15 reasons to get tough

Rule 15 governs health and safety. The old one was written over 10 years ago and is vague in its requirements, calling for "recognition" and "understanding". The new makes specific demands – to take disciplinary action against any individual who breaks safety rules, for instance, and to have a health and safety plan for any building activity.

"If we demand specific requirements, it's much easier to take disciplinary action," said Keith Chamberlain, the CIOB's senior practice manager. "The plan is designed to ensure that every member is an ambassador to the industry for best health and safety practice," he added.

The new Rule 15, which underwent a year's worth of consultation, is one part of a three-pronged health and safety initiative launched in October 2002.

In education, the Institute will use its influence to make sure accredited courses follow the CIOB's requirements on health and safety more closely. The CIOB recognises that health and safety needs to have greater prominence in its Education Framwork.

The Institute will establish appropriate learning outcomes for the health and safety aspects of the educational framework and will require accredited centres to demonstrate that these outcomes have been explicitly examined.

The final part of the plan involves continuing professional development. The Institute now demands that members demonstrate health and safety-specific CPD, and specifies just how much you should do depending on your seniority.

In with the new RULE 15 Members shall at all times have comprehensive knowledge of and due regard for legislation in respect of Health, Safety and Welfare as it affects all parts of the building process, from design, construction, maintenance to demolition. Members shall be responsible for ensuring that colleagues and others involved with the building process are aware of and understand their responsibilities under such legislation. In particular members are expected to:

15.1  have competence to undertake risk assessment and to ensure that the outcome from the assessment is followed through into safe systems of working; 15.2 be committed to providing a safe, clean and tidy working environment for all concerned in the building process, and at all times to comply with legislation and Best Practice; 15.3 provide and encourage all under their control to undertake training and continual development in health and safety matters; 15.4 have a health and safety plan for any building activity, to keep the plan current and to ensure that the plan is implemented and adhered to; 15.5 ensure that all records are properly kept, documented and filed correctly for easy access and inspection, and available for audit at all times; 15.6 be prepared and committed to take disciplinary action against any individual or individuals who abuse or ignore any regulations, putting themselves or any others at risk.