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Over 300 pedestrians died in the UK after being struck by plant or vehicles over the last decade, with the construction industry being the worst offender. On 'smart motorway' projects such as the M4/M5 scheme near Bristol, the narrow working area - in most locations only 3·6 m wide - adds more potential for conflict between people and plant. Following a number of near-miss incidents, the M4/M5 site team developed an innovative and highly effective 'life-sized' training programme to change individual behaviours. The programme has proved a great success, both in the UK and internationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the challenge of managing health and safety during construction of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The workforce on the Olympic Park site in east London peaked at 12 000 and a total of 30 000 people will have worked on the project through its lifetime. Through careful planning, implementation of strategies with a proven track record and clear leadership, the Olympic Delivery Authority managed to achieve an accident frequency rate comparable to the average for all British employment, significantly better than the construction sector. The project's health programme also provided a degree of care and campaigning not previously experienced in construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deterioration of civil infrastructure is a significant issue throughout the world. To manage infrastructure in a way that ensures safe and efficient operation, managers and engineers require data about its short- and long-term performance. This paper reports on the trial installations of wireless sensor networks in a suspension bridge, slab bridge, rail tunnel and water supply pipeline. Each installation is introduced in terms of hardware, measured parameters, sensors, sampling regimes and installation and operational challenges. Preliminary results from each system are discussed to illustrate the variety of information that can be made available to managers and engineers, and how this information can be utilised and presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a retrospective analysis of the failure of the 93 m high Teton dam in Idaho, USA, on its first filling in June 1976. Water from the near-full reservoir cascaded downstream, killing 11 people and causing massive economic losses. The failure shattered the confidence of the engineering community at large, enraged the public and politicians, and led to a series of dam safety regulations in the USA and other jurisdictions around the world. The conclusion to be drawn is that, in building major structures, engineers should expect the unexpected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a paper that studied aspects of the Standing Committee on Structural Safety (SCOSS) including its work, major issues, and matters of concern. SCOSS', which was created in 1977 to pinpoint practices and trends in structural engineering, deliberation on an estimated 200 topics has resulted in change in design requirements and authoritative guidance. The paper concludes a comprehensive approach to structural safety and emphasizes human shortcomings and errors as the causes of failure.

New Construction (Design and Management) Regulations were due out in the UK in April 2007, updating the original 1994 Regulations which came into force in 1995. This paper looks at the effects the original Regulations have actually had on the construction industry, particularly with regard to implementation costs and safety benefits. Analysis of site accident statistics shows that, despite having cost several billion pounds to implement, the Regulations have produced very little improvement in safety. It also appears that the EU research report which led to introduction of the regulations has been widely misrepresented, leading to unrealistic expectations about the effect designers can actually have on construction safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of risk is an essential element of all engineering projects. Whereas the elements of risk may vary between projects, the need to have regard to other people—that is, the health and safety risk—is always present and an obligation on us all. In order for this risk to be embedded in an engineer's thinking it is essential that the fundamental concepts are introduced within the education base, built upon with experience during the initial development phase and honed throughout the career span. This paper describes how this is happening and adds some suggestions for strengthening its provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk assessment is the cornerstone of modern health and safety legislation and of accepted approaches to safety management. However, based on detailed interviews with construction site managers on a mix of small- to mediumsized projects—and by drawing on existing, widely based, risk-perception research—this paper provides evidence that risk perception, as opposed to a formal risk assessment, plays a significant role in safety decision making. It also highlights marked and disturbing differences between on-site risk identification, assessment and decision-making processes and those envisaged in safety management teaching as well as current legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes aspects of the findings of a three-year research project, Construction Accident Causality, funded by the UK Health and Safety Executive. The project developed a causality model, through a combination of focus groups and detailed study of 100 construction accidents, using an ergonomics systems approach, to identify where safety is compromised and why. It concludes that stakeholders responsible for the immediate accident circumstances, shaping factors and originating influences must all work hard to remove flaws in their safety systems to ensure that accidents are reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The observational method, which has its roots in geotechnical engineering, is shown to be a particular instance of a generic approach applicable to the management of a range of construction project risks. A methodology is described for ensuring robustness in the observational method process, by applying the same principles on which it is based in a holistic way to the management of all project risks, not only those associated with the ground. A model is presented of the broader application of this approach to risk management and a practical example is given of a successful application of the developed methodology to a project with a complex range of risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses enterprise risk management and shows why it is important to civil engineers. Its three component parts are strategic risk management, project appraisal and operational risk management. Enterprise risk management is holistic and complex. It is best carried out within a structured framework, enabling each person involved to play their part. The aim is to accept risk at appropriate levels for the risk tolerance of the business as a whole and to manage risk efficiently in ways which will optimise the chances of overall business success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors believe that the incidence of uncertainty in factors affecting construction performance will continue to increase in all types of engineering projects during the current century and that this will demand rigorous application of risk management. Many organisations currently fail to derive full benefit from the risk management process. This paper examines the reasons for this shortfall and uses a selection of assignments undertaken during the past 25 years to illustrate the problems, opportunities and realities of risk management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Civil engineering infrastructure is generally maintained in accordance with safety, economic and technical issues. But what of the environmental impact of such activities? Regular maintenance can have a significant environmental impact—particularly in the case of bridges, where closure can result in traffic jams and lengthy detours. Higher cost but lower maintenance components and transfer of structures to lower-grade sites are possible answers which, until now, have been difficult to assess. This paper reports on a life-cycle assessment method developed to factor environmental impact into bridge maintenance strategy. Though developed for bridges, it has potential application throughout the facilities management sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design for manufacture and assembly offers many benefits including improved site safety - but installing large ready-made components on-site is not without risk. Nick Gorst of British Precast introduces a new code of practice for installing floor slabs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New technology continues to revolutionise civil engineering. Victor Snook, head of digital at Balfour Beatty, explains how using drones for condition surveys of infrastructure and plant is helping the company to improve both safety and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two recent publications have highlighted insufficient understanding of the design of temporary works to European standards. If care is not taken there could be a considerable reduction in overall safety, says Andrew Jones of RMD Kwikform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a new approach to manage risk, Independent review through peer assist, being promoted by Standing Ccommittee on Structural Safety (Scoss), Great Britain. It states that the approach intents a more interactive and timely process tuned to the specific needs of the project team. It highlights that the review functions primarily through presentations by the project team, focusing on risks and raised concerns.

The article focuses on the integrated management of quality, safety and environmental issues in construction industry. Contractors are struggling with system configuration eventhough they have recognised the potential of an integrated management system (IMS) to deliver organisational efficiency. Implementing standards-based management systems for quality, safety and environment is influenced by legislation. Better knowledge of IMS will help contractors improve their management systems.

The article discusses various reports published within the issue, including one by Mike Evans on health and safety and another by Beverly Lister on improving environmental sustainability.

The article reports on the release of the 16th biennial report by the Standing Committee on Structural Safety (SCOSS), a joint venture of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in Great Britain. The report determines the work of the committee and outlines several initiatives designed to enhance the way civil and structural engineers operate in all sectors of the construction industry. The document also includes reviews such as the construction safety research, building control submissions and the Eurocodes.

The article reports the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007), a new regulation which replaced the previous Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994. Moreover, the part 4 of the new regulation also incorporates the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996, a regulation which deals with safety, welfare, and health on-site requirements during the process of constructing. It is noted hat the aim of CDM 2007 is to improve safety and reduce bureaucracy and administration.

The article comments on the paper "Is the corporation killing engineering excellence?," by Keith Clarke. Regarding organizational types, as being worked for by civil engineers, the author believes that there is significant omission from the statement that 20 years ago their profession was ruled by private partnerships and nationalized industries. He points to the contractor type of organization. Moreover, he also pointed out the issues concerning safety.

The article comments on the paper "Civil engineers remain positive about Middle East," by Richard Spragg. The author challenges the statement that experienced engineers are less worried about security than those inexperienced in light of their familiarity with the situation on ground. He took account on the situation in the Middle East and advises that engineers who will be appointed to work in the area should avoid until all political and religious arguments are resolved.

The article informs that the Institute of Civil Engineers recently launched a joint initiative with the Environment Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to tackle the skills shortage in flood risk management. A document entitled "Action on Engineering Skills Shortage in Flood Risk Management," was issued in March. It outlines a series of actions to inspire school leavers and graduates into careers in flood and coastal engineering--and then to retain and develop them.

This article outlines the requirements and benefits of good site signage. Running off site signs on an inkjet printer may save money in the short term but the increased risk of accidents, prosecution and generally negative perceptions hardly make it worthwhile. The increased use of print-it-yourself signs on construction sites highlights the issue perfectly as they are often not accurate and do not include symbols, making them dangerous as well as risky to use. The legal responsibility of a site manager to protect the workforce, including any subcontractors, is more acute than ever and safety signage is a fundamental part of making sure this is upheld.

The article presents news related to the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). The ICE and the Institution of Structural Engineers have formed a Conservation Accreditation Register for Engineers (CARE) in response to the dwindling numbers of engineers specializing in conserving the built environment. The CARE panel plans to invite applications for accreditation in summer 2003. A new approach to reducing the death toll on Britain's construction sites will be presented at the ICE's 12th annual Symonds safety lecture on 21 May 2003.