Constructing Better Health from a contractor’s perspective

Presentation covers- Why did we join the scheme? Teething problems early doors How we’ve progressed in the year Lessons learnt (possibly the hard way!) HSE’s Occupational Health Project 2010 Benefits achieved since joining CBH Any questions

So, why did we join the scheme? The ‘don’t ask - do nothing’ attitude no longer acceptable Answer to a pray – needed assistance (previous guidance misleading / conflicting) The Environment Agency keen to promote the scheme within the National Contractors Framework We could bury our heads in the sand for only so long!

Fair to say a few teething problems! IT Dept and site security problems Confusing consent forms Gremlins in the CHAT database (search facility improved) Entering data – sequence / batch entry Risk assessment – site / activity based! Getting buy-in from certain individuals and our supply chain

How we’ve progressed in a year Since joining the CBH scheme in November 2009, 38 (15%) of our workforce are now registered with the scheme 74 persons from our supply chain have attended the medical assessment sessions Squires and Linsco have subsequently joined the CBH scheme

Interesting findings... One guy was advised to go home straight away and see his GP asap! A crane operator was advised to ‘see’ an optician as his eye sight was well below DVLA standards! Two of our guys were referred to a specialist for further HAV’s assessment Pleasingly, a lot of guys and girls are fit and well which is certainly good for our business!

HSE’s Occupational Health Service Provider Project 2010 Looks specifically at the arrangements between construction companies and the occupational health service providers Julie Woods: HSE Occupational Health Inspector Bethan Slater: HSE’s Construction Health Risks Management Unit It was scary what I didn’t know – reassured by Julie that I’m not on my own..............................!!

HSE’s Occupational Health Service Provider Project 2010 Concerns- Most construction companies don’t get value for money from their OHSP (money for old rope / varying standards) Few OHSP’s actually deal with control of workplace risk issues to prevent individuals suffering ill-health OHSP rarely get involved with the development of health management systems

HSE’s Occupational Health Service Provider Project 2010 July 2010 Interview with JCE as the contractor (am) Interview with RPS as our OHSP (pm) Feedback session at the end of the day Full report should be available by the end of 2011

CBH - benefits gained in the year Reassurance from the HSE that we’re heading in the right direction (certainly not there yet!) A number of our guys have been given the opportunity to resolve health problems prior to them becoming major personal issues We have been given the opportunity to address certain health matters before they became a threat to the company

CBH - benefits gained in the year Our guys have been receptive and appreciative of the interest shown (seen as ‘investors in people’) The CBH website is a useful reference – E.g. Equality Act 2010 not previously on our radar! The Environment Agency have now stipulated membership of CBH as a specific requirement within the extension to the current National Contractors Framework (2) – JCE already up and running! We’re helping CBH put ‘Health’ back into Health and Safety

Any questions?