Construction workers are to be given the right to down tools on unsafe sites, under a charter launched by the Major Contractors Group (MCG).
All the major players in the construction industry have signed up to the health and safety charter, which is being heralded as a revolution in site culture.

Under the MCG charter, safety committees will be set up on all member sites with at least 25 workers. Workers will be able to stop work if they feel at risk, and they will be protected from victimisation if they raise safety concerns.

All 23 members of the MCG have signed up for the charter, and the group's director Bill Tallis has said that abiding by the charter is now a condition of membership.

'We are trying to change the safety culture in the industry,' said Tallis.

Independent auditors will carry out annual checks to ensure members are complying with the charter. Any members found breaking their promises will face disciplinary action and possible expulsion from the group.

Site workers will be represented on safety committees, whose members will include trade union safety reps.

Workers are also being encouraged to discuss concerns with site managers under an 'open door management' approach.

Source

The Facilities Business