Renewed PPE focus improves H&S at MCG sites

Stringent rules on the wearing of personal protection equipment (PPE) has seen incident rates plummet on sites of members of the Major Contractors Group (MCG), according to its latest revised Health & Safety Charter.

Covering the period April 2005 to March 2006, the report reveals that there were no fatal incidents during this period, compared with 15 between 1999 and 2000.

Incidence rates per 100,000 workers were down for fatal and major injuries, declining from 333 in 1999/2000 to 263 this year.

There were also declines in the number of injuries lasting for more than three days and as a result, and all reportable injuries reduced from 1,331 cases in 1999/2000 to 837 this year, equating to a 37 per cent reduction in the Accident Incidence Rate.

This has been achieved in large part by a renewed focus on PPE and its use at all times. The MCG said that in addition to mandatory requirements for workers to wear PPE, such as helmets, high-visibility clothing and steel capped footwear, many companies have also introduced policies for wearing eye protection and gloves.

Contract Journal quoted Vaughan Burnand, chairman of the MCG's health & safety group, saying: "There is no room for complacency and this is classically an endless journey, not a destination."

Meanwhile, the report also outlined changes made to MCG site inductions, including short, site-specific inductions and safety advice from the site manager.


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