It’s time to call out bad practice in the construction industry - Lesley McLeod

January is normally a time of new beginnings. Of resolution and hope before the cynicism of February sets in. Traditionally, the wise men turned up bearing precious gifts in January not just for the Panto. And this oldest of old, old stories has lessons for us at a time when, for all of us, the world has been put on hold.

Lesley MacLeod, CEO, Association for Project Safety

I know I am lucky, and I am resolved to count my blessings. I have the gold of family and friends. And the balm of home and work.

I have come through the last year, mostly, in one piece. My family and friends are, largely, intact. However, there were fewer loved faces bringing in the New Year and - for some of us - the hope of a vaccine will not bring them back. But you cannot insulate yourself from grief unless you refuse to love at all. So, cherish your memories! And stop procrastinating - live life now.

As for work, I am lucky to have something that does more than just keep the wolf from the door. It has purpose. This coming year I will be keeping on trying to make a difference using my position as the chief executive of the Association for Project Safety to promote greater awareness of health and safety in construction.

Construction is one of the few occupations that has managed to operate almost normally so it is ever more important to ensure corners are not cut - particularly when cash is tight, contracts too far apart and the supply chain is having a Brexit-related hissy-fit. Workers still need to return home safely to their families. And what is built must be safe for those who live and work there. I am a supporter of the industry but it’s past time to call out bad practice. The sector must put its own house in order before building someone else’s.

We don’t need to wait for politicians and regulators getting in on the act. People know what needs to be done – in this industry and more generally. It’s a cop out to say it is someone else’s responsibility. We are all responsible – for ourselves and for each other.

Like many others I have been irritated when public figures were caught breaking the rules. I’ve raged at the restrictions. But I have not been averse to seeing how far I could bend things to my own liking either. If we want to see a return to something more relaxed and normal it’s time to stop being selfish. We need to look beyond ourselves and recognise our part in the greater game.

We all need support and kindness. I am very fortunate and this past a year has been one of unusual blessings as well as one of reflection. Not everything that has happened has been bad. If sometimes we have been forced to stop - and have not been able to do just as we wanted - then perhaps it is no bad thing.

Lesley McLeod, Chief Executive, Association for Project Safety, www.aps.org.uk