THE industry stepped up efforts to tackle its safety record this week following increasing pressure from government and unions.
The Major Contractors Group announced a three-point plan to improve safety, and the Construction Confederation threw its weight behind a taskforce charged with coming up with a plan to halt the surge in site deaths.

The MCG plan was drawn up at a meeting on Monday evening of senior executives from its 25 member companies. Chairman Keith Clarke told 好色先生TV that the MCG intends to ensure the plan was adhered to by banning firms from membership if they did not comply with agreed safety criteria.

The plan involves boosting training of all site personnel throughout the supply chain and improving standards for site induction said Clarke, the chief executive of Skanska Construction.

The new cross-industry taskforce was announced in response to a meeting between construction leaders and ministers.

It is to be chaired by Construction Industry Board deputy chairman Chris Sneath. Meanwhile the Health & Safety Executive urged the industry to alter its laissez-faire attitude to safety and take steps now rather than wait for next February's summit.