Product category:
Estimating and Finance
News Release from: HBXL | Subject: Health and safety red tape
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 29 November 2006
Health and safety red tape turns off
builders
HBXLsurvey has revealed that over a third of builders say that health and safety red tape is putting them off the building industry.
A survey has revealed that over a third of builders say that health and safety red tape is putting them off the building industry The results of the research have been released by building software specialists HBXL following a survey that was carried out at the Toolfair exhibition in Coventry, which also found that 94% said they do everything they can to ensure the safety of their employees
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 22 Sep 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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However, with many already working well into the night and on weekends producing estimates and quotes the need to comply with the latest heath and safety legislation only adds to the working day in preparing the right paperwork and documentation.
The need to maintain a high level of vigilance on all issues relating to health and safety on site has become more prevalent due to the improved focus by the HSE on smaller construction businesses and the increased number of site visits.
The survey highlighted that 74% of the respondents carry out their own health and safety paperwork in-house.
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Builders burn the midnight oil estimating
EstimatorXpress carried out the research that identified what methods builders use to estimate projects and what time of the day they carry out their estimating.
Of these 67% spend up to two hours per job getting the paperwork together, 18% spend half a day with 14% taking up to two days! In addition, those who out-source their health and safety paperwork 61% spend up to GBP250 per job, with 27% spending between GBP250 to GBP500 and 12% spending between GBP500 to GBP1,000.
Joanna Mulgrew, marketing director at HBXL said: "The fact that over a third of the builders asked said they are being put off the industry because of the red tape involved is rather concerning".
"Building companies have a legal obligation to demonstrate that they take their responsibilities seriously and are clearly spending a lot of time and money to get their paperwork up to scratch".
"This is not utilising their time effectively however which is akin to throwing profits away".
Fortunately any builders looking for help with their health and safety paperwork will be able to produce all the right documentation with a little thought and the push of a button thanks to a brand new health and safety package which has been launched by HBXL.
Called Health and Safety Xpert it will save builders huge amounts of time, quickly guiding them through the crucial paper work that's required under current UK law, including the Health and Safety At Work Act 1974 and Construction Design Management (CDM) Regulations 1994.
Developed in partnership with leading health and safety professionals all users have to do is tell Health and Safety Xpert what they are building and it simply does the rest, automatically producing Company Health and Safety Policies, Risk Assessments, COSHH Assessments, Construction Phase Health and Safety Plans, forms required by the HSE, and many more essential documents.
Mr Andrew Snell, a builder from Essex, who purchased a copy of Health and Safety Xpert said: "I'm delighted".
"I completed a health and safety plan in the time it took me to eat two sandwiches, two cakes and a biscuit".
"It usually takes me two whole days!".
Joanna added: "Health and Safety Xpert is a straightforward time-saving software package and is a fraction of the ongoing costs that builders pay for consultant's fees".
"Our help team are on hand to ensure builders across the country receive the best support possible and the software is kept up-to-date with the latest health and safety regulations by HBXL for extra peace of mind".
Health and Safety Xpert is available in two packages.
This includes 'The Essentials' Edition priced at GBP439 + VAT and 'Total Toolkit Edition' priced at GBP699 + VAT. Request a free brochure from HBXL ...
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