
The union representing inspectors and specialists in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has welcomed the creation of an industry-wide forum to target rising deaths in the construction industry. Prospect said the announcement from Peter Hain, secretary of state for work and pensions, follows calls from Prospect, construction union UCATT and Michael Clapham MP, chair of the all-party parliamentary group on occupational health and safety, for urgent action on construction deaths. Prospect negotiator Mike Macdonald said: 'Peter Hain's unambiguous condemnation of a rise in accident rates is welcome. Prospect fully supports this initiative to pool experience, skills and ideas to reduce an utterly unacceptable death rate in construction. Our members who devise construction policy, advise employers, inspect sites and enforce the law are appalled by the rise in fatal accidents and we will do what is required to protect construction workers.' Prospect is also calling for the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to address four points previously raised by Michael Clapham. 'In particular,' said Macdonald, 'the department needs to increase the number of staff in HSE so it can meet its aspiration to increase the level of enforcement. In a civilised society, we should not be cutting the number of professional staff at HSE promoting construction safety when death rates are rising.' Announcing the new forum, minister Peter Hain said: 'We have a seen a significant rise in deaths within the housing and refurbishment sectors and I am calling together clients, contractors, trade unions, designers, suppliers and others for a special forum in September to try and crack the problems in these areas. I have also asked the Health and Safety Commission and Executive to redouble their efforts in driving improvements within the construction industry.' He added: 'With the prime minister's commitment to build 3 million new homes over the next few years and large scale developments such as the Olympics the industry and government must work together to do all we can to ensure the health and safety of construction workers is put first.'
Briefing document (400 words) issued 27 Jul 2007
