Welcome to our Toolbox Talk. Today, we delve into the critical issue of accident prevention within the construction industry. This sector, which includes general construction, specialised construction activities, and temporary construction, has shown an increase in accidents despite a general reduction across other industries. It’s crucial that we all contribute to reversing this trend.
Key Points
Accidents in construction are often the result of:
- Accidents can occur when individuals fail to apply their training, do not follow instructions, or lose focus on the task at hand. It’s essential to stay alert and mindful at all times.
- Incorrect use or abuse of plant and equipment can lead to accidents. Always ensure you’re trained and authorised to operate any machinery.
- Unsafe handling, loading, stacking, and storing of materials can result in accidents. Always follow safe manual handling techniques and store materials securely.
- Overloading of platforms, scaffolds, hoists, and plants can lead to structural failures. Always adhere to load limits.
- Use of faulty equipment and “homemade” repairs can lead to malfunctions and accidents. Always ensure equipment is in good working order before use.
- Illegal adaptations and removal of guards/barriers can expose workers to unnecessary risks. Always respect safety measures put in place.
- Failure to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ignoring safety signs/warning devices can lead to preventable accidents. Always comply with safety protocols.
- Poor hygiene standards and misuse of equipment can lead to health issues and accidents. Maintain cleanliness and proper use of all equipment.
Key Actions
To help prevent accidents:
- Never remove any guards/barriers.
- Understand the hazards before handling substances.
- Only use plant and equipment if trained.
- Always comply with procedures.
- Wear suitable PPE.
- Avoid horseplay that could result in hazards.
- Do not misuse or abuse safety equipment.
- Do not use defective equipment/plant or carry out “homemade” repairs.
- Maintain good hygiene standards.
- Use the correct tools for the job and obey site safety rules and signs.
The Law
In the UK, several pieces of legislation and regulations govern safety in the construction industry. Here are some of the key ones:
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA): This is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in the UK. It places a duty on all employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of their employees at work.
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015): These regulations set out what people involved in construction work need to do to protect themselves and anyone the work affects from harm. They apply to all construction projects from concept to completion.
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: These regulations require employers to carry out risk assessments, make arrangements to implement necessary measures, appoint competent people and arrange for appropriate information and training.
- Work at Height Regulations 2005: These regulations apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. They place duties on employers, the self-employed, and any person who controls the work of others.
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER): These regulations require that equipment provided for use at work is suitable for the intended use, safe for use, maintained in a safe condition, and inspected to ensure it is correctly installed and does not subsequently deteriorate.
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH): These regulations require employers to control substances that are hazardous to health. Employers need to prevent or reduce workers’ exposure to hazardous substances.
- The Building Safety Act: This Act, granted Royal Assent on 28 April 2022, makes ground-breaking reforms to give residents and homeowners more rights, powers, and protections, ensuring homes across the country are safer. It creates three new bodies: the Building Safety Regulator, the National Regulator of Construction Products, and the New Homes Ombudsman.
These laws and regulations form the backbone of health and safety in the construction industry in the UK. It’s crucial for all involved in construction to understand and adhere to these legal requirements to ensure a safe working environment.
Non-compliance with safety measures can lead to severe consequences, including pain, suffering, ongoing disability, potential fatalities, loss of earnings, incapacity for the job, and inability to support family. Employers face financial and time costs in compensation, loss of working time, lost management time during investigations, and possible fines.
