Success of Construction Skills Register marked by Minister

Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey today attended a reception to mark the success of the Construction Skills Register (CSR).

The CSR scheme aims to raise health and safety standards and reduce accidents in the industry by ensuring that construction workers undertake health and safety training every four years. Over 100,000 cards have been issued in Northern Ireland since the launch of the CSR scheme in 1997.

The minister said: “Construction workers should not be put at undue risk because of unsafe working practices. Health and safety training, and accreditation, play a crucial role in reducing accidents and it is for that reason that the CSR scheme is so vital. The fact that over 100,000 people have registered for the CSR Card highlights the commitment the sector shows to health and safety, and to skills, training and continuous improvement, despite the current economic downturn affecting the industry and the challenges which that is bringing.”

Sir Reg praised those involved with the CSR scheme and encouraged the construction industry to look beyond the current downturn and continue to invest in the skills of the workforce. He said: “In the current economic climate, the role of skills is especially important. Experience from previous periods of economic turbulence shows that those companies who have the foresight to invest in their staff reap the benefits in the better times ahead.”

Notes to Editors:

1. CSR was introduced in 1997 by the Joint Council for the Building & Civil Engineering Industry and is administered by Construction First Limited.

2. Health and safety training and skills assessments are available at all levels, from Apprentices, to Craftsmen to Supervisors and Senior Managers. All applicants complete a skills competency assessment based on NVQs. The CSR training and assessments are delivered by 34 approved training providers across Northern Ireland.

3. All media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872. Outside office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.