CIOB: Industry says health and safety hasn't slipped during the recession

Wednesday, 25 November 2009 12:00 AM

Latest research from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) shows that 85% of senior level construction professionals don't believe the recession has affected the level of health and safety compliance in their company.

Of the 1260 respondents that took part in the CIOB's research 35.7% also stated that their company had increased spending on health and safety (including training) over the last twelve months; compared to 12.6% who felt it had decreased.

69% of respondents regarded health and safety as being taken very seriously in their organisation, inferring a strong health and safety culture in those companies. A quarter of respondents think it is taken seriously, but do not feel it has top priority in their organisation.

Michael Brown CIOB Deputy Chief Executive said, "There are some encouraging signs within our research. Not least that health and safety is being taken as seriously as it should be even in this difficult time, and that it is being resourced correctly.

"In the UK the preliminary results for 2009 by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggest that the industry has decreased the level of fatalities in construction over the last twelve months. This could be for a number of reasons including a decreasing workforce due to the recession. But clearly the industry won't be satisfied until it can confidently say that every worker will return home safely at the end of day."

Respondents were asked how they thought health and safety could be improved in the industry. The majority felt that greater training and better awareness at all levels of an organisation were essential and should be ongoing.

44% of respondents felt that health and safety in the industry wasn't over regulated, with a further 24% stating that it could never be too regulated. The HSE itself which is responsible for enforcement in the UK was considered by many as under resourced. Common responses called for greater involvement of the HSE in terms of advice, support and more site inspections (including unannounced visits) particularly aimed at small to medium enterprises.

Key findings from the report include:-

· 68.7% of respondents stated health & safety is taken very seriously in the company they work for.

· 84.7% said the recession has not affected the level of health & safety compliance.

· 31.4% of respondents are currently feeling a lot of stress at work.

· 42.4% of respondents would continue working even if they were medically diagnosed as stressed.

· Job demands (62.2%), senior management demands (32.3%) and the possible loss of job (30.4%) cause respondents the most stress.

· 60.9% of respondents believe that health and safety has improved over the last three years as a result of changes introduced though regulation.

To view a full copy of the report published today please visit www.ciob.org.uk/resources/research

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) represents for the public benefit the most diverse set of professionals in the construction industry.

Our Mission

To contribute to the creation of a modern, progressive, and responsible construction industry; able to meet the economic, environmental and social challenges faced in the 21st century.

Our 7 Guiding Principles

· Creating extraordinary people through professional learning and continuous personal development.
· Promoting the built environment as central to the quality of life for everyone everywhere.
· Achieving a sustainable future, worldwide.
· Advocating exemplary ethical practice and behaviour, integrity and transparency.
· Pursuing excellence in management practice, and technological innovation rooted in evidence based science.
· Being socially responsible and working responsibly.
· Enabling our members to find an emotional resonance with the Institute; their success is our success.

We have over 40,000 members around the world and are considered to be the international voice of the building professional, representing an unequalled body of knowledge concerning the management of the total building process.

Chartered Member status is recognised internationally as the mark of a true, skilled professional in the construction industry and CIOB members have a common commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest possible standards within the built environment.

Further information is available by contacting Saul Townsend CIOB Press and Communications Manager on t: 01344 630 766 or e: stownsend@ciob.org.uk.

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