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BIS welcomes the Construction Commitments initiative. Led by the industry (Strategic Forum for Construction), they set out values, commitments to good practice, and targets in 6 key areas, including Commitment to People, and Health and Safety. They are intended to underpin all construction projects. Details are available at: www.strategicforum.org.uk
Health and safety is a huge issue for the construction industry given the large number of fatalities and accidents. It has a direct impact on the public’s perception of the industry and is one of the areas addressed in the Construction Commitments.
BIS works with the industry, HSE, and other Government Departments to ensure a joined up approach to safety and related policy areas. HSE leads on the enforcement of legislation and associated Codes of Practice. They have also undertaken a range of programmes to promote best practice in health and safety, many of which stemmed from the Safety Summits held in 2001 and 2005.
A Commitment to People is the essence of the Respect for People agenda (Rethinking Construction/ Accelerating Change), and the broader Corporate Responsibility (CR) agenda, where businesses are encouraged to consider the social, economic, and environmental impacts of their activities. Companies embracing Corporate Responsibility report that being socially and environmentally responsible is entirely consistent with their commercial imperatives.
The strongest case for Respect for People is the direct link between respect paid to people and an improved business performance by the organisation. A suite of 9 case studies prepared by Constructing Excellence, with CSU support, presents the experiences of different organisations, and sets out why they believe Respect for People makes sound business sense.
CSU has also produced, with Constructing Excellence, a short leaflet entitled Delivering improved business performance through Respect for People. A Welsh version of the leaflet is also available.
Respect for People and the Strategic Forum Construction Commitments principles share the same aims: to encourage businesses to value those who work on their projects, and the surrounding community.
Details of the Respect for People agenda, including Toolkits, Key Performance Indicator benchmarks, and other information are available at the People Zone, Constructing Excellence. The Strategic Forum has also drawn up the Respect for People Code of Good Working Health and Safety Practices, which can be accessed on their website.
This is an industry-led scheme created to improve its image, and reduce any negative effect on the environment, and the communities in which companies undertake their construction projects.
