New accident statistics from the Electrical Contractors鈥� Association鈥檚 Zero Accident Potential initiative highlight the industry鈥檚 improving health and safety record.

In the five years since its launch in 2001, ZAP has resulted in a 33% reduction in the number of RIDDOR-reportable accidents up to January 2007. Major accidents show a reduction of 59%. The latest 2006 return shows there were no fatalities among ECA member companies.

Paul Reeve, health, safety and environment manager at the ECA comments: 鈥淭he ECA鈥檚 ZAP initiative continues to be a resounding success. The 2006 figures show five consecutive years of improved safety performance by ECA members. The reduction in major injuries is particularly impressive 鈥� we have halved serious injuries and this is a real credit to the efforts of member companies and their employees.鈥�

Stephen Williams of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said: 鈥淎ny initiative that improves health and safety in the construction industry is warmly welcomed by HSE. On the basis of the reported results for 2006, this looks to be one of the more successful and HSE commends the ECA and its members for their efforts.鈥�

Shelley Atkinson Frost, health and safety director at the Construction Confederation also commented on the success of ZAP: 鈥淚t is a real challenge for us all in the construction industry to tackle the high incidence rates and I commend ECA members for achieving such remarkable and sustained improvements to their safety performance.鈥�

ZAP aims to drive improvements in all areas of safety performance in the electrical contracting industry. The initiative is supported by free information, publications, events and best practice workshops for all ECA members. As part of its ongoing commitment to the reduction of accidents, the ECA sets clear safety targets for improvement under ZAP to allow effective monitoring and reporting of the industry鈥檚 performance.

Ambitious targets have been set for phase two of ZAP, leading up to 2010. The new targets will aim for a total reduction of 75% reduction in major injuries compared to 2001 and there will be safety management and occupational health indicators.

For further information on the accident figures and the ZAP initiative, contact Paul Reeve, ECA HS&E advisor on 020 7313 4854 or email: paul.reeve@eca.co.uk

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor