Spotlight On Peter Baker – HSE’s new chief inspector of construction

Peter Baker – HSE’s new chief inspector of construction

Peter Baker has been appointed as the HSE’s new chief inspector of construction and will replace Philip White on 1 April 2015. Peter is currently the head of the HSE’s Chemicals, Explosives and Microbiological Hazards Division which regulates the onshore major hazard industries.

The post of chief inspector of construction is described by the HSE as being hugely influential in working with the industry, and encouraging it to improve health and safety standards. Employing more than two million people, construction is one of Britain’s most important industries, and whilst vast improvements have been made in the sector, it still remains one of the most dangerous industries to work in in Britain.

Speaking about his appointment, Peter said:

“I am delighted to be appointed as the chief inspector of construction, and I am very much looking forward to working collaboratively with the whole of the construction industry to continue the progress it has made in reducing ill health and injury in recent years.

In particular, I want to ensure the industry responds in a sensible and proportionate manner to the revised CDM Regulations.  All changes bring challenges, and I want the industry to work together in focussing on the real health and safety risks to workers’ lives;

I believe that industry leaders also have a critical role to play, and have seen in the major hazard sectors how vital clear and positive leadership is to achieving the effective management and control of risks.”

Philip White, who has been acting interim chief since Heater Bryant left HSE in September 2014, will continue his role as the Head of HSE’s Operational Strategy Division. This division overseas the regulation of key sectors, which include agriculture, manufacturing, waste and recycling. On Peter’s appointment, Philip praised the HSE’s construction team, saying that Peter is taking over “a dedicated and hard-working team within HSE, committed to driving improved health and safety outcomes in the industry”.

Speaking about Peter’s appointment, Philip said:

I’m very pleased to be handing over to Peter whose extensive experience of managing high hazard industries for HSE stands him in excellent stead to provide leadership for an industry which despite its vast improvements, still has a lot to do. 

Peter Baker joined the HSE in 1985 and since then has worked as an inspector in East Anglia, London and the North West. His work with the HSE has covered a number of industries which have included construction, air transport, chemicals and downstream oil industries.

Whilst working for the HSE, he has held a number of senior, managerial and operational policy posts in the Field Operations and Hazardous Installations Directorates, including his post as Director of the Hazardous Installations Directorate, and has also been a member of the HSE’s Senior Management Team.

For more information on HSE’s work in the construction industry look here.