HEALTH
Lets TalkHealth In conjunction with IOSH, Buildhealth have put together a series of 10 discussion topics in relation to health for use as discussion points on sites during the ‘Lets Talk Health’ week. Each topic has a Q&A section designed to raise awareness and encourage sites to get back to talking about health issues and help prevent health issues for staff further down the line. In support of the initiative, Robert Kidd, Chief Executive, Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland commented, “HSENI supports the ‘Let’s Talk Health’ week and encourages companies to get involved in having these practical health discussions on site. Together we can all make a real difference to health outcomes for construction workers. Health risks can be assessed and mitigated with appropriate measures and controls.”
NIB: What message do you have to any construction industry companies who are not already signed up to the Buildhealth initiative? WB: I strongly believe that if we are all sharing the same message we can make a bigger contribution and impact on the health of all those who work within the industry. We can ensure that smaller
in the decision-making processes so they understand the long-term risks associated with exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, occupational cancers, stress, manual handling etc. We are working towards ensuring a good work/life balance is achieved by assessing the impacts of working hours, ensuring staff welfare is a priority when working away from home and by providing health screening for staff and developing employment assistance programmes. NIB: Where is the industry falling short and what can it do better? WB: We are falling short by not recognising the long-term effects of occupational health issues. We do not give health the same risk profile as we do safety, even though statistics on occupational health issues indicate that we should. Control measures are easily achievable and we must ensure staff coming into the industry are protected against long-term health issues. NIB: How does BuildHealth aim to help the industry improve the health and safety of its workforce? WB: Buildhealth provides website resources, opportunities for best practice sharing, training events and annual conference to share information among members. Buildhealth also runs a mentoring scheme for new members, establishes ‘champion sites’ and encourages interaction between construction companies. Our “Let’s Talk Health” week this October was aimed at re-enforcing the message on health issues to the workforce.
companies, who may not have access to the information and
resources, are able to benefit from the knowledge and mentoring of like- minded companies and individuals. Collaboration with HSENI, CITB and WHLG ensures that all members are kept up-to-date with current issues and new developments around the health and safety field. As a group we can also influence what issues need to be addressed. For more information about the benefits of becoming a Buildhealth member, visit: www.buildhealthni.com
Robert Kidd, Chief Executive, Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland.
www.northernbuilder.co.uk
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