New code of practice issued for timber companies

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has teamed up with the UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA) to issue a new set of guidelines.

The code of practice is expected to protect those working or visiting timber frame construction sites.

Jim Johnson, chairman of the UKTFA health and safety committee, said: "The UKTFA and its members are fully committed to improving health and safety performance."

"Like others, we are fully aware that more needs to be done to control the risks from working at height, slips and trips, manual handling, and many other significant workplace hazards," he added.

All HSE inspectors will adhere to the code, which puts all legal requirements for the design, manufacture and erection of timber frame buildings together in one document.

Duty holders will be expected to adhere to the new recommendations under the Construction, Design and Management regulations.

The UKTFA is a member of the Working Well Together campaign, the country's largest construction health and safety campaign.

Find out more about health and safety at work.