I am pleased to announce that Rita Donaghy has completed the inquiry and I am today able to announce the publication of her report entitled: “One Death is too Many. Inquiry into the underlying causes of construction fatal accidents”.

I would like to thank Rita, and her peer reviewers, for the thorough way in which she has carried out the inquiry—involving wide consultation with stakeholders.

We know that many in the construction industry work tirelessly to improve health and safety. But more work needs to be done to bring the number of accidents down. This report makes clear that a culture that expects safe and healthy working, and strong leadership are important for delivering further improvements in construction safety. Despite the welcome recent fall in construction fatalities, any death or major injury is a tragedy for individuals, their families and their colleagues.

The report makes far-reaching recommendations for improving safety in the construction industry, extending across safety representatives, building control, the legal system, training and competence, and public procurement. The Government will now consider the report and its recommendations fully over the summer, working with the industry, trade unions and HSE, before responding later in the year.

Copies of the report are available in the Vote Office and the Printed Paper Office.