From the new year, Philip White will replace Stephen Williams as the Health and Safety Executive's chief inspector of Construction.
Following the formation of HSE's Construction division, Philip White has worked as head of operations for the London East and South-East unit, and subsequently held the post of head of the construction sector.
White will take over from Stephen Williams as chair of the Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC). CONIAC advises the HSE on the protection of people at work (and others) from health and safety hazards within the building, civil engineering and engineering construction industry. It helps the industry deliver RHS targets it set at the 2001 Construction Summit.
Bob Towse, the HVCA's head of technical and safety said 'Bearing in mind the way the HSE has been cutting back, its nice to see the appointment of a new construction industry champion'.
Towse added: 'We've been fighting quite hard to make sure CONIAC continues. It's the main sounding board between the industry and the HSE. The HVCA welcomes Philip White's appointment and I look forward to working with him in the future'.
Philip White said: 'I am delighted to be taking on this important position at such a challenging time. There's still much to be done. That said, I'm encouraged by the progress made since the Construction Summit in 2001'.
White said:'I believe that further improvements will only be made by industry showing leadership, by working in partnership and taking ownership of the management of risk and holding to account those who don't effectively control the risks they create'.
He added:'2009 is also a key year for shaping the strategy for HSE, having just launched its three-month consultation period, so I am particularly excited to be joining at a time when energising the future of the HSE is moving forward.'
Since 2005, Philip White has headed up the DWP's health and safety sponsorship team, advising ministers on health and safety policy and the work of the HSE. He first joined the HSE as a factory inspector in 1985.
Stephen Williams will continue working as chief inspector of construction until he moves to his new post in the new year where he will have responsibility for field operations (London) and the Olympics.