Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of Construction Union UCATT, used a major speech on safety to urge the government to fully implement the Donaghy Report.

In July, Rita Donaghy, the former Head of Acas, published 'One Death is Too Many' her government commissioned report examining the reasons for the high number of construction fatalities.

The comprehensive report made 28 recommendations to improve construction safety. The government has not yet formally responded to Ms Donaghy’s report.

-- Advertisement --

Speaking at the British Safety Council's conference on Health and Safety in the Construction Industry, Mr Ritchie, said: "The Donaghy Report should be used as the blueprint for restructuring the industry and making it fit for purpose."

The key recommendations in the Donaghy report include extending the Gangmasters Act to cover the construction industry and the introduction of statutory director’s duties.

UCATT are concerned that the delay in the government’s formal response to the report could mean that recommendations which require primary legislation, such as the introduction of statutory director’s duties, will not be included in the Queens Speech which takes place on November 18.

Mr Ritchie, added: "The government has an excellent opportunity to change how the construction industry operates and dramatically reduce deaths on construction sites. It is imperative that the Donaghy Report is fully implemented and not left to gather dust on a shelf."

(CD/KMcA)