The Association for Project Safety (APS) and the International Safety and Health Construction Coordinators Organization (ISHCCO) have held a landmark event
The APS/ISHCCO safety congress took place in Edinburgh, and saw many European experts come together to discuss construction safety.
In particular focus were the topics of raising competency standards, emerging risks, and global collaboration and coordination.
The APS/ISHCCO safety congress discussed current events and next steps
Professionals discussed regulatory updates, advances in technology, global challenges, and building a resilient future.
The landscape post-Grenfell was also a hot topic with UK building safety regulations becoming tighter, and discussions around Safety and Health Construction Coordinators (SHCCs) need to adapt to improved safety standards.
Discussions around new and emerging risks involved health risks similar to asbestos and silica, and what might be the next hazards – ranging from continued risk from asbestos to microplastics in construction. Working with stone worktops has also been a somewhat hot topic in health and safety, due to risks of breathing in particulate matter.
Technology and digital innovation, such as BIM and digital twins, were also discussed as being able to increase health and safety processes and risk management.
Finally, collaboration between ISHCCO and the International Social Security Association – Construction Section (ISSA-C) was discussed, primarily to tackle issues that affect construction globally and to build a more resilient future via climate-proofing infrastructure as per the European Council of Civil Engineers Manifesto.
“A safer, healthier and sustainable construction industry”
Andrew Leslie, chief executive of the APS, said: “APS was formed due to EU Directive 92/57 which impacted on all EU Member States. Despite the UK decision to leave the EU, APS recognises the importance of sharing good practice and research and development with our ISHCCO colleagues, particularly as many design and construction goods and services are now delivered on an international basis.”
Evangelitsa Tsoulofta, ISHCCO president, said: “ISHCCO’s vision, as the umbrella organization of safety and health construction coordinators in Europe and Worldwide, is to affirm its members’ professional identity and collaborate with OSH and construction professionals and institutions for a safer, healthier and sustainable construction industry and infrastructure.
“Promoting construction OSH, we not only protect the lives and well-being of construction workers but also contribute to the sustainability of our industry, infrastructure and society. I extend an invitation to all OSH and construction professionals to join ISHCCO in this noble mission, and I look forward to working together to build a better future for all.
“Building on the success of Edinburgh 2025, our Spanish colleagues will host the next ISHCCO General Assembly and Congress in Madrid in 2026, further strengthening ties between European safety coordinators.”
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