The HSE has appointed Philip White as its new chief inspector of construction, following previous incumbent, Stephen Williams, who took on the post of director of field operations for London and the Olympics in September.
Currently on secondment to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), White will take up the London-based post early in the new year. Since 2005, White has headed up the DWP Health and Safety Sponsorship Team, advising ministers on health and safety policy and the work of the HSE.
Commenting on the appointment, 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.”
HSE chief executive, Geoffrey Podger, said: “We are very pleased that Philip has agreed to return to the 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.”
