ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

The ECA's Zero Accident Potential (ZAP) initiative has been a huge success. New statistics from the Joint Industry Board show that ECA members achieved a 59% reduction in major reportable accidents between 2001 and 2005 (figure 1). This is set against a wider reduction of 29% in RIDDOR-reportable accidents (figure 2).

The figures confirm that ECA firms comfortably surpassed their voluntary target of 40% fewer major accidents by the end of 2005. These improvements are due to the efforts of member firms and their operatives, and in many situations, active co-operation with clients.

Where next for ZAP?

As ZAP has been so successful, there will now be a Phase Two, which will run to 2010. Once again, a central feature will be "challenging but achievable" accident reduction targets, but there will be much more.

We are aiming for a 35% reduction in all reportable accidents and a 75% reduction in major injuries compared to 2001. Reducing the major accident rate to only 25% of 2001's figures would be a huge achievement and with a co-ordinated effort it could happen: statistics show that our major accident rate is already down to 40% of the 2001 figure.

Many ECA members target, and achieve, zero reportable accidents. This ‘zero accidents' approach was supported by many construction firms at the Health and Safety Executive's 2005 Summit.

We are planning further initiatives on all key accident areas (figure 3). One of these, manual handling, is likely to yield not just safety but occupational health benefits. ZAP has promoted asbestos awareness from the start and we be highlighting the hazards and necessary control measures for years to come.

We should, however, bear in mind that when it comes to health and safety, further success is not a given. More improvements up to 2010 will depend on the efforts of the ECA, its member firms and operatives. Part of the process will be to:

• encourage those who have already signed up to ZAP, and those with the best accident statistics, to share successful approaches with others;
• offer direct help to consistent poor performers.

As site performance also depends on how effectively we work with major construction contractors and clients, Phase Two of ZAP will also focus on supply chain co-operation.

In addition, the ECA has active health and safety links with Select and Amicus, and we recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the HVCA to work together on improving health and safety across m&e contracting.

Finally, we are developing more initiatives with the HSE. In May, Stephen Williams, HSE chief inspector of construction offered "congratulations to the ECA in achieving such a significant reduction in major reportable accidents". We will look for more partnership and recognition from our key stakeholders, but ECA members who have contributed to the success can take pride in their achievements.

Phase Two of ZAP is planned to take off this Autumn, with a major joint ECA/HVCA health and safety conference, so watch this space.