The devastating tragedy of Grenfell and the significant loss of those affected by it has prompted the government, regulatory bodies, and the construction industries to carefully consider the future course of action needed to uphold and prioritise safety in buildings to the highest degree.
In the aftermath of publication of the Phase 2 report on Grenfell, the government has committed to consider and respond to all 58 recommendations in the next 6 months. Moving forward to further reform safety measures and standards is key to avoiding more safety breaches and loss of lives.
Here’s an overview of what we can expect to happen next:
- Housing Secretary Angela Rayner remarked that there are plans to accelerate remediation work on buildings with dangerous cladding.
- Beryl Menzies, a fire safety expert and former president of the Association of Building Engineers, welcomes the recommendation to appoint an independent panel to consider whether it is in the public interest for building control functions to be performed by those who have a commercial interest in the process.
- The government is writing to all companies found by the inquiry to be part of the failings, informing them that they can no longer obtain government contracts.
- The government is committed to reforming the construction products industry, which manufactures and markets dangerous cladding, by implementing greater accountability for manufacturers, new frameworks for product testing, and tougher penalties for non-compliance.
- The Metropolitan Police advised that it needs another 12 to 18 months to complete its investigations into the possible corporate and gross negligence, health and safety offences, regulatory breaches, and misrepresentation by manufacturers, among other offences.
- The inquiry team recommended that the government establish a mandatory accreditation system to certify the competence of fire risk assessors; it should set standards for both qualification and continuing professional development (CPD).
MyDek’s commitment to safety
In light of the report, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to work with regulatory bodies and construction stakeholders to make buildings safer and build trust between residents and authorities.
Following the Grenfell tragedy, the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) was established to change how product manufacturers collate and disseminate their information. In our pursuit of using safer products and materials in buildings, MyDek is working towards CCPI accreditation. This step underscores our commitment to the safety culture of the construction industry.
Our comprehensive CPD and technical support are designed to empower specifiers, developers, and consultants. Together, we are committed to staying abreast of legislation and industry standards and promoting a responsible and safe work culture.
MyDek stands with the Grenfell community
We deeply empathise with the 72 individuals who lost their lives and the countless others affected by the Grenfell tragedy. The courage and resilience of the Grenfell community, as they continue to seek justice and honour their loss, inspire us. Their fortitude motivates us to work towards honest, transparent, safer construction practices and processes.