What the ICE safety action plan means for construction businesses

A refreshed Safety Action Plan

In July 2025, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) introduced a refreshed Safety Action Plan to address persistent concerns around infrastructure safety in the UK. This initiative follows a sector-wide review triggered by the Grenfell Tower disaster, and recognises that previous safety reforms have not delivered the necessary impact.

At Geo Underwriting, our Construction team understands the evolving risks and responsibilities facing businesses across the industry. We work closely with Brokers to deliver specialist insurance solutions that meet the demands of today’s complex safety landscape.

Below is our overview of the ICE Safety Action Plan – feel free to share this with your clients too.

Putting safety at the core of civil engineering

The ICE updated Safety Action Plan aims to embed safety into the DNA of engineering practice, professional development, and workplace culture. It is built around three core pillars:

• Competence: Independent validation of skills for safety-critical roles, alongside enhanced training standards.
• Learning from failure: Promoting open reporting and integrating lessons from past incidents into daily operations.
• Culture and practice: Challenging outdated behaviours and fostering a proactive, safety-led mindset.

Why the plan is timely and necessary

Several urgent factors have made this renewed focus on safety essential:

• Post-Grenfell accountability: Eight years on, the industry is under pressure to show real progress.
• Ageing infrastructure: Many assets are operating beyond their intended lifespan, increasing risk.
• Evolving threats: Climate change, extreme weather, and underfunded maintenance are raising vulnerability.
• Legal and ethical duties: The Building Safety Act 2022 has expanded safety obligations across the sector.
• Cultural transformation: ICE is advocating for a shift in norms that empowers engineers to prioritise safety.

What construction firms need to know

The ICE’s plan signals a significant evolution in how safety is managed across the construction industry:

• Tighter safety protocols: Especially for older or repurposed infrastructure.
• Competence verification: Independent checks for professionals in high-risk roles.
• Proactive learning culture: Using past failures and near misses to inform future decisions.
• Cultural overhaul: Moving away from practices that prioritise speed or cost over safety.
• Regulatory alignment: Ensuring compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022.
• Reputation and trust: Firms that lead on safety may gain a competitive advantage.

How Geo helps brokers and their clients

At Geo Construction, we provide bespoke insurance solutions for contractors working in civil engineering. Our expert underwriters partner with brokers to:

• Understand the specific risks associated with infrastructure and engineering projects.
• Deliver cover that aligns with safety standards and legal frameworks.
• Help Brokers navigate complex risk environments smoothly.
• Offer responsive service and expert insight in a fast-changing regulatory landscape.

As the industry adapts to ICE’s new safety framework, Geo Underwriting is here to help brokers deliver quality cover that protects their clients and supports safer construction practices.