Madam, - Recent reports on construction site safety are alarming but it is important to keep a balanced view. Safety is everyone's responsibility and is a culture that has to be promoted from top management down.
Some companies are more proactive and imaginative than others in motivating their employees and for these the rewards are fewer accidents and lower insurance premiums. Big strides have been taken in the industry over the past 10 years, but it's a long road ahead.
It is important to stay focused and to keep insisting on the highest possible safety standards on all our projects. The ideal is no fatalities and fewer injuries.
I do not agree with regulations that point the finger squarely at top management. I would agree with regulations that mandate all companies to carry a basic form of public and employer's liability insurance, spreading the burden of insurance costs more evenly.
We all, collectively, have a part to play in sustaining a safe working environment and safe systems of work. - Yours, etc.,
ANTHONY REALE, Chartered Civil Engineer, Dublin 7.