HSE APPOINTS NEW CHIEF
INSPECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has
appointed its new chief inspector of construction.
P
eter Baker, who is currently Head of HSE’s Chemicals,
Explosives and Microbiological Hazards Division, will replace
Philip White on 1st April 2015.
Philip, who has been acting interim chief since Heather Bryant
left HSE in September 2014, will continue in his role as Head of
HSE’s Operational Strategy Division.
Construction is one of Britain’s most important industries
employing over two million people. Vast improvements have been
made in the sector in recent years, however it remains one of
Britain’s most dangerous industries to work in. The post of chief
inspector of construction for HSE is hugely influential in working
with and encouraging industry to drive up health and safety
standards.
Peter said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the chief
inspector of construction, and I am very much looking forward to
working collaboratively with the whole of the construction industry
to continue the progress it has made in reducing ill health and
injury in recent years.
In particular, I want to ensure the industry responds in
a sensible and proportionate manner to the revised CDM
Regulations. All changes bring challenges, and I want the industry
to work together in focussing on the real health and safety risks to
workers’ lives;
I believe that industry leaders also have a critical role to play,
and have seen in the major hazard sectors how vital clear and
positive leadership is to achieving the effective management and
control of risks.”
Philip said: “I’m very pleased to be handing over to Peter whose
extensive experience of managing high hazard industries for HSE
stands him in excellent stead to provide leadership for [