The Construction Commitments
Health and Safety
North East - 21st May 2008
Big issue:
- How do we get operatives to adhere to H&S policies?
Good ideas:
- Training (job role) and follow company policy in line with legislation
- Proper disciplinary process/management
- Audit/risk assessment
East Midlands - 4th June 2008
Big issue:
- As a client how do we achieve health and safety best practice?
Good ideas:
- Training and education
- Inspection and enforcement
- Financial Penalties
Yorkshire and the Humber - 16th July 2008
Big issue:
- How do we make sure everyone is integrated into the process?
Good ideas:
- Needs to be embedded in the culture of the organisation . Through representation and integration of all levels and disciplines
- Policing is not the answer prevention is
- Stakeholder committee incorporating all leads with everyone on an equal footing from CX down
South East - 3rd September 2008
Big issue:
- How will you assess and manage health and safety risks relating to occupational health and communicate it to all from inception to design [completion]?
Good ideas:
- Rigorous system, clearly defined responsibilities
- Auditable Risk Register including DRA's - Designer Risk Assessments i.e designs eliminate risk
- Selection of good CDM Co-ordinator - early involvement - beyond statutory compliance
- Regular audits
- Ambitions for Best Practice, Considerate Constructors scheme award
- Regular review meetings and reports
- No blame culture, H&S Client Priority
West Midlands - 1st October
Big issue:
- How do we get SMEs to understand the significance of Health and Safety?
Good ideas:
- Nono-compliance with Health and Safety is a criminal offence
- Provide training/education
- Performance Measurement
South West - 5th November
Big issue:
- How do we ensure that our contractors and supply chain share our philosophy towards health and safety?
Good ideas:
- Investigate their philosophy before you take them on
- Effective communication
- Tell them what it is - tender documents/briefing
- Joint training
- Third party assessments - throughout the project
- Health and Safety charter
- Put a value on health and safety in the selection process
- Long term relationships
- KPIs
- Third party accreditation
- Pre-start meeting - post project reviews
North West - 4th December 2008
Big issue:
- How do we make it real for staff in the office?
Good ideas:
- Invest in appropriate CPD and awareness training both on site and office based
East of England - 25th February 2009
Big issue:
- How can we develop designs that meet health and safety standards for the end user, but still meet the required performance standards? (i.e. Doors that meet "Secured by Design" standards, that are not suitable for elderly residents)
Good ideas:
- Work with the supply chain and client team - i.e. current ironmongery and use of 'swing tree' door closers
