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INDUSTRY NEWS 7


housebuilding sector has been favouring big developers and land traders over those who will eventually live in the homes. Graeme Brown, Shelter’s interim chief


executive, commented: “For decades we’ve relied on this broken system and, despite the sweeteners offered to developers to build the homes we need, it simply hasn’t worked. “The current way of building has had its


day, and it has failed the nation.” The release follows Bovis Homes’


recent £7m compensation to its customers, after angry customers formed a Facebook pressure group complaining about services received. According to the Shelter report, the


system is currently skewed, producing houses that are both of poor quality and yet also expensive. Figures released indicated that eight in


10 working, private renting families cannot afford to buy a newly built home regardless of the Government’s Help to Buy Scheme. The numbers were at their worst in the West Midlands, in which 93 per cent of families were found to be unable to purchase an averagely priced new home. Shelter has proposed an equity


partnership model to bring down the cost of land. If adopted, this model would see landowners put their land into a business partnership as equity over the long term, benefitting from rising values year after year, rather than taking a one-off windfall payment. The report said the most “important risk


taken by a speculative developer is how much to pay for a plot of land.” “This is fundamental to the speculative


housebuilding model,” it explained, “as land is often the single largest cost in building homes, especially in the areas which need homes most.”


Falls remain biggest killer on sites


Working at height continues to be the biggest danger for construction workers, according to the Building Safety Group (BSG). The figures echo the latest construction


sector statistics published by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Despite an overall drop in fatalities, falls from height still remain the single biggest cause of fatalities on construction sites and in the workplace.


BSG’s findings were based on a report


which combined the results of over 20,000 site inspections conducted during 2016. Working at height was found to be the most significant hazard identified during site visits, accounting for 19 per cent of all breaches recorded. Dust/fumes was in second place, accounting for five per cent. A total of 24,634 non-compliance


incidents were logged by safety advisors throughout 2016. Over the last five years they have


resulted in the deaths of 97 construction workers, accounting for 45 per cent of all fatal injuries. They are also the largest single cause of non-fatal accident related injury, responsible for 33 per cent of all non-fatal injuries, including 11 per cent of the injuries, resulting in an absence of more than seven days. The three main sources of injuries and


fatalities from heights are fragile roof lights, scaffolding and ladders, which are the accidents that can easily be prevented, according to Chris Chapman, technical manager at BSG. He commented: “Everyone can do more to ensure that work is properly planned, supervised and conducted by qualified workers who have the required skills for the task in hand. “To significantly reduce the dangers of


working at height, construction companies should always try to complete as much work as possible from the ground, ensure safe access and egress, and importantly, make certain that any equipment used is suitable, stable and strong enough for the job.”


CIOB builds case for construction


Ahead of the general election, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has released its own construction manifesto, ‘Building the Case for Construction’. Intended to improve policy making and


provide a better understanding of the construction industry’s contribution to society, the CIOB has outlined five inter- linked policy proposals for prospective parliamentary candidates and the next government to consider. Christ Blythe OBE, chief executive of


the CIOB, believes the quality of our built environment “affects every member of society.” “Construction creates and maintains the


places that people live, work and play, the infrastructure that supports them and the services that sustain them,” continued Blythe. “It is vital that those elected to represent their constituents in Parliament understand this.” He said the manifesto “showcases”


construction as a solution to major policy issues. “It is crucial that policy makers


appreciate the contribution of the construction sector,”he concluded, adding: “The decisions made today will be felt for decades and generations.” The CIOB will be communicating with


prospective parliamentary candidates, urging them to consider the importance of the built environment, both at a local and national level.


THE FIVE AIMS OF THE CIOB MANIFESTO


1. Continue support for the Industrial Strategy and recognise construction’s role in improving productivity


2. Work alongside the construction industry to support a robust system for training and skills development


3. Recognise and address both the opportunities and risks that Brexit will bring


4. Ensure quality is at the heart of the nation’s construction programme


5. Focus on regional investment in construction to rebalance the UK economy


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