Transport Minister Norman Baker MP will today launch an industry-led charter to improve the safety of street works...
Transport Minister Norman Baker MP has launched an industry-led charter to improve the safety of street works.
The Safe Dig Charter (details in notes) has been compiled by the utilities sectors and contractors to ensure the highest standards of safety and best practice when carrying out maintenance work on the vital services for our homes and businesses. In particular it will help those carrying out work avoid disrupting supplies through accidental strikes on utilities in the ground.
Welcoming the Charter, Mr Baker said:
"Energy Networks Association (ENA) has worked across utilities and contractors to help facilitate the development and launch of the charter at the ENA/SBGI Annual Street Works Conference which looks at new technologies, partnerships and best practice to ensure minimal disruption to transport and services."
ENA Chief Executive David Smith said:
“Delivering a safe working environment and protecting existing infrastructure are critical to successful street works. In an Olympic year and with ever increasing pressure on utilities to replace ageing infrastructure in crowded urban environments this is even more important.â€
David Burgess, Group Health and Safety Manager of North Midland Construction Plc, one of the contractors involved in developing the Charter, said:
“As an industry we have a responsibility to ensure all those working on the vital services provided to the public are competent, properly trained and have access to the right equipment.
“Health and safety must be paramount to every company working where this level of risk exists. This Charter is the result of significant work by stakeholders across the industry to share best practice and ensure the whole industry commits to reducing risk to individuals and the supplies of homes and communities.â€
