A review of the Donaghy Inquiry into the underlying causes of construction fatal accidents

On 4 December 2008, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions announced an Inquiry into the Underlying Causes of Construction Fatal Accidents as a result of the view that there was an "unacceptable level of fatalities in the construction industry". Rita Donaghy was appointed Independent Chair, and published her report with 28 recommendations on 9 July 2009. A key focus of the inquiry is the need for a tougher approach to health and safety offending in the construction industry with heavier sentences for companies and individual directors.

Young Professionals in Construction Annual BBQ

In August YPIC held one of its few informal events, the annual BBQ which was jointly hosted with Bauder Ltd (specialists in flat roofing) and the RICS young professionals group, RICS Matrics.

Latest interim report on UK's Carbon Budgets

In its first progress report 'Meeting Carbon Budgets – the need for a step change' the Committee on Climate Change calls for a 'fundamental review' of energy and carbon markets, and a rapid acceleration in consents and funding if the UK’s Carbon Budgets are to be met.

Constructing Excellence Awards

The Constructing Excellence Awards were this year held at the newly built Cardiff City Stadium. The event, which took place on Friday 11 September, was attended by Joanna Rees, Iwan Jenkins and Vrinda Theara of Morgan Cole.

Refresher on PCG and bonds from contractors

What are the main features?Performance bond a bond is simply a deed by which one person (the bondsman) who will either be a bank or an insurance company binds himself to the employer/developer for the payment of a specified sum; there are two types of bond either an on-demand bond or a default bond; an on-demand bond constitutes a stand alone obligation from the bondsman, separate from the underlying building contract or development agreement.

Construction Bill amendment could boost PFI lending

The PFI industry was given a potential boost by a last-minute Commons amendment (No.4) added to the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill as it completed its report and third reading stages in the House of Commons on 13 October 2009. The Bill has now been passed to the House of Lords for consideration of amendments.