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Health and safety in construction is a vital aspect of any construction project, as it aims to protect the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved in the project, as well as the public and the environment.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), construction is one of the most hazardous industries in the UK, accounting for 30% of fatal injuries and 10% of major injuries to workers in 2019/20.
Some of the main hazards and risks involved in construction are:
Working at height: This is the most common cause of fatal injuries in construction, as workers may fall from roofs, scaffolds, ladders, platforms, etc. The risks can be reduced by using suitable equipment, providing adequate training and supervision, and following safe work procedures.
Excavations: This involves digging or trenching in the ground, which may collapse and trap or injure workers. The risks can be reduced by ensuring the stability of the excavation, providing adequate support and shoring, and preventing access by unauthorized persons.
Lifting: This involves moving or handling heavy or awkward loads, such as materials, equipment, tools, etc. The risks can be reduced by using mechanical aids, such as cranes, hoists, forklifts, etc., or by applying good manual handling techniques, such as lifting with the legs, not the back.
Electricity: This involves working with or near live electrical wires or equipment, which may cause electric shocks, burns or fires. The risks can be reduced by isolating the power supply, using suitable protective equipment, such as gloves, boots, etc., and following safe work practices.
Fire: This involves working with or near flammable or combustible materials, such as fuels, solvents, paints, etc., which may ignite and cause fires or explosions. The risks can be reduced by eliminating sources of ignition, such as sparks, flames, etc., storing and handling materials safely, and providing adequate fire-fighting equipment and emergency procedures.
Plant and vehicles: This involves working with or near moving machinery or vehicles, such as excavators, bulldozers, trucks, etc., which may strike or crush workers. The risks can be reduced by ensuring the visibility and operability of the plant and vehicles, providing adequate training and supervision, and following traffic rules and signals.
Demolition: This involves dismantling or destroying structures or buildings, which may collapse or release hazardous substances. The risks can be reduced by planning and designing the demolition carefully, using appropriate methods and equipment, and controlling the exposure to dust, asbestos, etc.
Blog Overview
In this blog, we will explore the various aspects of health and safety in construction, which is a crucial factor for the success and well-being of any construction project. We will cover the following main topics:
Legal obligations and responsibilities: What are the key roles and duties of the clients, designers, contractors and workers under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), which are a set of rules that regulate the management of health and safety in construction projects of all sizes and types.
Planning and organising: How to apply the general principles of prevention to manage the risks in construction projects, and how to appoint the right people and organisation at the right time.
Controlling and monitoring: How to implement appropriate measures to control the safety hazards and prevent the ill health in construction sites, and how to monitor and review the health and safety performance of the project.
We hope that this blog will provide you with useful information and guidance on how to ensure health and safety in construction, as well as some resources for further learning.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) are a set of rules that aim to improve the health and safety standards in the construction industry in the UK.
The CDM 2015 apply to all construction projects, regardless of their size, duration or complexity. The CDM 2015 cover the whole life cycle of a construction project, from the initial concept and design to the completion and maintenance of the structure.
The CDM 2015 also apply to both domestic and commercial clients, as well as to all duty holders involved in the project, such as designers, contractors and workers .
The main purpose of the CDM 2015 is to ensure that health and safety risks are identified, eliminated or controlled at every stage of the project, and that everyone has a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.
The CDM 2015 also aim to promote cooperation and coordination among all parties, as well as to encourage innovation and efficiency in the construction sector.
Planning and organising
Principles of prevention
Planning and organising is a crucial stage in any construction project, as it involves setting the objectives, scope, budget, schedule and quality standards of the work. It also involves identifying and managing the health and safety risks that may arise during the project.
In this section, we will discuss how to apply the general principles of prevention to manage the risks in construction projects, and how to appoint the right people and organisation at the right time.
The general principles of prevention are a set of guidelines that help employers and other duty holders to prevent or reduce the risks to health and safety in the workplace. These principles are derived from various regulatory bodies and health and safety directives, such as the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015). The general principles of prevention are as follows:
Avoiding risks: This is the most proactive step in any health and safety policy. It means eliminating or avoiding hazards that may cause harm, such as working at height, excavations, electricity, fire, etc. For example, using prefabricated components instead of building on site, or using wireless devices instead of cables.
Evaluating the risks which cannot be avoided: This means conducting a thorough risk assessment to identify the hazards that cannot be eliminated or avoided, and to evaluate their likelihood and severity. For example, assessing the risks of working near traffic, or using hazardous substances.
Combating the risks at the source: This means taking measures to control or reduce the hazards at their origin, rather than relying on personal protective equipment or emergency procedures. For example, using guards or barriers to prevent access to dangerous areas, or installing ventilation systems to remove dust or fumes.
Adapting the work to the individual: This means designing the work and the workplace to suit the needs and abilities of the workers, rather than forcing them to adapt to unsuitable conditions. For example, providing ergonomic equipment and furniture, allowing flexible working hours, or varying the tasks and workload.
Adapting to technical progress: This means keeping up with the latest developments and innovations in technology, equipment and methods that can improve health and safety standards. For example, using automation or robotics to replace manual or repetitive tasks, or using digital tools to monitor and communicate risks.
Replacing the dangerous by the non-dangerous or the less dangerous: This means substituting hazardous materials, processes or equipment with safer alternatives that achieve the same or better results. For example, using water-based paints instead of solvent-based paints, or using low-noise tools instead of high-noise tools.
Developing a coherent overall prevention policy: This means establishing a clear and consistent strategy for managing health and safety across all levels and aspects of the organisation. For example, setting health and safety objectives and targets, allocating roles and responsibilities, providing resources and training, etc.
Giving collective protective measures priority over individual protective measures: This means prioritising measures that protect all workers from a common hazard, rather than relying on measures that protect each worker individually. For example, providing adequate lighting and signage for a work area, rather than issuing torches and warning devices to each worker.
Giving appropriate instructions to employees: This means providing clear and relevant information and guidance to workers on how to perform their work safely and effectively. For example, providing written instructions, manuals, signs, labels, etc., as well as verbal instructions, demonstrations, feedback, etc.
Applying these principles of prevention can help to create a safe and healthy work environment for everyone involved in a construction project. However, applying these principles requires competent people who have the skills, knowledge and experience to recognise and manage health and safety risks. Therefore, it is essential to appoint the right people and organisation at the right time for each project.
Appointing the right people
According to the CDM 2015, there are several key roles and duties that must be appointed for any construction project. These are:
Client: The person or organisation who has construction work carried out for them. The client has the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that their project is suitably managed and that health and safety is secured throughout. The client must make suitable arrangements for managing health and safety, such as appointing competent duty holders (see below), providing sufficient time and resources, ensuring effective communication and cooperation among all parties involved in the project, etc.
Designer: The person or organisation who prepares or modifies designs for a structure or a product that affects its construction or use. The designer has a duty to eliminate, reduce or control foreseeable risks that may arise during construction work or in the use and maintenance of the structure once built. The designer must consider the general principles of prevention when designing and provide relevant information to other duty holders.
Principal designer: The designer appointed by the client to control the pre-construction phase on projects with more than one contractor. The principal designer has a duty to plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety during this phase, when most design work is carried out. The principal designer must also prepare and provide the health and safety file, which contains information about the project that is relevant for future construction work or maintenance.
Contractor: The person or organisation who carries out or manages construction work. The contractor has a duty to plan, manage and monitor the work under their control in a way that ensures the health and safety of anyone it might affect, including workers and members of the public. The contractor must also ensure that all workers they employ or appoint have the skills, knowledge, training and experience to carry out the work, or are in the process of obtaining them, and that they receive a suitable site-specific induction and appropriate instructions.
Principal contractor: The contractor appointed by the client to manage the construction phase on projects with more than one contractor. The principal contractor has a duty to plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety during this phase, when all construction work takes place. The principal contractor must also prepare and provide the construction phase plan, which sets out how health and safety will be managed during the construction phase, and ensure that welfare facilities are provided for workers.
Anyone appointing these duty holders must take reasonable steps to satisfy themselves that they have the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and organisational capability to carry out their roles. This may involve checking their qualifications, training, references, portfolios, etc.
It is also important to appoint these duty holders as early as possible in the project, preferably at the concept or design stage, so that they can influence the health and safety outcomes of the project from the start.
In summary, planning and organising is a vital step in ensuring health and safety in construction projects. It involves applying the general principles of prevention to manage the risks in a proactive and systematic way, and appointing the right people and organisation at the right time to carry out their roles and responsibilities effectively.
By following these guidelines, you can create a safe and healthy work environment for everyone involved in your project.
Controlling and monitoring
Implementing appropriate measures
One of the main challenges of ensuring health and safety in construction sites is to control the various hazards that may cause harm to workers or the public.
In this section, we will explain how to implement appropriate measures to control the safety hazards in construction sites, such as working at height, excavations, lifting, electricity, fire, plant and vehicles, demolition, etc.
Working at height:
This is the most common cause of fatal injuries in construction, as workers may fall from roofs, scaffolds, ladders, platforms, etc.
The risks can be reduced by using suitable equipment, providing adequate training and supervision, and following safe work procedures. Some of the measures to control working at height hazards are:
Avoid working at height where possible. For example, if something can be assembled on ground level, do it there.
Use equipment with an extra level of safety to reduce the risk of a fatal fall. For example, a scaffold with a double guard-rail.
Minimise the consequences of a fall, for example by providing a safety net. spacebands SOS/Person down feature is a great way to alert people nearby if a fall should occur.
Ensure that the equipment is inspected and maintained regularly and that it is suitable for the task and the environment.
Ensure that workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as harnesses, helmets, gloves, etc. spacebands wearables can be implemented to remind workers they need PPE in certain areas.
Ensure that workers are trained and competent to work at height and that they follow the instructions and guidance provided.
Ensure that there is a clear plan and communication system for working at height and that there is adequate supervision and monitoring.
Excavations:
This involves digging or trenching in the ground, which may collapse and trap or injure workers.
The risks can be reduced by ensuring the stability of the excavation, providing adequate support and shoring, and preventing access by unauthorised persons.
Some of the measures to control excavation hazards are:
Plan and design the excavation carefully and consider the soil type, water table, weather conditions, underground services, etc.
Use appropriate methods and equipment to dig and support the excavation, such as mechanical diggers, trench boxes, sheet piles, etc.
Inspect and maintain the excavation and its supports regularly and after any changes or incidents.
Provide safe access and egress to the excavation, such as ladders or ramps.
Provide adequate lighting and ventilation to the excavation.
Provide suitable PPE for workers, such as helmets, boots, gloves, etc. Technology to prompt users to wear PPE when entering certain areas is also beneficial.
Provide adequate emergency procedures and rescue equipment in case of a collapse.
Lifting:
This involves moving or handling heavy or awkward loads, such as materials, equipment, tools, etc.
The risks can be reduced by using mechanical aids, such as cranes, hoists, forklifts, etc., or by applying good manual handling techniques, such as lifting with the legs, not the back.
Some of the measures to control lifting hazards are:
Assess the weight and size of the load and decide whether it can be lifted manually or mechanically.
Use appropriate lifting equipment that is suitable for the task and the environment and that is inspected and maintained regularly.
Ensure that workers are trained and competent to use the lifting equipment and that they follow the instructions and guidance provided.
Ensure that there is a clear plan and communication system for lifting operations and that there is adequate supervision and monitoring. This could include machine to person proximity alerts.
Ensure that the load is securely attached and balanced and that it does not obstruct the view or movement of the operator or other workers.
Ensure that there is enough space and clearance for lifting operations and that there are no overhead obstacles or hazards.
Ensure that workers wear suitable PPE for lifting operations, such as gloves, helmets, safety shoes, etc.
Electricity:
This involves working with or near live electrical wires or equipment, which may cause electric shocks, burns or fires.
The risks can be reduced by isolating the power supply, using suitable protective equipment, such as gloves, boots, etc., and following safe work practices.
Some of the measures to control electricity hazards are:
Avoid working near live electrical sources where possible. For example, use battery-powered tools instead of corded tools, or use cordless phones instead of landlines.
Isolate and lock out the power supply before working on electrical equipment or wires. For example, use circuit breakers, fuses, switches, etc., and attach warning signs and tags.
Use appropriate electrical equipment that is suitable for the task and the environment and that is inspected and tested regularly. For example, use double-insulated tools, residual current devices (RCDs), etc.
Ensure that workers are trained and competent to work with electricity and that they follow the instructions and guidance provided. For example, use safe work procedures, checklists, permits, etc.
Ensure that workers wear suitable PPE for working with electricity, such as gloves, boots, helmets, etc., and avoid wearing metal objects or jewellery.
Ensure that there is a clear plan and communication system for working with electricity and that there is adequate supervision and monitoring.
Ensure that there is adequate first aid and fire-fighting equipment available in case of an electric shock or fire.
Fire:
This involves working with or near flammable or combustible materials, such as fuels, solvents, paints, etc., which may ignite and cause fires or explosions.
The risks can be reduced by eliminating sources of ignition, such as sparks, flames, etc., storing and handling materials safely, and providing adequate fire-fighting equipment and emergency procedures.
Some of the measures to control fire hazards are:
Avoid working with or near flammable or combustible materials where possible. For example, use water-based paints instead of solvent-based paints, or use non-flammable materials instead of flammable materials.
Eliminate or minimise sources of ignition, such as sparks, flames, cigarettes, etc. For example, use non-sparking tools, ban smoking, etc.
Store and handle flammable or combustible materials safely and securely. For example, use suitable containers, labels, ventilation, etc.
Ensure that workers are trained and competent to work with flammable or combustible materials and that they follow the instructions and guidance provided. For example, use safe work procedures, checklists, permits, etc.
Ensure that workers wear suitable PPE for working with flammable or combustible materials, such as gloves, helmets, fire-resistant clothing, etc.
Ensure that there is a clear plan and communication system for working with flammable or combustible materials and that there is adequate supervision and monitoring.
Ensure that there is adequate fire-fighting equipment and emergency procedures available in case of a fire or explosion. For example, provide fire extinguishers, alarms, exits, etc.
Plant and vehicles:
This involves working with or near moving machinery or vehicles, such as excavators, bulldozers, trucks, etc., which may strike or crush workers.
The risks can be reduced by ensuring the visibility and operability of the plant and vehicles, providing adequate training and supervision, and following traffic rules and signals.
Some of the measures to control plant and vehicle hazards are:
Ensure that the plant and vehicles are suitable for the task and the environment and that they are inspected and maintained regularly. For example, use appropriate attachments, tyres, brakes, lights, etc.
Ensure that workers are trained and competent to operate the plant and vehicles and that they follow the instructions and guidance provided. For example, use safe work procedures, checklists, licences, etc. Certification checks at access points are a good additional safety procedure.
Ensure that there is a clear plan and communication system for operating the plant and vehicles and that there is adequate supervision and monitoring. For example, use radios, signals, spotters, etc.
Ensure that the plant and vehicles are visible and audible to other workers and the public. For example, use horns, sirens, flashing lights, reflective tape, etc.
Ensure that there is enough space and clearance for operating the plant and vehicles and that there are no overhead obstacles or hazards. For example, use signs, barriers, cones, etc. Ensure worker safety with machine to person proximity alerts.
Ensure that workers wear suitable PPE for operating the plant and vehicles, such as helmets, gloves, safety belts, etc.
Demolition:
This involves dismantling or destroying structures or buildings, which may collapse or release hazardous substances.
The risks can be reduced by planning and designing the demolition carefully, using appropriate methods and equipment, and controlling the exposure to dust, asbestos, etc.
Some of the measures to control demolition hazards are:
Plan and design the demolition carefully and consider the structure type, condition, stability, location, etc.
Use appropriate methods and equipment to demolish the structure safely and efficiently. For example, use mechanical demolition (such as cranes or wrecking balls), explosive demolition (such as dynamite or detonators), or manual demolition (such as hammers or saws).
Inspect and maintain the demolition site regularly and after any changes or incidents.
Provide safe access and egress to the demolition site, such as ladders or ramps.
Provide adequate lighting and ventilation to the demolition site.
Provide suitable PPE for workers, such as helmets, boots, gloves, masks, etc.
Provide adequate emergency procedures and rescue equipment in case of a collapse or an accident.
Control the exposure to dust, asbestos or other hazardous substances that may be released during demolition. For example, use wetting methods to suppress dust generation; use enclosures or barriers to contain asbestos; use vacuum cleaners or filters to remove dust; use personal air
Prevent or reduce the causes of ill health in construction
Ill health in construction workers can be caused by various factors, such as exposure to dust, cement, chemicals, asbestos, silica, noise, vibration, manual handling, etc.
These factors can affect the respiratory system, the skin, the hearing, the musculoskeletal system and other organs of the body.
To prevent or reduce the causes of ill health in construction workers, it is important to follow some general guidelines, such as:
Conducting a risk assessment to identify the hazards and the level of exposure for each task and activity.
Applying the general principles of prevention to eliminate or minimise the risks at the source, as discussed in the previous section.
Providing and using appropriate control measures to reduce the exposure to hazardous substances or physical agents, such as ventilation, extraction, isolation, enclosure, substitution, etc.
Providing and using suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, goggles, ear plugs, etc., when other control measures are not sufficient or not available.
Providing and maintaining adequate welfare facilities, such as toilets, washing facilities, drinking water, rest areas, etc.
Providing and ensuring adequate information, instruction and training for workers on how to work safely and healthily.
Providing and ensuring regular health surveillance for workers who are exposed to certain hazards or who have certain health conditions.
In addition to these general guidelines, there are also some specific measures that can be taken to prevent or reduce the causes of ill health in construction workers for each factor. Some examples are:
Dust:
Dust can be generated by various processes in construction work, such as cutting, drilling, sanding, grinding, etc. Dust can contain harmful substances that can cause lung diseases or cancer.
To prevent or reduce dust exposure, some measures are:
Using wet methods or dust suppressants to prevent dust from becoming airborne.
Using on-tool extraction devices or local exhaust ventilation systems to capture dust at the source.
Using respiratory protective equipment (RPE) that fits well and is suitable for the type and level of dust exposure.
Cleaning up dust regularly with a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth.
Storing and disposing of dust waste safely and securely.
Cement:
Cement is a common material in construction work that can cause skin problems or respiratory irritation.
Cement contains lime and other chemicals that can cause burns or allergic reactions.
To prevent or reduce cement exposure, some measures are:
Wearing gloves and other protective clothing when handling cement or wet concrete.
Washing hands and exposed skin before breaks and after work.
Applying barrier creams or moisturisers to protect the skin.
Avoiding contact with eyes and mouth when working with cement or wet concrete.
Using water sprays or misting systems to reduce dust from dry cement products.
Using RPE when working in dusty areas or when mixing dry cement products.
Chemicals:
Chemicals can be found in various products used in construction work, such as paints, solvents, adhesives, sealants, etc.
Chemicals can cause skin irritation, dermatitis, respiratory problems, or other health effects depending on their nature and concentration.
To prevent or reduce chemical exposure, some measures are:
Reading and following the safety data sheets (SDS) and labels of the products to know their hazards and precautions.
Using the least hazardous products available or substituting them with safer alternatives if possible.
Using the minimum amount of product needed for the job and storing and disposing of them properly.
Using ventilation, extraction, or isolation to prevent or reduce the release of fumes, vapours, or gases into the air.
Wearing gloves, eye protection, and RPE when handling or applying chemical products.
Washing hands and exposed skin after using chemical products and removing any contaminated clothing.
Monitor and review health and safety performance
To monitor and review the health and safety performance of the project, it is important to follow some steps, such as:
Be clear on how the project will be managed before work begins, and ensure that all parties involved have a common understanding of the health and safety objectives, plans, roles and responsibilities.
Get the health and safety plans from the contractors ahead of time, and check that they are suitable and sufficient for the project.
Hold a pre-start meeting to ensure coordination and open communication among all parties, and to address any issues or concerns that may arise.
Conduct regular inspections and audits to check that the work is carried out in accordance with the health and safety plans, standards and regulations, and that the control measures are effective and adequate.
Conduct exposure monitoring and health surveillance for workers who are exposed to certain hazards or who have certain health conditions, to ensure that they are not harmed by their work. spacebands wearables can monitor up to 10 different hazards and send information to an analytics dashboard for investigation, reporting and predictive measures to reduce accidents.
Investigate any accidents, incidents or ill health cases that occur during the project, and identify the root causes and corrective actions.
Take corrective actions if needed, such as revising the health and safety plans, improving the control measures, providing additional training or resources, etc.
Document and report the results of the monitoring and review activities, and communicate them to all relevant parties.
Learn from the experience and feedback, and implement any changes or improvements for future projects.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have discussed the various aspects of health and safety in construction, which is a vital factor for the success and well-being of any construction project.
We have covered the following main topics:
Planning and organising: How to apply the general principles of prevention to manage the risks in construction projects, and how to appoint the right people and organisation at the right time.
Controlling and monitoring: How to implement appropriate measures to control the safety hazards and prevent the ill health in construction sites, and how to monitor and review the health and safety performance of the project.
Legal obligations and responsibilities: What are the key roles and duties of the clients, designers, contractors and workers under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), which are a set of rules that regulate the management of health and safety in construction projects of all sizes and types.
We hope that this blog has provided you with useful information and guidance on how to ensure health and safety in construction, as well as some resources for further learning.
Health and safety in construction is not only a legal requirement, but also a moral duty and a business benefit. spacebands was designed to protect construction workers from a range of hazards, we'd love to show you how it works in a quick demo.
By following the best practices and standards, you can protect yourself, your workers, your clients and your reputation from harm. Thank you for reading.
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