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The Department for Work and Pensions commissioned an inquiry by Ms. Rita Donaghy into deaths related to the construction industry. Following the submission of her report, the government has responded after wide ranging consultation ranging from government bodies, trade unions, businesses and the construction industry.

The government has accepted 23 of 28 recommendations set out by Rita Donaghy in their entirety. The 28 recommendations covered increased worker participation, training and competence, public procurement, legal standards, safety, building control and quality initiatives. It also stated that it is to be ensured that public funded constructions follow quality and safety.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Yvette Cooper is confident that these recommendations will offer better work environment to construction workers and bring a modicum of comfort to families who have lost family members to construction related accidents.

However, that government has further stated that it will review the report’s recommendations to introduce increased legal duties on the directors of companies. It will look further at the recommendations to introduce more legal duties on company directors and to extend licensing regulations to the construction industry. The government’s response to extending the reach of the provisions of the Gangmasters Act to the construction industry is also not final. It has taken the stand that additional work is required before a final decision.

Health and Safety training can be provided by reputable companies, such as Workplace Law; their range of accredited courses by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health can assist companies in training staff to be aware of the proper health and safety procedures for all kinds of workplace situations. The IOSH Managing Safely course is for managers and supervisors in any sector and any organisation. It’s designed to give managers all they need to know to help handle health and safety in their teams.