Strategic Forum Plant Safety Group
Following a request from John Spanswick (a non-executive Director of the HSE), in January 2009 CPA formed a standing committee on plant safety, reporting to the Strategic Forum Health and Safety Group. The Health and Safety Group in turn reports directly to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, who has overall responsibility for all DWP activities, including health and safety and the HSE.
The new Plant Safety Group is part of the Strategic Forum, but it is chaired by the CPA Chief Executive, and organised by CPA. Emphasis is maintained that the meetings are not CPA meetings: this allows maximum participation and support from all sectors, including for example construction unions.
The agreed aim of the Plant Safety Group is to bring about a continuous reduction in the rate of injuries and ill health caused through the operation and installation of plant in the construction industry. Membership includes contractors, safety specialists, training organisations, plant hirers, manufacturers and unions, as well as the HSE. The Group will meet four times each year, with ad-hoc working teams set up to deal with specific issues.
Three meetings have been held, in January, April and July, with others scheduled throughout the year. The main subjects for discussion have been tower cranes, quick hitches and MEWPS & overhead crushing. Future subjects to be tackled by the Plant Safety Group will be influenced by HSE and other industry reports about priorities for action.