Last year construction deaths leapt by over 25 per cent. With 78 people losing their lives in the construction sector. Construction is by far the most dangerous industry in Britain.

Giving evidence to the DWP select committee, Mr Hain who has responsibility for the Health and Safety Executive announced that he was creating a forum including unions, contractors, designers, suppliers and major contracts, in order to dramatically improve site safety. See: http://www.builderandengineer.co.uk/news/health-and-safety/construction-safety-forum-planned-604.html

Alan Ritchie, general secretary of UCATT, said: "Peter Hain’s commitment to construction safety is excellent news. Bad bosses who allow their workers to be killed or maimed will be brought to book."

It is understood that the poor safety record of the house-building sector particularly alarms Mr Hain. This has become even more critical following the announcement on Monday of the acceleration in affordable house building. In 2005/6 (the latest figures) 8 people were killed in the house-building sector, while a further 1,157 suffered major injuries.

Mr Ritchie, added: "It is a stain on the construction industry that so many building workers are fatally injured. My union intends to play the fullest role possible in the new forum, so as to ensure building workers go home to their families at the end of the working day."