5 November 2016
Build UK Drives Standards for Construction
Build UK continues to drive positive change in the UK’s construction industry, building on its progress over the past eight months with the release of two new industry standards.
The Safety Helmet Colours and Training Standards, drafted in consultation with, and the full support of, Build UK members to develop best practice and ensure the effective delivery of construction projects across the UK.
Using simple colour coding to identify on-site personnel, the Safety Helmet Colours Standard provides a clear and consistent approach to improve communication and safety across construction projects. The Training Standard, which was developed in response to the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) recommendation to specify and promote card schemes carrying the CSCS logo, will help contractors to assess the competence of construction workers, along with their eligibility to work on-site.
The latest standards follow an impressive period of activity for Build UK since its inception in 2015, a period which has seen the organisation use its substantial weight to make a difference to a number of industry issues including illegal working, prequalification, payment, the skills shortage and the procurement of British steel.
The response from Build UK members has been extremely positive and Julie White, Chairman of the Training and Skills Leadership Group, said:
“We’ve had some great, open discussion at our Build UK member forums and it’s fantastic to see the new industry standards taking shape. Both the Safety Helmet and Training Standards provide clear and practical help for everyone working on-site, showing that by improving our working relationships and using our collective voice, we can make a real difference to the industry”.
Suzannah Nichol MBE, Chief Executive of Build UK, said:
“Health and safety is a priority for Build UK and we are delighted with the positive response from our members who have welcomed the latest standards, which aim to make life easier and help them meet the increasing demands of working on-site. We will continue to bring the contracting supply chain together to engage intelligently and collaboratively in policy debates ensuring that Build UK, as the voice of the industry, leads positive and meaningful change”.