Training in the construction industry is to be radically overhauled to meet
new health and safety targets.
A report by the Health & Safety Executive calls for a 50 per cent
reduction in the number of work days lost through work-related ill-health and injury
by 2009/10 and a 66 per cent drop in fatalities and major injuries in the same
period.
Progress with Implementation of the Construction Summit Action Plans
concludes that "nothing short of a fundamental culture change will deliver
results".
To achieve the targets employers are being encouraged to access and certify
the competencies of their workforce through a safety passport scheme that
involves training and continuous assessment. A health and safety test for
managers and supervisors is also being proposed.
A taskforce has been set up along with a performance measurement system to
track progress.
Kevin Myers, chief inspector of construction at the HSE, said: "The
ultimate measure of success will be a significant and sustained reduction in
fatalities, injuries and ill-health."
