Calls for a national strategic approach to health and safety in the construction industry have been made by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

CIOB chief executive Chris Blythe believes all organisations that can influence the industry’s health and safety should be drawn together, rather than just relying on the industry’s umbrella bodies.

He voiced his concerns in response to the National Audit Office inquiry into the UK’s construction industry health and safety records which showed a 5% decrease in the number of deaths and injuries since 2001.

However, in 2002-2003, 226 workers in the UK were fatally injured, some 31% of whom were construction workers. A further 4,780 construction workers suffered a major injury.

&#8220We need to systematically assess risk on all construction sites, large and small, with a review process in the event of site accidents. Our current solutions are clearly not working well enough”

CIOB chief executive Chris Blythe

Mr Blythe said: “We need to systematically assess risk on all construction sites, large and small, with a review process in the event of site accidents. Our current solutions are clearly not working well enough.”

He said there is a need to educate, train and compulsorily test the entire workforce and added: “The need to gain the commitment of all those in supervisory and management roles who carry health and safety responsibilities to deliver zero tolerance on any health and safety infringement is essential.

“Professional consultants must understand their roles to ensure bad practice in health and safety, and be prepared to withdraw their labour rather than collude with bad practice.”