Wednesday, 25 July 2007

Hain's Safety Announcement Is A Massive Step Forward For Construction Industry

Construction union UCATT has applauded the announcement by Peter Hain the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, that he will summon all areas of the construction industry, in order to raise safety standards.

Last year construction deaths leapt by over 25 per cent. With 78 people losing their lives in the construction sector. Construction is by far the most dangerous industry in Britain.

Giving evidence to the DWP select committee, Mr Hain who has responsibility for the Health and Safety Executive announced that he was creating a forum including unions, contractors, designers, suppliers and major contracts, in order to dramatically improve site safety.

UCATT has been campaigning for Government intervention in the construction sector after it became apparent that construction companies were only prepared to pay lip service to safety regulations.

Alan Ritchie, general secretary of UCATT, said: “Peter Hain’s commitment to construction safety is excellent news. Bad bosses who allow their workers to be killed or maimed will be brought to book.”

It is understood that the poor safety record of the house-building sector particularly alarms Mr Hain. This has become even more critical following the announcement on Monday of the acceleration in affordable house building. In 2005/6 (the latest figures) 8 people were killed in the house-building sector, while a further 1,157 suffered major injuries.

Mr Ritchie, added: “It is a stain on the construction industry that so many building workers are fatally injured. My union intends to play the fullest role possible in the new forum, so as to ensure building workers go home to their families at the end of the working day.”