The Home Builders Federation has reissued its Health and Safety Charter after seeing a 54% decrease in the number of injuries occurring in housebuilding since 2006.<br> <br> HBF's Health and Safety Forum issued its charter in 2004 in response to the then government's concerns about the rise of injuries within the construction industry. The charter set objectives, including promoting a positive health and safety culture and contributing to health and safety targets.<br> <br> The updated charter outlines some key areas where HBF members can work together to influence any proposed changes to legislation or guidance, and among other objectives, asks participating companies to adopt initiatives to support a decrease in accidents and ill health.<br> <br> So far 24 major housebuilders in the UK (excluding Northern Ireland) have signed up to the new charter.<br> <br> Vince Coyle, chair of the forum and Barratt's group safety and environmental director, said: "Now, through the new charter, we're looking to engage with the supply chain whose current stance is good. We want to ensure that a supplier sees the same standards from housebuilder to housebuilder."