HSE launches advice network to deliver best practice

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a new advisory network to provide a platform for sharing good practice and behaviour across the construction industry.

The Construction Industry Advisory Network (CONIAN) brings together a wide representation of organisations and workers across the construction industry.

CONIAN has been set up following the reconstitution of the Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) earlier this year. CONIAC advises HSE and other stakeholders of emerging health and safety developments and risks in the construction industry, and agrees plans for the promotion of effective risk control.

The launch of CONIAN within this new structure provides a platform for the construction industry to promote engagement with workers to change behaviours and provides organisations with direction on managing construction risks.

A new online community aimed at sharing knowledge, good practice and responding to risks from changes in the workplace and new technologies has also been introduced.

Speaking after the launch last week Peter Baker, director of HSE’s construction division and chief inspector of construction, said: “As part of our drive under Help Great Britain Work Well to promote broader ownership of health and safety, this inaugural event focused on how the construction industry can work together through CONIAN to support, assist and take the lead in delivering objectives shaped around reducing risk.

“CONIAN will not only give the diverse areas of construction industry a voice, it will help HSE and industry to identify and share the many examples of sensible practices and innovation, as well as understand the reasons for poor health and safety performance and behaviours within our communities and reach those who need help.

“Ultimately, it is through working together with the aim of reducing ill health, death and injury that we will set a direction for managing present and future construction risks.”