HSE has announced that Mr Philip White, currently on secondment to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has been appointed Chief Inspector of Construction. Philip will take up the London-based post early in the new year.

Since 2005 Philip has headed up the DWP, Health and Safety Sponsorship Team, advising ministers on health and safety policy and the work of the Health and Safety Executive.

Commenting on the appointment, Philip said: "I am delighted to be taking on this important position at such a challenging time. I look forward to working with the industry and trades unions in bringing about further improvements in health and safety. There’s still much to be done. That said, I'm encouraged by the progress made since the Construction Summit in 2001.

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"I believe that further improvements will only be made by industry showing leadership, by working in partnership and taking ownership of the management of risk and holding to account those who don’t effectively control the risks they create.

"2009 is also a key year for shaping the strategy for HSE, having just launched its three-month consultation period so I am particularly excited to be joining at a time when energising the future of the HSE is moving forward."

(CD/JM)