New research on Scotland's construction industry fatalities
04/04/06
Thompsons Scotland has welcomed the publication of research into rates of accidents and fatalities in the construction industry in Scotland.
The research found that the differing make up of the construction workforce in Scotland largely explains the higher rates of injury in recent years.
"Factors Influencing Scottish Constructions Accidents" - was published today, at an event at Glasgow Caledonian University. It states: "the most significant factor in apparently higher rates of accidents and fatalities in the sector in Scotland was the differing occupational makeup of the construction workforce in Scotland, and that the incidence of manual employment among employees in the Scottish construction industry is ten per cent higher than that observed in the rest of Great Britain."
The conclusion was reached after detailed analysis of incidents reported to HSE and Labour Force Survey data by the Institute of Employment Research at the University of Warwick
HSE commissioned the research to investigate why past rates have been consistently higher in Scotland than those in Great Britain as a whole. The rate for fatal injuries to employees has been around 50 per cent higher in Scotland over recent years and the rate for major injuries around 15 per cent higher.
Detailed comparisons indicate that employment in the Scottish construction sector is relatively more concentrated in occupational categories that relate to skilled trades, plant and machinery operatives, and labouring occupations.
These employment activities would be expected to be more hazardous than those associated with employment in non-manual occupations such as managers and clerical occupations, of which there is a greater concentration south of the border.
Today's launch was addressed by Stewart Campbell, HSE Director for Scotland, as well as by those involved in the research. The event was attended by members of the Steering Group involved with the key consultations and fieldwork, which was made up of representatives from major construction organisations in Scotland.
Stewart Campbell said: "It is important that we understand why accidents happen and then develop strategies to reduce them. In helping us better understand the higher Scottish rates of the past, this research has also provided valuable insights into the risks associated with different occupations and trades in construction. But this useful explanation does not mean we can sit back: it will help us focus the priorities of the HSE's Construction Programme in Scotland and across Great Britain."
The Report is called Factors Influencing Scottish Construction Accidents prepared by BOMEL Ltd, Glasgow Caledonian Unversity and the Insitute for Employment Research - for the Health and Safety Executive
A Steering Group for the research comprised:
Graham Barn, Federation of Master Builders Scotland; John Bissett, Construction Industry Training Board Scotland; Peter Black, Health and Safety Executive Scotland; Stewart Campbell, Director for Scotland HSE; Gordon Clark, WSA, Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT) Scotland; Stephen Coppin, Senior EHS Manager at the Department for Work and Pensions Jobcentre Plus Estates; Harry Frew, Regional Organiser, UCATT Scotland; John Hanley, Health Safety and Environment Director, MACE; Allen Mackenzie, Regional Safety Advisor for Scotland, Taylor Woodrow; Gren Presland, Chair of Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Construction Group UK; Jim Purdy, H&S Committee, Scottish Building; Ken Smith, Scottish Executive; John Templeton, SHE Manager for Scotland, AMEC; Mike Underwood OBE, Chair of Scottish Construction Industry Group and Chartered Institute of Building Scotland; Ian Waldram, Project Co-ordinator for the Scottish Health and Safety Revitalisers Forum; Pam Wladron, Head of Field Operations, Scotland and N England, HSE; and Martin Worthington, SHEQ Manager, AMEC Construction Services.
Corresponsing members included: Dr Rodger Evans, Director of Best Practice Knowledge, Constructing Excellence (formerly Head of Construction Policy Unit DTI); and Graeme Miller, Chairperson of Scottish Construction Forum.
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