1. Health and Safety Executive Health and Safety Executive Key challenges for the UK construction industry & SMEs Philip White Chief Inspector of Construction 13 November 2009

2. An improving picture for SMEs? Not necessarily...

3. Challenges with SMEs & small sites Recession/downturn – “price is everything” Extremely difficult to reach/communicate with Hidden part of the industry operating below the radar – no barriers to entry into construction Too busy for health and safety – “I’m not stupid, I’m busy” Competence – workforce skilled but not necessarily in health and safety Fast changing environment

4. HSE Construction Programme 2009/10 Main Targets - Micro & small businesses – increasing emphasis - Refurbishment projects - Major projects - Housebuilding - Asbestos licence holders removal work - Crane hirers & suppliers Main Topics - Falls - Welfare - Asbestos & duty to manage - Site transport - Silica - Slips and trips - Fire

5. Programme for SMEs Small Sites Strategy Communication and education through Working Well Together and other partners Targeted campaigns Website & guidance Local Authority Construction Engagement (LACE project) Securing justice through inspection & enforcement

6. Small Sites Strategy Why? Account for approx. 70% of fatal accidents Inspector feedback that standards are poor Informed by research What? Aimed at sites with 5 or fewer workers Combination of inspection and guidance Concentrating on roof-work, welfare & manual handling (but also ensuring that basic minimum standards are met e.g. asbestos work)

7. Working Well Together (WWT) 10 year old campaign and still evolving Increasingly concentrating on reaching SMEs 14 regional groups and growing Real delivery partnership between HSE and the industry working together Delivering on average 4000 face to face contacts with workers through 40+ events per year

8. Working Well Together (WWT)

9. Campaigns targeting SMEs Asbestos: The hidden killer Shattered Lives Property Developers Falls from Vehicles Watch Your Step

10. Summary Long-term overall downward trend in fatals & major/O3- day injuries – but not necessarily the case with SMEs Recognised difficulty in reaching and communicating with SMEs – importance of working with and through others Inspection/enforcement key part of delivery - but a specific range of interventions for SMEs Programme aligned to new HSE Strategy – thinking ahead for new ways of reaching SMEs Seeking permanent change in industry culture - competence All have a role & responsibility... Will not be easy!