After the Grenfell Tower fire that has exposed lapses and liabilities particularly in construction, how will the sector rebuild public trust?

By now we know that the supplier of the infamous cladding used at the 67.3-metre tall property provided the flammable version of the panels – the kind which is not recommended for buildings higher than 10 metres.

So how does construction pick up the pieces?

James McMillan, an associate at Maclay Murray & Spens, told The Scotsman that responsibilities related to health and safety are “of paramount consideration” for organisations in the construction space. He said all plans and practices should be up to the highest standards.

This goes for everyone who is part of the process – from primary contractors to commissioning authorities, as well as anyone doing outsourced work.

For McMillan, all those involved in construction need to ensure buildings are “as safe as they realistically can be” in order to restore trust. In Scotland, for instance, all high-rise domestic buildings and construction works are being reviewed.

He added that public tendering processes in the future could be difficult for any business with previous convictions for health and safety offences. In terms of fire prevention, McMillan said there is no room for complacency.


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