GRENFELL LESSONS MUST BE LEARNED

摘要

Part Ⅱ of the Grenfell Tower fire inquiry is in recess at present, but it is three and a half years since the tragedy and the break presents an opportunity to reflect on, what is arguably, the worst construction industry related incident since World War Ⅱ. I hope readers will not pass this by on the grounds that, while tragic in the extreme, it is of no direct relevance unless one is engaged in high rise residential design or construction. Nothing could be further from the truth; but this has not been given due emphasis. While the recent evidence alleging deceit - and worse - could be legitimately categorised as "not my world", an examination of the root causes (the essence of good risk management) shows many transferable lessons, quite separate from any fire design concerns. These are of direct application to engineers no matter what form of civil and structural engineering undertaken. In my view, it would be seen by others as negligent of us not to take note, publicise, discuss and act upon the specific issues. Not sometime in the future, but now.