Agencies accused of ‘flouting’ health and safety rules

Construction union, UCATT, has accused employment agencies of 'flouting' health and safety rules.  It is now calling for the HSE to take action.

UCATT officials say they have become increasingly 'alarmed' that many employment agencies require construction workers to supply their own Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or alternatively charge the worker if they supply it.

Dennis Doody, UCATT Executive Council Member, said:

“Increasingly UCATT officials are finding that agencies are forcing workers to supply their own PPE. This is against safety regulations and given growing concerns about fake and counterfeit PPE being available in the construction industry, places already vulnerable workers at greater risk of injury.”

He added that UCATT is now seeking assurances from the HSE that inspectors will ensure that PPE is being freely supplied and that special focus is applied to workers employed by employment agencies.

Tom Hadley, the REC’s Director of Policy and Professional Services, responded:

“Claims made by UCATT seem to have missed the point that many people working in construction are self-employed and, under the current Regulations, would be expected to provide their own PPE along with the tools of their trade. In a demand-led industry like construction, being self-employed, for the vast majority of the workforce, is a matter of choice.

“Our ongoing work with bodies like the HSE and our members speaks volumes about our commitment to health and safety regulations.

“We have never denied that occasionally there are examples of bad practice, which is exactly why the REC sits on committees like the Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) along with UCATT – to help eliminate these poor practices.
  
“We welcome complaints from workers and employers through our complaints procedure if they are concerned about the actions of any REC members. These issues are investigated and action taken if we believe that our Code of Professional Conduct has been broken.

“The REC and its dedicated Construction group are more than happy to meet with UCATT and discuss how to promote health and safety regulations to the industry.”

The Government's Business Link site states:

"Where PPE is necessary, employers must provide it to employees free of charge. Self-employed people are also required to obtain it for themselves."