Peter Baker switches chemicals and explosives health and safety brief for construction

Peter Baker HSE

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has appointed Peter Baker as its new chief inspector of construction.

Baker will switch HSE’s chemicals, explosives and microbiological hazards brief for construction, and will replace Philip White on 1 April 2015.

Baker said one of his early priorities will be to oversee the roll-out of the HSE’s newly-launched construction and design management (CDM) regulations.

He added: “I am delighted to be appointed as the chief inspector of construction, and I am very much looking forward to working collaboratively with the whole of the construction industry to continue the progress it has made in reducing ill health and injury in recent years.

“All changes bring challenges, and I want the industry to work together in focussing on the real health and safety risks to workers’ live.

“I believe that industry leaders also have a critical role to play, and have seen in the major hazard sectors how vital clear and positive leadership is to achieving the effective management and control of risks.”

White, who has been acting chief construction inspector since September 2014, will continue in his role as head of HSE’s operational strategy division.