14.12.2008

New head of Construction at HSE

The UK Health & Safety Executive has appointed Philip White, currently on secondment to Department for Work and Pensions, as chief inspector of construction. He replaces Stephen Williams who has already been appointed to oversee Health & Safety at the 2012 Olympics Click here to see report
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Philip White

White has headed up the Department for Work and Pensions, Health and Safety Sponsorship Team since 2005, advising ministers on health and safety policy and the work of the Health and Safety Executive.

He joined the HSE as a factory inspector in 1985 and 1999 was seconded to the then department of environment, transport and regions, in the Construction Policy Directorate to help implement the recommendations of the ‘Rethinking Construction’ report.

When the HSE's Construction Division was set up he held the post of head of operations for the London East and South-East Unit, and subsequently head of the construction sector where he was responsible for operational policy.

White said: "I am delighted to be taking on this important position at such a challenging time. I look forward to working with the industry and trades unions in bringing about further improvements in health and safety. There’s still much to be done. That said, I’m encouraged by the progress made since the Construction Summit in 2001.

“I believe that further improvements will only be made by industry showing leadership, by working in partnership and taking ownership of the management of risk and holding to account those who don’t effectively control the risks they create.

“2009 is also a key year for shaping the strategy for HSE, having just launched its three-month consultation period so I am particularly excited to be joining at a time when energising the future of the HSE is moving forward.”

HSE’s chief executive, Geoffrey Podger, added: “We are very pleased that Philip has agreed to return to HSE as our Chief Inspector of Construction, and we look forward to his contributions to the organisation as we move ahead with our new strategy next year".

“We are also very glad to be retaining the expertise of Stephen Williams, when Philip succeeds, in this new post.”