Calls for change in construction safety culture

Jersey Safety Council said health and safety improvements are still needed in the construction industry

More needs to be done to change safety culture in Jersey's construction industry, a report has said.

Jersey Safety Council's annual report said it ran fewer of its Behavioural Safety Leadership courses - which highlighted safety responsibilities and the consequences when things go wrong - in 2024 due to a decrease in demand.

It added the drop in demand for the course was a key factor in the council's training income being reduced by 60% year-on-year.

The council said while nearly half of Jersey's construction and quarrying companies employing more than six people had engaged in the training since 2021, improvements could still be made.

'Step-change improvement'

The report said 2,641 people from 122 companies had taken the training in 2024, which represented a slight rise in engagement despite fewer courses being put on.

"Whilst some companies are utilising the Behavioural Safety toolkit because they recognise it's good for business, it is apparent that much remains to be done to change the safety culture in Jersey construction," the report added.

"Embedding the change in safety behaviour will require the clients to set clear expectations for their delivery partners and subsequently ensure that these expectations are being met.

"Council is committed to continue supporting this step-change improvement programme at the lowest possible cost."

The council said its priorities for 2025 included promoting the Behavioural Safety Leadership course and Jersey's Future Health and Safety Leaders Bursary scheme.

The bursary, which launched in January, is open to people with fewer than five years experience who either work or plan to work in a health and safety role and require training.

The council said successful applicants would receive a grant of up to £2,000 to assist with training costs.