In 2004, there were 348 injuries reportable under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, for a population of 40,000 people, including direct employees and sub-contractors.

After successive decreases over the past two years, our Accident Frequency Rate (AFR) increased to 0.37 per 100,000 hours in 2004 (2003:0.34).

Tragically, there were nine fatalities in 2004 and 69 major injuries.

Although our 2004 AFR compared favourably with those of our peers, it was nonetheless disappointing. Our response has been to embark on a radical new initiative, Target Zero, designed to eliminate reportable accidents throughout the Carillion workplace. This high-profile campaign aims to drive home the message that there is no such thing as an acceptable accident and seeks to create a culture of zero tolerance in all our places of work.

Target Zero has a simple vision: “Through the way we work and behave, all our people and stakeholders will be protected from the risks of occupational injury or ill-health.” We have established safety action groups throughout Carillion to support Target Zero and deliver local action and improvement plans for Health and Safety and to exchange and review best practice. In addition, we have a programme of site visits by senior executives and Health and Safety managers to review safety, including the systems and controls in place for the work being undertaken. If these systems and controls do not meet the highest standards, all activities cease until corrective action has been taken.

Early results indicate improving trends in our AFR rate, however, we would not be satisfied that there in improvement until we have at least 12 months data.