A new survey by NEBOSH has again brought the dangers of construction into sharp focus. In 2023 to 2024, 51 people in Great Britain lost their lives while working in the sector, accounting for 37% of all work-related fatalities. These figures reflect long standing challenges around planning, competence and the consistent implementation of safe systems of work, which continue to be highlighted in both investigations and court cases.

One such case involved Natural Power Services Limited, which was recently fined eighty thousand pounds after a worker sustained life changing injuries in an electrical flashover at the Tom Nan Clach Wind Farm near Inverness. The incident occurred when work proceeded after a departure from the planned switching programme, leaving part of the electrical system energised while maintenance was under way. The Health and Safety Executive found that if the original programme had been followed, the incident would not have happened. There was no adequate process to check or review switching arrangements or approve changes, which meant that a critical safeguard was lost.

Speaking after the hearing, an HSE spokesperson said: “This was a wholly avoidable incident caused by the failure of the company to implement a safe system of work. The company should have ensured there was a suitably rigorous process for checking and reviewing the work. This would have ensured those doing the work were adhering to switching programmes in a manner that was suitable and safe. This would have been a reasonably practicable measure to address the risks arising from the subsequent introduction of additional parallel works that might interfere with the previously planned switching programme.”

Cases such as this show how easily an oversight, a misunderstanding of technical requirements or a lack of confidence to challenge unsafe circumstances can escalate into a serious incident. They also reflect the recurring themes that the industry continues to grapple with, including fatigue, inconsistent competence across sites, poor communication and gaps in understanding of legal duties. These issues are often interconnected, and without targeted intervention they can undermine even the most carefully written procedures. Regular refresher training plays an important role in preventing this. It helps reinforce the importance of health and safety on sites, ensures that workers remain familiar with critical procedures and gives them the confidence to recognise when something is not right and to act before harm occurs.

As the sector continues to evolve, many employers and workers are seeking structured ways to address these persistent challenges. The NEBOSH survey found that nine in ten people who undertook specialist health and safety training felt better able to identify hazards and risks afterwards, with nearly all respondents saying they would recommend further learning to others in the industry. Learners consistently cite improved confidence, a better grasp of legal requirements and a stronger ability to influence safety culture as key outcomes.

It is in this context that the updated NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction qualification has gained relevance. Refreshed for 2025, the course incorporates feedback from learners and industry experts to address issues that regularly surface in investigations, including the importance of robust planning, fatigue management and a clear understanding of inspectors’ powers. The syllabus covers essential competencies such as recognising and controlling hazards, developing safe systems of work, advising on legislative duties and taking part in incident investigations.

The qualification remains recognised by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme and sits at level seven, with holders eligible to apply for the Academically Qualified Person card. While training alone cannot eliminate risk, the evidence shows that structured, in-depth learning provides workers with the competence and confidence needed to apply safe systems of work consistently. For an industry where the smallest deviation can have life changing consequences, the ability to challenge unsafe practice and make informed decisions is a critical part of creating safer sites.