ECA and HVCA sign pact on health and safety

The ECA and HVCA have signed a commitment to maximise joint working on health and safety. The move is an acknowledgement by the two organisations of the need to work together to improve site safety and increase the efficiency of delivery of member services with regards to occupational health matters.

The associations have set out four main points on which they will collaborate:

• collecting accident statistics in order to identify national trends;
• providing technical support for assessment in connection with the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme and Engineering Services SKILLcard;
• producing written representations on key issues to the Health and Safety Executive and other bodies;
• developing assessment schemes for member companies.

One joint venture already under development is the organisation of a major national conference on health and safety, which will take place during 2006.

Speaking at the signing of the commitment, ECA director David Pollock said: “Health and safety is of the utmost importance to members of both the ECA and HVCA. Both associations have a reputation for excellence in this area, and we share many common issues.

“We aim, through such co-operation, to maximise our effectiveness and provide opportunities for members to increase their business efficiency. We expect all members from both associations to benefit from the initiative.”

HVCA director Robert Higgs added that the joint commitment underlined the increased priority being given to health and safety throughout the construction industry. He said: “We owe it to everyone engaged in the construction process to minimise on-site deaths and injuries, and to ensure the well-being of the workforce as a whole.”