HS2 signs construction pledge
HS2 becomes 100th organisation to sign Government’s health in construction pledge
Jim Crawford and Dame Carol Black signing the responsibility deal
HS2 will today (11th December) sign up to the construction and civil engineering industries’ pledge and five other pledges from the Department of Health’s Public Responsibility Deal, as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the health, safety and well-being of its employees.
The six pledges cover a range of areas including:
- a health and well-being strategy for staff and contractors as the project moves towards construction;
- use of accredited occupational health providers;
- implementing regular staff health checks ;
- procedures to support staff with chronic conditions;
- a programme of activities relating to mental health and well-being;
- facilities for cyclists and runners;
Through signing up to these pledges HS2 aims to break new ground to establish innovative, world-class ways of working that set the standard for the rest of the industry, by committing to the promotion of health in construction and setting challenging performance standards for its supply chain.
HS2 Chief Executive, Simon Kirby, said:
Thoughtful and inclusive management of our employees’ health, safety and well-being can bring real benefits including better staff engagement, improved productivity and reduced staff turnover.
The pledges we are making today are for all members of our staff and our supply chain.
Through signing the Responsibility Deal, we recognise the importance the workplace plays in maintaining the mental and physical well-being of our staff.
Dame Carol Black, Chair of the Responsibility Deal health at work network, added:
Over the past year, the Public Health Responsibility Deal has been engaging in a sector-specific way. Working with the construction industry, we have developed a construction pledge with 99 construction companies now signed up to it.
We are delighted to have high-profile rail companies like Crossrail and now HS2 joining the Responsibility Deal and we feel sure that this will encourage other rail companies to do the same.
735 partners have now joined the Responsibility Deal and HS2 is the 100th organisation to sign the construction and civil engineering pledge.
HS2 and major projects media enquiries
Media enquiries 020 7944 3021
Out of hours media enquiries 020 7944 4292
Switchboard 0300 330 3000