There has probably been more progress in the area of improvements in construction site safety and attitudes to training over the past 18 months than at any time in recent years.

This is, at last, beginning to impact positively on accident figures.

The largest organisations now operate excellent induction and safety training procedures for site operatives. Meanwhile, visitors must either complete the induction process themselves or be escorted at all times by someone who has.

Elsewhere, however, commitment to training remains patchy and there is still a long way to go. The expertise and systems to allow effective safety-related training may be readily available but the perceived cost is militating against universal adoption of such procedures. However, those who are committed to achieving high standards know that, ultimately, far from being a drain on cash, investing in safety makes money.

Injuries, prosecutions, and the inconvenience of having key personnel off work cost the construction industry billions every year. Our best companies have already stopped contributing to this figure and instead added the money to the bottom line. 鈥淪afety pays鈥� must become one of the most powerful messages for every construction-related business.

Terence Bannon, Faithful & Gould, via email

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