Alarming Rise in Construction Deaths: The Role of CDM Advisors in Keeping Workers Safe

29th July 2024

Back to News

The construction industry is a cornerstone of our society but is also one of the most dangerous. Recent figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) paint a worrying picture: 51 construction workers died on the job in the year leading up to March 2024. This is a significant increase from the previous year’s total (47) and the five-year average (42).

The HSE highlights a concerning trend: “While the number of fatalities fluctuates year-on-year, the average number of worker deaths in construction in the latest two years is statistically significantly higher than the pre-pandemic period.” Construction unsurprisingly remains the industry with the highest number of fatal accidents across all sectors, with a total of 138 deaths reported in the same period.

These statistics are appalling, but on their own, they provide a limited picture. We need to drill down deeper.  Where, how, and when are these accidents occurring? What is the work environment like? Who is the client? Is there a pattern related to the size of the company involved? Is there a common denominator or recurring theme across these incidents?

A root and branch analysis is essential. The construction industry is already loaded with legislation, checks, and checkers. Yet, it’s still failing to meet the fundamental requirement:  every worker has the right to be safe at work and return home healthy at the end of each day.

We see a persistent failure of safety culture every single day. Until we understand where the gaps are, we can’t hope to fill them. Only then can we effectively focus training and coaching efforts. And let’s be clear: this doesn’t mean just handing out CSCS cards. Training needs to be targeted at the areas with the most significant risk.

Cost and time should never be the primary drivers of construction projects. Ensuring the physical and mental health, safety, and welfare of workers requires investment, but it’s the only way to achieve a lasting reduction in these fatalities. These efforts take money and time but pale compared to the human cost.

Here’s where CDM advisors play a crucial role.

What is a CDM Advisor?

A CDM advisor is a qualified professional who helps project clients and designers fulfil their health and safety duties under the Construction, Design and Management (CDM) Regulations 2015. They act as a trusted advisor throughout the project lifecycle, from pre-construction to final handover.

How can CDM advisors help mitigate risk?

Here are some key ways CDM advisors contribute to a safer work environment:

• Early identification of hazards: By participating in the pre-construction phase, CDM advisors can identify potential risks associated with design choices, materials, and construction methods. This allows for proactive risk management strategies to be implemented.
• Effective planning and coordination: CDM advisors facilitate communication and collaboration between all project stakeholders, ensuring a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities when it comes to health and safety.
• Development of a robust Health and Safety Plan: A comprehensive health and safety plan is a cornerstone of any construction project. CDM advisors work with project teams to develop a plan that addresses all identified risks and outlines safe work procedures.
• Ongoing monitoring and review: Safety shouldn’t be a one-time consideration. CDM advisors can help with ongoing monitoring of the worksite and ensure that safety protocols are followed consistently. They can also recommend adjustments to the plan as needed.

The recent rise in construction fatalities is a stark reminder: safety must be our top priority, not an afterthought. At MacConvilles, our team of experienced CDM advisors is dedicated to helping construction projects achieve zero harm. We believe every worker deserves to return home safe and healthy at the end of the day.

Let’s work together to ensure construction remains a vital industry, but not at the cost of human life. Contact us today for a free initial consultation and learn how MacConvilles can help you put safety first and foremost in every project.