The Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) has today announced a 70% reduction in the number of major accidents reported by member firms, since the launch of its zero accident protection (ZAP) safety initiative in 2001.
The ZAP initiative was introduced to encourage and help member firms to implement effective safety management and improve safety performance. The 2008 results show its continued success, with major accidents down by a further 10% on 2007 figures. The total number of RIDDOR-reportable accidents has also declined steadily having almost halved since the launch.
David Pollock ECA Group CEO commented: "We are extremely pleased with these results, and the continued success of our ZAP initiative in reducing accidents in the workplace. I commend those ECA members who have achieved such significant improvements in their safety performance."
The ECA is currently in phase two of the ZAP initiative and looks well placed to achieve its target of a 75% reduction in major injuries by 2010.
"Our members are setting a benchmark for safety standards in our industry. Our new third party assessment initiative, in partnership with the Contractor's health and safety assessment scheme, underlines ECA's ongoing commitment to help members to improve even on this impressive performance. We will continue to work with the JIB to produce robust accident statistics that measure and report on further progress," added Pollock.