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Association News, Health & Safety
17/02/2010
Hazard research project under way
A research project funded by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) has been announced in response to growing concerns about the occurrence of incidents such as the collapse of buildings, tunnels and scaffolds during construction and failure of plant such as cranes and piling rigs.
Although these incidents could be considered ‘low probability’, the consequences are potentially catastrophic and may include the risk of fatality or serious injury, major disruption of infrastructure and services, and irreparable damage to an organisation’s reputation.
Philip White, HSE's Chief Inspector of Construction, commented: “HSE is very pleased to be sponsoring this extensive research project in to an important topic. Construction is often described as a high risk industry because of the high incidence rates of accidents and ill-health. However, it is also an industry that can create significant on and off site hazards to workers and the public and it is important the industry understands the nature of these top events and puts in place effective measures to prevent them.”
The 7-month project will result in a final report and was launched in December 2009. The research is being carried out by CIRIA and Loughborough University and will seek to provide indispensable guidance on current regulations and standards; improving risk management of potentially catastrophic events; and improving duty-holder awareness of risks and precautions. The research will also examine if there is scope to improve and build on current regulations and standards.
CIRIA’s research manager Alan Gilbertson reflected: “We at CIRIA are delighted to be helping the UK construction industry move forward in the way we consider and manage risk. We see this project as helping all stakeholders to continue the struggle to make construction safer for all involved, including the general public"
For further information about Major Hazards research project visit www.ciria.org/service/con183 or email Alan Gilbertson at alan.gilbertson@ciria.org.
Although these incidents could be considered ‘low probability’, the consequences are potentially catastrophic and may include the risk of fatality or serious injury, major disruption of infrastructure and services, and irreparable damage to an organisation’s reputation.
Philip White, HSE's Chief Inspector of Construction, commented: “HSE is very pleased to be sponsoring this extensive research project in to an important topic. Construction is often described as a high risk industry because of the high incidence rates of accidents and ill-health. However, it is also an industry that can create significant on and off site hazards to workers and the public and it is important the industry understands the nature of these top events and puts in place effective measures to prevent them.”
The 7-month project will result in a final report and was launched in December 2009. The research is being carried out by CIRIA and Loughborough University and will seek to provide indispensable guidance on current regulations and standards; improving risk management of potentially catastrophic events; and improving duty-holder awareness of risks and precautions. The research will also examine if there is scope to improve and build on current regulations and standards.
CIRIA’s research manager Alan Gilbertson reflected: “We at CIRIA are delighted to be helping the UK construction industry move forward in the way we consider and manage risk. We see this project as helping all stakeholders to continue the struggle to make construction safer for all involved, including the general public"
For further information about Major Hazards research project visit www.ciria.org/service/con183 or email Alan Gilbertson at alan.gilbertson@ciria.org.
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