25 July 2007 - Hain urges representatives to come together to solve construction site fatalities
Peter Hain, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, today announced he will be asking employers, trade unions and other organisations to come together and find ways to reduce fatalities in 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.
Peter Hain said:
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Notes to Editors
DWP Press Office: Ruth Allman 020 3267 5134 / 5144
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk