Hain urges representatives to come together to solve construction site fatalities
August 7th 2007

Peter Hain, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, is to ask employers, trade unions and other organisations to come together and find ways to reduce fatalities in the construction industry.

The announcement follows the HSE's release of the 2006-2007 work related fatality figures, which show a rise in work related fatalities, particularly within the construction industry.

A range of key industry figures will be invited to a forum, to be held in September, which will particularly focus on ways to improve health and safety in the house building and refurbishment sectors.

“Any rise in fatalities is not only shocking, it is completely unacceptable. It is vital that everyone involved in the construction industry puts health and safety first, everyone from clients to employers, designers to suppliers, large construction firms right down to the smallest builders", comments Hain.

“We have 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." Hain concludes.

More articles from HSM News Desk: