CROSS appointed UK’s official fire and structural safety reporting body

by Breaking NewsConstructionFire EngineeringPassive

CROSS reporting system formally appointed by UK building regulator

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in its capacity as the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), has appointed CROSS (Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures) as the official Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System (VORS) until at least 2028.

According to CROSS UK, this appointment follows a competitive procurement process and builds on its interim operation of the system since April 2023.

The reporting system was mandated under the Building Safety Act 2022 as part of post-Grenfell reforms.

While the regulator appoints the operator, the system must be managed independently from both the HSE and Government.

CROSS UK provides a confidential reporting route for professionals across the built environment sector to share safety concerns.

Role of CROSS in UK building safety regime

The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced VORS to allow voluntary reports of structural and fire safety issues by those responsible for buildings.

CROSS has managed this system on an interim basis since April 2023 and will now continue in the role through to at least 2028.

The HSE said the system is a key part of its wider duty to improve safety standards across high-risk buildings.

Although appointed by the regulator, CROSS operates entirely independently to encourage open, confidential sharing of information.

The appointment supports the UK Government’s approach to encouraging transparency and culture change in the building industry.

Stakeholder response to the CROSS appointment

Philip White, Director of Building Safety at the HSE, said: “Everyone deserves a safe and accountable built environment, and as the official operator of the Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System, CROSS will play a key role in making that happen.

“This public interest appointment promotes openness, learning, and culture change – exactly what’s needed to raise standards, improve building safety, and prevent future tragedies.”

Yasmin Becker, Chief Executive Officer of the Institution of Structural Engineers, said: “CROSS is an important and trusted function of the building safety regime, now confirmed as the Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System until 2028.

“The HSE’s decision means there will be much needed continuity for the voluntary reporting of building and fire safety issues.

“The Institution of Structural Engineers is pleased to continue supporting CROSS-UK as part of our commitment to structural safety.”

Dr Janet Young, Director General of the Institution of Civil Engineers, said: “One of the fundamental principles of the Institution of Civil Engineers is to provide the knowledge and services civil and infrastructure engineers need to build, operate, and maintain infrastructure that is safe and fit for purpose.

“Supporting CROSS is an important part of this work. Having CROSS selected as the official voluntary occurrence reporting system by the Health and Safety Executive is a testament to the essential role the service plays in public safety.”

Steve Hamm, Chief Executive Officer of the Institution of Fire Engineers, said: “The Institution of Fire Engineers was honoured to support the expansion of CROSS to include fire safety reporting in 2021.

“The sector had never previously had such a facility but the benefits for the consumers of the information as well as the contributors were easy to comprehend and get behind.

“This news is a positive next step as we collectively strive towards continuous improvements to building safety.”

Statement from CROSS-UK leadership

Paul Livesey, Head of Operations at CROSS, said: “CROSS-UK is honoured to be appointed as the official voluntary reporting system for structural and fire safety under the Building Safety Act until 2028.

“CROSS has always championed the power of sharing knowledge to prevent future failures, and this appointment reinforces the critical role of confidential reporting in driving a safer built environment.

“We encourage all construction professionals to contribute by reporting concerns and near-misses. Each report can make a difference.”

The appointment maintains continuity for those who have already used the system to raise issues.

CROSS UK has confirmed that reporting remains open and accessible for all professionals in the construction, engineering and fire safety sectors.

Reports can be submitted confidentially and reviewed for lessons and trends that may affect future safety guidance.

Background and system operation

CROSS was originally set up by the Institution of Structural Engineers in 2005 to facilitate confidential reporting of structural concerns.

It was later expanded to include fire safety in 2021, supported by the Institution of Fire Engineers.

Its role was formalised through the Building Safety Act 2022, which required the creation of a VORS operated independently from both Government and regulator.

The HSE then appointed CROSS-UK on an interim basis in 2023.

Following evaluation, the system was extended through a competitive process resulting in CROSS’s reappointment to 2028.

CROSS receives reports and publishes anonymised summaries, supported by expert panel review and guidance.

CROSS appointed UK’s official fire and structural safety reporting body: Summary

CROSS UK has been confirmed by the Health and Safety Executive as the official operator of the UK’s Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System.

The appointment follows a competitive tender and will run until at least 2028.

The system enables confidential reporting of structural and fire safety concerns.

The reporting process supports the goals of the Building Safety Act 2022.

The HSE requires that the system be operated independently from regulators and Government.

CROSS had been operating the system on an interim basis since April 2023.

The appointment was welcomed by professional institutions supporting civil, structural and fire engineering.

Statements were issued by the HSE, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institution of Civil Engineers and Institution of Fire Engineers.

CROSS UK said the appointment reflects the importance of shared knowledge in preventing safety failures.

The system is open to all professionals working in construction, engineering and building management.

Reports submitted to CROSS are anonymised and reviewed by expert panels.

The initiative aims to improve safety culture and standards across the UK’s built environment.

CROSS UK marks 20 years of confidential safety reporting

by Breaking NewsSafety

CROSS reaches 20-year milestone in UK built environment safety

The Confidential Reporting on Structural Safety (CROSS) scheme is marking 20 years since its foundation in the United Kingdom, according to a statement published by CROSS UK.

Founded in 2005, CROSS was established as a confidential safety reporting scheme for professionals across the structural and fire safety sectors.

According to Dr Alastair Soane, Founding Member and former Director of CROSS, the scheme was modelled on safety initiatives in the aviation sector and aimed to allow open reporting without fear of reprisal.

The organisation said it has received more than 1,000 reports and alerts over the past two decades and has influenced both industry policy and safety culture in the UK and internationally.

The milestone has been highlighted in CROSS UK Newsletter 77, which reflects on the development and continued relevance of the scheme.

Origins in structural safety and independent reporting

According to CROSS UK, the origins of the scheme can be traced back to the formation of SCOSS, the Standing Committee on Structural Safety, in 1976.

SCOSS was set up following structural failures including the Ronan Point collapse and box girder bridge incidents, which exposed issues in structural risk management.

CROSS UK explained that SCOSS’s aim was to enable an independent reporting process that could function without fear of blame or punitive consequences.

This goal materialised with the formal launch of CROSS in 2005, supported by the Institution of Structural Engineers and the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Dr Alastair Soane said: “From day one, CROSS has had strong backing from its parent professional bodies: the Institution of Structural Engineers and the Institution of Civil Engineers.

“Along with our overseas partners, the American Society of Civil Engineers and Engineers Australia, these organisations have helped fund, support, and promote the scheme.”

CROSS has since grown from a structural safety initiative to a broader reporting platform for the built environment.

Expanded remit following post-Grenfell recommendations

In 2019, CROSS expanded its remit to include fire safety reporting following the recommendations made in Dame Judith Hackitt’s post-Grenfell review of building regulations and fire safety.

The organisation stated that this expansion was backed by the Institution of Fire Engineers, allowing for reports concerning fire safety risks to be received, reviewed, and shared.

CROSS said the scheme now facilitates reporting across both structural and fire disciplines and includes a dedicated fire expert panel.

Dr Soane noted: “Since then, we have also been supported by the Institution of Fire Engineers and many reports on fire safety have been received, analysed, and widely read.”

The inclusion of fire safety aimed to address the sector’s need for a comparable independent platform for raising issues and sharing knowledge.

According to CROSS UK, this has helped reinforce the scheme’s role in supporting safer construction and operational practices.

Recognition of contributors and international reach

CROSS UK acknowledged the contributions of individuals and teams who have supported the organisation since its foundation.

Dr Soane credited former SCOSS Secretary John Carpenter for helping to initiate the scheme and named key past chairs including Faith Wainwright, Gordon Masterton, and Bill Hewlett for their leadership.

The newsletter also recognised the contributions of international advocates, including Mike Fordyce in Australasia and Glenn Bell in the United States.

Operational support has come from managers Paul McNulty and Paul Livesey, alongside staff and consultants who manage the processing of reports and publication of safety guidance.

Dr Soane said: “All our Expert Panel members are volunteers, and their service is deeply appreciated and deserves special recognition.

“It is their input that makes CROSS Newsletters such as this one, an essential read for many in the industry, academia, and government.”

The scheme credited these panels with ensuring high-quality feedback and the practical relevance of CROSS reports.

Use of CROSS reports in policy, standards, and safety practice

CROSS stated that its reports have been cited in multiple official inquiries and have contributed to policy development and regulatory standards.

Examples of topics flagged by CROSS include concerns over Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), fires in multi-storey car parks, and risks linked to balcony design.

According to the organisation, its safety bulletins have supported both industry awareness and practical action across sectors.

The CROSS website currently includes over 1,000 reports addressing a range of issues relevant to engineers, building professionals, regulators, and fire safety practitioners.

Dr Soane said: “Over the past 20 years, CROSS has raised the alarm on many issues.

“Notably, we issued early warnings and Alerts on potential issues with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete, multi-storey car park fires, safety concerns connected to balconies, and many others.”

CROSS added that these outputs reflect its commitment to knowledge sharing and proactive risk mitigation.

CROSS UK marks 20 years of confidential safety reporting: Summary

CROSS UK has published a newsletter marking the 20th anniversary of the CROSS reporting scheme.

The scheme was founded in 2005 as a confidential platform for reporting structural safety concerns.

It was modelled on anonymous reporting systems used in aviation.

The organisation said it now includes reporting on fire safety, following a 2019 expansion prompted by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry review.

CROSS is backed by the Institution of Structural Engineers, the Institution of Civil Engineers, and the Institution of Fire Engineers.

The organisation has received over 1,000 reports and alerts since its inception.

These reports have been used in policy development, industry guidance, and public inquiries.

Volunteer expert panels review and comment on reports for public release.

CROSS said it has flagged issues including RAAC, balcony safety, and car park fires.

The scheme has international partnerships with the American Society of Civil Engineers and Engineers Australia.

CROSS UK credited its success to the efforts of contributors, panel members, and anonymous reporters.

Communication in structural safety: CROSS-AUS issues new guidance

by CommunicationsConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Construction safety gaps outlined in Australia newsletter

CROSS (Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures) has published its latest CROSS-AUS newsletter, which outlines four new Safety Reports focused on structural safety issues in Australia.

According to CROSS, the reports emphasise that communication failures during design, construction, and later modifications of buildings are contributing to recurring structural safety problems.

The newsletter was written by David Donnan, Director of CROSS-AUS.

CROSS stated that designers should account for how structures are built, not just how they perform once complete.

It added that relying on general notes about ‘temporary works by others’ can result in safety risks that are not adequately managed on site.

Temporary works guidance and industry resources

The newsletter highlights the role of temporary works and their associated risks if not properly designed or communicated.

It noted that design professionals frequently separate permanent structure safety from temporary construction phases, despite both requiring oversight.

To support improved practice, CROSS pointed to the work of the Temporary Works Forum in the UK, established in 2010 after several failures.

It added that similar bodies now operate in Australia and New Zealand to offer region-specific guidance.

CROSS also referenced publications from the Institution of Structural Engineers, including the “Temporary Works Toolkit”, which provides structural engineers with best practice documents for temporary works integration.

Issues with proprietary systems and coordination

Two of the reports addressed the use of proprietary flooring systems. CROSS explained that while these systems use precast planks, the design configurations vary, and safe use depends heavily on manufacturer documentation and adherence to erection procedures.

The organisation stated that system stability in temporary phases must be assessed carefully, especially where unbalanced or eccentric loads are expected before full structural interaction is achieved.

Another report outlined the challenges when separate components of a single structure are designed by different engineers.

CROSS noted that failure to understand or communicate component limitations can affect the structure’s overall serviceability and performance.

Structural modifications and site inspections

A further report described the long-term safety implications of modifying and reusing structures.

According to CROSS, documentation of structural changes is essential for understanding how original and new load paths interact.

The report highlighted that load assumptions and building performance requirements can evolve over time.

Without proper records, the risk of instability increases during later modifications or repurposing.

CROSS concluded by stressing the importance of structural engineers being involved during construction.

It advised that on-site inspections, particularly at key stages, can resolve potential misinterpretations early and support safer outcomes.

Communication in structural safety: CROSS-AUS issues new guidance: Summary

CROSS has published a new structural safety newsletter covering four safety reports in Australia.

The newsletter was authored by CROSS-AUS Director David Donnan.

The publication states that poor communication during design and construction contributes to safety risks.

CROSS warned that temporary works are often overlooked or left to others without clear guidance.

It highlighted the Temporary Works Forum and engineering toolkits as helpful resources.

Reports also raised concerns about improper use of proprietary flooring systems.

CROSS noted that understanding design assumptions across different teams is essential.

Structural modifications require detailed documentation to avoid future instability.

CROSS encouraged regular on-site inspections by designers during key construction phases.

HSE launches consultation on Approved Document A for building structures in England

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsResearchSafety

HSE seeks feedback on structural safety guidance

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a consultation to gather views on the future of Approved Document A, which provides guidance on structural safety regulations in England.

According to CROSS UK, the call for evidence is open until 21 April 2025 and invites responses from individuals and organisations through an online survey or by email.

This consultation is the first step in a broader review process aimed at ensuring the guidance remains effective.

Approved Document A and its role in building regulations

Approved Document A is part of the statutory guidance that supports compliance with the Building Regulations.

It sets out practical methods to meet structural safety requirements, helping developers, engineers, and regulators adhere to national standards.

Building Regulations cover health, safety, security, access, and sustainability aspects of construction.

The Approved Documents provide a framework for ensuring compliance with these legal requirements.

Consultation details and how to participate

The consultation will run for ten weeks from 10 February 2025.

HSE has encouraged stakeholders to respond via an online survey, which facilitates a more efficient analysis of feedback.

Alternatively, responses can be submitted by email or post.

Participants are asked to specify whether they are responding as individuals or on behalf of an organisation, providing relevant contact details for verification.

Geographical scope and next steps

The call for evidence applies to England only, and there is no impact assessment associated with this consultation.

The responses collected will inform future updates to Approved Document A and contribute to the wider review of structural safety guidance.

HSE’s Technical Policy Team is managing the consultation, and further details on submission methods and contact information are available on the HSE website.

HSE launches consultation on Approved Document A for building structures in England: Summary

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has opened a consultation on Approved Document A, which provides guidance on structural safety under England’s Building Regulations.

The consultation runs from 10 February to 21 April 2025 and seeks input from industry professionals and the public.

Approved Document A is part of the statutory guidance supporting the Building Regulations, helping to ensure compliance with structural safety requirements.

The consultation is open to responses via an online survey, email, or post.

HSE has encouraged participants to specify whether they are responding as individuals or on behalf of an organisation.

This call for evidence applies only to England and does not include an impact assessment.

The feedback collected will contribute to a broader review of structural safety regulations.

Further details, including submission options and contact information, are available on the HSE website.

Enhanced fire safety standards for UK care homes: a report reveals urgent concerns

by Featured NewsResearchSafety

Urgent report highlights fire safety competence gaps in UK care homes

A recent report from CROSS UK issued on 20 February 2024 has shed light on critical fire safety concerns within UK care homes, specifically focusing on the competence of maintenance staff.

Following two incidents that compromised resident safety due to inadequate electrical and fire door maintenance, the fire and rescue service has raised alarms over the apparent skills gap.

The report, spanning across the UK, underscores a pressing need for rigorous fire safety management and competent personnel to address and mitigate such risks effectively.

The importance of competent maintenance personnel

The findings emphasise the importance of ensuring that individuals responsible for fire safety, including those undertaking maintenance tasks related to fire safety equipment, possess the necessary competence.

The report references the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and similar regulations across the UK, highlighting the legal requirements for a structured fire safety management system.

It suggests that inadequate maintenance of electrical installations and fire doors can lead directly to situations endangering lives, as evidenced by two recent cases in care homes specializing in end-of-life care and those housing residents over 65.

Challenges in fire safety management

One of the challenges identified is the employment of unqualified maintenance personnel for tasks requiring specific competencies, leading to serious fire safety breaches.

An instance of faulty electrical installation and another involving improper fitting of fire door safety components illustrate the grave risks posed by such practices.

The report calls for immediate action, urging responsible persons to ensure only competent professionals undertake maintenance work critical to fire safety.

Recommendations and actions

The report offers recommendations for care regulators and fire and rescue services.

It stresses the need for comprehensive inspection regimes targeting high-risk settings like care homes, where the competence of staff is paramount for ensuring resident safety.

The call for embedding fire safety competence across all levels of care home staff reflects a broader concern for safeguarding vulnerable populations against fire-related hazards.

Expert panel insights

An expert panel convened to discuss the report’s implications echoed the concerns raised, pointing out the dire consequences of neglecting fire safety competence.

The panel’s commentary reinforces the need for stringent adherence to fire safety regulations and the critical role of competent maintenance in preventing tragedies.

Their insights underline the broader implications for care home management, regulatory compliance, and the essential need for continuous education and verification of skills within the sector.

IFSJ comment

The report’s revelations about fire safety competence in UK care homes serve as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of some of society’s most vulnerable members.

It highlights the indispensable role of stringent regulatory compliance, the need for competent personnel, and the collective responsibility of care providers, regulators, and fire safety services.

This situation underscores the need for continuous improvement in fire safety standards and practices.