Government plans could create a huge new force to tackle site safety.
Construction site safety looks set for a massive boost with plans for building control officers to receive sweeping new powers.

Government proposals would give local councils the power to inspect sites and prosecute parties for safety breaches. The new enforcement powers, which would be delegated by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), would give a huge boost to its enforcement division. The HSE has 138 dedicated construction inspectors; there are 4000 building control officers.

David Crago, president of the District Surveyors Association, governing body for building control officers, believes that the move is a positive one. While he acknowledged that his officers have a limited knowledge of safety issues, he argued that they would receive training from the HSE. It is likely that the HSE officers would inspect the largest sites, with building control officers concentrating on smaller ones.

Both bodies acknowledged that talks have taken place and that a deal has been agreed in principle. However, Steve Wright, head of construction policy at the HSE, warned that the move would not work if councils simply reported back to the HSE, as its inspectors would become swamped with information. Plans could come to nothing if the HSE is moved in any departmental reshuffle.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor