Howard Shiplee FCIOB was appointed as a non-executive director of the board of the Health and Safety Executive this week, in a move no doubt intended to help ensure the outstanding safety record at the Olympic Park is filtered down to the rest of the industry.
Shiplee was the ODA’s director of construction of the Park, which had one of the best safety records of any construction project. His appointment started this week.
Now a director of Laing O’Rourke, Shiplee has been appointed as one of the HSE board’s employer interest representatives. He said: “It is a privilege and responsibility to be appointed to the board of the Health and Safety Executive and I am looking forward to playing an active role in support of their important work. I firmly believe that high standards of health and safety are not only statutory requirements and morally right, but are also good for business – a healthy, safe and engaged workforce is more productive and committed to the objectives of its employers as conclusively demonstrated by the London 2012 construction programme
Sarah Veale has also been appointed to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) board as non-executive director from 1 October 2012. Both appointments will run until 30 September 2015.
Veale is the head, equality and employment rights department for the Trades Union Congress and is a respected figure both in the trade union and business communities. Before working at the TUC she worked for Capital Transport, the National Union of Students, TrustHouse Forte and Oxfam. She was also a member of the advisory panel to the review of health and safety regulation carried out by Professor Löfstedt of King’s College London. Her services to diversity were recognised in 2006 with the award of a CBE.
Veale said: “The safety and health of workers is a matter of huge importance and I will ensure that their voice continues to be heard in the work of the HSE.”
Judith Hackitt, chair of the Health and Safety Executive board, welcomed both appointments. “Howard will bring real hands-on experience from his role as construction director at the Olympic Delivery Authority to ensure that HSE continues to promote the legacy of outstanding health and safety performance in construction which laid the foundations for this World Class spectacle,” said Hackitt. “Sarah brings experience from her role as a member of the Regulatory Policy Committee and also the great contribution she made as a member of the Löfstedt review team.”
