Construction Site Safety
It is a well know fact that
working on, in, or around a construction site is dangerous and the
location does not always have to be a building site. It can be a
refurbishment of your work area, places of leisure such as parks,
children's play areas and holiday locations. What matters is
that you are aware of the hazards that lurk about on these sites,
and how dangerous it can be for you as a worker and for your family
if they are inquisitive.
In the last 25 years, 2,800 people have been killed on construction sites or as a result of construction activities. Many more have been injured or made ill.
'Construction', the European Health and Safety theme this year, is focused on the Construction industry and how the education of people can make it a safer place.
As a CWU member, you may have had very little training from your employer on construction site awareness, and if you find that a major refurbishment or extension is happening at your place of work, then you should be asking your manager questions. Check out who your Union Safety Representative is, visit the main building notice board for the notice of works that should be provided by Monteray, and above all, do not enter the area under construction. There are many things that have to be planned such as safe working practices, fire escape routes, security, safety induction training, the use of sub-contractors and mandatory site safety guarding and signage.
For the field engineers, when a job takes you onto site, make
sure you read the Construction Site Rules, and wear the requested
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that you have been provided
with, even if this is above the site requirements. This PPE should
be in good condition. Wear the correct footwear - for example, it
is recommended that you wear the steel mid-sole styles when walking
over site rubble, and to change into normal suitable protective
footwear if you have to climb. If the condition of your PPE is
poor, have it changed as it is provided free of charge, and if you
have any problems, such as a manger saying there is no budget left,
let the CWU Branch know.
In addition to accessing these dangerous sites, there can also be
the risks of entering into hazardous areas, or contact with
hazardous substances, the effects of which may take many years to
appear. This could be in the form of asbestos or chemicals that
could lead to industrial diseases such as dermatitis, asthma,
asbestosis, mesothelioma and emphysema, not forgetting deafness
from noise pollution.
On top of this, the injuries from incidents on site could cause musculo-skeletal disorders from falls; crush injuries; slips and trips from:
- Falling through fragile roofs and roof lights.
- Falling from ladders, scaffolds and other work places.
- Being struck by excavators, lift trucks or dumpers.
- Overturning vehicles.
- Being crushed by collapsing structures.
New legislation now insists that everyone has duties and responsibilities regarding health and safety, from the worker to each contractor, from the architect up to the top boss.
On top of the guidance above, for CWU members who have work being undertaken at their place of work, field engineers must make themselves aware of external site requirements. They must be trained operators on equipment they use on site, such as Platforms Elevating and Pole Erection Units, and make available, on request, their training certificates as proof. Provide method statements of the work that is required to be undertaken, obtain a permit to work off the site manager, and make sure you are signed in as being on or off-site.
Before you are allowed on to the construction site, most major builders will run you through a basic health and safety induction session, which sometimes you can be exempt from if you hold the IOSH safety passport. Always make yourself familiar with the condition of the site and who is responsible for site safety.
Usually the first notice you will come across will be at the
site entrance and will almost certainly state:
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, all persons
entering this site must comply with all regulations under this
act.
All visitors must report to the site office and obtain permission to proceed on to the site or any work area.
Safety signs and procedures must be observed, and Personal Protection and Safety Equipment must be used at all times.
The CWU Midlands Safety Representatives have produced a credit card sized construction site reminder to go with this newsletter to promote this years European Health & Safety week and hope that members find it useful. Don't forget to raise any safety issues at your Team Brief and create an action point if necessary.
Above all, if you have concerns, undertake your on-site risk assessment. If you have any issues that would make it unsafe to work, contact your Manager, Safety Rep or CWU Branch Office.
Reference material for the Construction industry
The Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare)
Regulations 1996 (CHSW)
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994
(CDM).
Links
HSE Construction pages www.hse.gov.uk/construction/index.htm
Free HSE publications on construction www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/conindex.htm
