The test will be another weapon in the battle against cowboy builders, will set new industry standards and help reduce the number of workplace injuries.

Nationwide work related ill health and injuries cost employers more than £3 billion a year through lost hours, compensation and insurance penalties.

South East area manager, Sue Rossiter, said: "The industry's unpredictable nature is more often than not what attracts people to it.

"But this also has its downside in that it also has potential dangers. Our aim is to minimise these dangers. This new test is a significant step forward."