CIOB: Proposed change to injury reporting is dangerous
In response to a Health and Safety Executive consultation that proposes changes to how injuries are reported the Chartered Institute of Building has labelled the move ‘a retrograde step’ for high-risk industries.
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR), place a legal duty on employers; self-employed people and people in control of premises; to report work-related deaths, major injuries or over-three-day injuries, work related diseases, and dangerous occurrences (near miss accidents).
The proposed amendment to RIDDOR would extend the need to report an injury from the current over three days off to over seven. This change is aimed to coincide with the requirement for individuals to obtain a fit note from their GP if they expect to be absent for more than a week.
“We understand the motive to reduce the number of reports businesses have to make. But high-risk industries like construction are different to others and should be seen that way. In our view this change poses a risk to the safety of construction workers and the industry’s ability to spot hazards before they become more serious”, said Adam Hollis from the CIOB’s Health & Safety Advisory Committee.
He added, “It should be recognised that diluting RIDDOR will make it seem as less important or, at worst, not mattering at all. There are sectors within the industry whose lack of knowledge and/or resources determine behaviours that include poor reporting. This change won’t improve the accuracy and data we need to drive a best practice culture.” The provisional number of fatalities in the 12 months to April 2011 will be published in June. According to the latest report from the HSE 42 people lost their lives in 2009/10.
The validated fatality figures are expected to show a continuation of the trend away from incidents on major sites towards smaller jobs. The CIOB is keen to work with the HSE and be involved in further discussions as they develop. A full copy of the Institute’s response can be found at: – www.ciob.org.uk
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) represents for the public benefit the most diverse set of professionals in the construction industry.
Our Mission
To contribute to the creation of a modern, progressive, and responsible construction industry; able to meet the economic, environmental and social challenges faced in the 21st century.
Our 7 Guiding Principles
. Creating extraordinary people through professional learning and continuous personal development.
. Promoting the built environment as central to the quality of life for everyone everywhere.
. Achieving a sustainable future, worldwide.
. Advocating exemplary ethical practice and behaviour, integrity and transparency.
. Pursuing excellence in management practice, and technological innovation rooted in evidence based science.
. Being socially responsible and working responsibly.
. Enabling our members to find an emotional resonance with the Institute; their success is our success.
We have over 47,000 members around the world and are considered to be the international voice of the building professional, representing an unequalled body of knowledge concerning the management of the total building process.
Chartered Member status is recognised internationally as the mark of a true, skilled professional in the construction industry and CIOB members have a common commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest possible standards within the built environment.
Further information is available by contacting Saul Townsend CIOB Press and Communications Manager on t: 01344 630 766 or e: stownsend@ciob.org.uk.
Kind Regards
Saul Townsend MCIPR
Press & Communications Manager
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
t: + 44 (0) 1344 630 766 f: + 44 (0) 1344 630 770
e: stownsend@ciob.org.uk Twitter: CIOBsaul
w: www.ciob.org www.artofbuilding.org
-01.png){kind=spacer}