Follow London Olympics' Example, HSE Tells Construction Industry
"The London 2012 Games construction project has shown that building projects on time and within budget does not mean compromising on the health and safety of your workers," the agency says.
A new research paper published by Britain's OSHA agency, the Health and Safety Executive, details how any construction project can use the same safety approach that was adopted by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) to construct facilities for the London 2012 Olympics. It will work for all projects regardless of budget or size, the agency maintains.
HSE describes it as "an inclusive no scapegoating approach to managing risks that could be adapted to any project" and says the proof is that only 114 injuries and eight dangerous occurrences have been reported to HSE during 66 millions hours of work, as of October 2011. Visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/london-2012-games/research-reports.htm to read it.
"The construction industry has for many years been one of the most dangerous in which to earn a living. London 2012 is important because it shows it doesn't have to be that way," said Stephen Williams, HSE's director for London 2012. "No matter what size your organization, no matter what size your project, small changes in the way you operate can have a huge impact on the health and safety of your workers. I want the rest of the construction industry to follow London's lead. London 2012 is entering the final stages of preparation, and it is important that all those involved continue to manage risks sensibly until the whole project is across the finishing line."
This is the first in a series of research reports HSE will publish as part of the London 2012 Learning Legacy. The agency has worked with ODA since London was awarded the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.