Zero tolerance on accidents

Safety summit votes for zero tolerance policy on accidents

Construction fatalities unnecessary and intolerable: Jane Kennedy, Minister for Work Called to account by the Government over the shortfall in its targets for accident reduction, the United Kingdom construction industry represented by some 250 of its top executives agreed at the close of four hours of discussion 'at the summit' that the industry should adopt a policy of zero tolerance for accidents.

Afterwards Kevin Myers, the U.K.

's chief inspector of construction, welcomed this powerful declaration of intent, saying that although zero tolerance could not be adopted as a target, the vote did express the value the industry is now placing on reducing the toll of fatalities, injury and ill-health.

The impetus for zero-tolerance was driven from the floor, notably recommended by a Bechtel executive whose company adopted the zero-tolerance policy some time back.

The company claims that it has now earned an industry-leading record of achieving zero-lost time incidents on 90 per cent of its projects worldwide, representing more than 100 million work hours per year.

This philosophy is embedded into every one of its projects through a combination of technical field procedures and ongoing training programs.

Sub-contractors and project partners are urged to adopt similar commitments.

One important aspect of the zero accident policy is the pressure it places on senior management to secure the best possible workforce protection.

The benefits are demonstrated in reduced operating costs, higher productivity and lower insurance premiums.

And of course, the saving of life and limb that zero tolerance has produced on construction sites.

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