The British Safety Council is highlighting how sharing good health and safety practices can empower construction sector employers in an upcoming half-day conference in Manchester
The construction sector is rightly proud of its improving safety record that has been achieved in collaboration and through investment.
However, those involved in construction, including clients, contractors and service providers, are challenged by the impact of drivers such as changes in regulations and guidance as well as by other factors such as new and emerging technologies and operating conditions.
The British Safety Council believes there are still key challenges to meet – including embracing the CDM 2015 changes or in addressing the health-related challenges to ensure a healthy and ageing workforce.
The British Safety Council will be hosting its first 2016 morning (half-day) conference in Manchester on Wednesday 24 February 2016. The event, titled Powering Health and Safety in Construction, offers a full interactive programme that includes a series of presentations and panel discussions.
Dr Alistair Gibbs, engineering professor at Loughborough University, who will be presenting and is a panellist in the health and innovation discussion, said:
“Many health challenges affecting construction workers are age-exacerbated, which may be why we don’t see many 55-year-old bricklayers on our sites. The solutions to these challenges are not straight forward and a holistic approach is needed.
Part of this approach includes challenging the ‘Superman’ perception and changing the behaviours of younger workers. Technology, like wearable simulations, can play a significant part in this behavioural change.”
Kevin Bridges, partner at national law firm Pinsent Masons, who will be presenting on the new Sentencing Guidelines for health and safety offences and corporate manslaughter, said:
“For those that find themselves on the wrong side of the law, these guidelines will potentially pose a substantial burden on the organisation’s ability to do business.
However, it also presents an opportunity as the financial cost of regular investment in health and safety resources such as training and equipment is likely to be dwarfed by the level of fines that the guidelines are likely to give rise to in the event of a prosecution.”
CDM 2015 remains a focus given the significant changes that came into effect last year, and which many in the industry are still looking to understand, and therefore Peter Baker, HSE’s Chief Inspector for Construction, insight into this matter will be very worthwhile.
Neal Stone, policy and standards director at the British Safety Council, who will be chairing the event, said: “Our annual Manchester health and safety conference has once again attracted an impressive array of speakers expert in the regulation and management of health and safety.
“The conference offers a great opportunity to be briefed on key changes to health and safety law and to explore with the experts how best to meet the challenges your organisation faces in ensuring continuing compliance.”
