FEATURE
workers should also be aware of the 31 December 2024 e-visa registration deadline. Missing this deadline doesn’t automatically affect immigration status but will make it harder to prove. Details are on the
gov.uk website.
PUTTING OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY FRONT AND CENTRE With the latest HSE figures revealing a 20% rise in fatal construction injuries over the past five years, the construction sector must intensify its focus on health and safety to protect workers and prevent further tragedies. The high-risk nature of the industry, combined with the pressures of increased construction activity under ambitious government building plans, makes stringent safety measures a top priority. Businesses must ensure compliance with updated regulations and promote a culture where safety is embedded at every level.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/fatals.htm
Action: Contractors should implement regular safety audits and training programmes to minimise risks. Adopting recognised standards like the Common Assessment Standard (CHAS Elite) can enhance safety credibility. Meanwhile tools such as the Veriforce CHAS Client Portal can help businesses find subcontractors that meet robust safety and compliance standards, fostering safer worksites across the supply chain.
MENTAL HEALTH AS A STRATEGIC GOAL The construction sector has the UK's second-highest suicide rate, with many workers reluctant to discuss mental health issues. A 2024 survey by Causeway Technologies found over half of construction workers
had experienced mental health challenges, and 12% reported suicidal thoughts.
Action: Employers can lead change by prioritising mental health as a strategic goal. The Veriforce CHAS Mental Health & Wellbeing Evaluation, which has seen widespread uptake since its launch in 2024, encourages best practice, empowering businesses to support their workforce effectively.
https://www.chas.co.uk/blog/veriforce-chas-launches-uks-first-mental-health-wellbeing-question-set/
DRIVING SUSTAINABILITY IN CONSTRUCTION Sustainability is no longer optional. Regulations such as the Procurement Act 2023, which will come into force in February 2025, require companies to demonstrate factors such as environmental responsibility to secure contracts. Meeting net-zero targets means adopting low-carbon materials, energy-efficient designs, and better waste management. Beyond compliance, sustainability offers cost savings, improved reputation, and a competitive edge.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents
Action: Conduct a sustainability audit to identify areas for improvement. Certifications such as BREEAM and LEED can help showcase environmental leadership, while tools like CHAS Social Sustainability help benchmark your organisation’s performance.
CONCLUSION By being aware of these critical issues and addressing them proactively, construction companies can overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and build a safer more sustainable and resilient future.
www.chas.co.uk
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