The construction industry has improved its accident record in real terms by 30 per cent over the last decade (RIDDOR)7 ; however, self-reported injuries (LFSs) levelled out after a period of reduction. There are 30 per cent fewer accidents now than in 2000/01. However, fatality rates for the construction industry are still the third-worst in the UK, after agriculture and mining, although still comparatively good compared to European levels in general. It is easy to blame a ‘cowboy’ element in the construction industry for these figures, but it is clear that a major problem still exists. Injury and work-related illnesses are estimated to cost the industry £1 billion in equal proportions. The 1998 Egan Report8 claimed that accidents can account for 3.6 per cent of project costs, which provides an economic as well as social and ethical reasons for improving performance. Health and safety was ranked by managers as fourth in importance after commitment to people, sustainability and client leadership. Obviously, these can be related.