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28th January 2021
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BSC says sharing good health & safety practices can empower construction sector employers
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 and its wide-ranging members believe there are still key challenges to meet - including embracing the CDM 2015 changes or in addressing the health-related challenges to ensure that our ageing workforce remains a healthy one.
The British Safety Council will be hosting its first 2016 morning (half-day) conference in Manchester on Wednesday 24th February 2016. The event, titled Powering Health & 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, says: "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 straightforward 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 & safety offences and corporate manslaughter, says: "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 & 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; therefore the insight into this matter from Peter Baker, HSE's chief inspector for construction, will be very worthwhile.
Neal Stone, policy & standards director at the British Safety Council, who will be chairing the event, says: "Our annual Manchester health & safety conference has once again attracted an impressive array of speakers expert in the regulation and management of health & safety.
"The conference offers you a great opportunity to be briefed on key changes to health & safety law and for you to explore with the experts and your peers how best to meet the challenges your organisation faces in ensuring continuing compliance. I look forward to seeing you in Manchester."
Agenda (may be subject to change):
09:30-09:35 Welcome - Neal Stone, policy & standards director, British Safety Council
Session 1: Safeguarding health in construction - the importance of developing a greater awareness of the challenges and exploiting the learning legacy
09:35-09:55 Launch of the Crossrail Learning Legacy Knowledge Hub: Steve Hails, health & safety director, Crossrail
09:55-10:10 The health-ageing challenge for construction: Dr Alistair Gibbs, LECI Royal Academy of Engineering professor of complex project management?, Loughborough University
10:10-10:25 Understanding prevention led occupational health management: Melodie Gilbert, senior partner, Park Health and Safety Partnership
10:25-10:45 Question & answer session with: Steve Hails, Dr Alistair Gibbs, Melodie Gilbert and Neal Stone (Chair)
10:45-11:00 Coffee and networking
Session 2: Legal and regulatory update
11:00-11:30 CDM2015 - Building in health & safety?: Peter Baker, chief inspector of construction, Health & Safety Executive
11:30-12:00 The Sentencing Council guidelines: The verdict for employers and individuals?: Kevin Bridges, partner & Zoe Betts, senior associate, Pinsent Masons
12:00-12:55 An interactive drama - Safety Coaching: Harry Gallagher and Shaun Curry, Macnaughton McGregor?
12:55 Closing remarks: Neal Stone, British Safety Council.
22nd January 2016