Following a successful launch in 2017, the first UK-wide stand-down for the infrastructure sector has plans for growth in 2018.

Last April more than 60,000 workers on more than 1000 sites took part in events to support Stop. Make a Change. The initiative saw sites, offices and production facilities stop work for focussed discussions on four key issues – mental health, fatigue, plant safety and respiratory health. More than 50 clients, contractors and suppliers took part, with many making specific commitments to drive improved performance in the priority areas. Following feedback from these companies, it has been agreed to expand Stop. Make a Change in 2018 to cover the whole construction sector rather than solely infrastructure. This is intended to increase the impact and share the best practice that has been developed more widely.

In a change to 2017, Stop. Make a Change events will now take place across a two-week period from 16-28 April, rather than a single day. This is to support organisations who faced challenges in standing down their entire workforce at once. A vote among those organisations that took part last year has identified plant safety, and mental wellbeing as the two key priorities for 2018. The smaller number of priorities will allow organisations to provide more time to focus on these issues in detail during events.

Stop. Make a Change has been supported by CITB’s Structured Fund as part of Infrastructure 21, a Civil Engineering Contractors Association-led project to help ensure that civils suppliers are primed ready for expected growth in the sector in the coming years. Companies from across the wider construction sector are invited to take part in Stop. Make a Change.

Full details and joining instructions can be found at www.stopmakeachange.co.uk.