Health and Safety Policy Statement

safetyadmin
Cover of the health and safety policy pack

Organisations with 5 or more staff are required to have a health and safety policy. Companies should add a Heath and Safety Policy Statement to their safety policy document or manual, an example policy Statement is below: Health and Safety Policy Statement The company is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all its employees and other parties who may be affected by its activities. It is the intention of the company to place health and safety as a high priority in relation to the Company’s overall aims.…

Read More

Employee Safety Inductions

safetyadmin
site rules for safety

All Employees and visiting contractors are to be given a site induction by a competant appointed person Contents of an Induction Program could include: 1. Introduction to the organisational structure of the company. 2. Introduction to any occupational health and safety personnel working for the company. 3. Presentation, explanation and discussion of the overall occupational health and safety policy for the company. 4. Provision of information on the Occupational Health and Safety Committee for the company, who the representatives are and how they can be contacted. 5. Safety rules for…

Read More

Positive Performance Indicators

safetyadmin
cover graphic of safety manual

  Positive Performance Indicators Companies should introduce and maintain a system of positive reporting indicators. The following items could be reported to management and if applicable a safety committee on a monthly basis: 1. Attendance at safety toolbox meetings 2. Attendance at safety training sessions 3. Number of risk assessments undertaken in a month 4. Percentage of employees trained in a safe working practice document 5. Number and frequency of safety audits since introduction of the safety management plan 6. Number of safe working procedures developed since inception 7. Number…

Read More

Slips and Trips Due to Ice and Snow

safetyadmin
Slips and trips on ice

To reduce the risk of slips on ice, frost or snow, you should assess the risks and implement strategies to manage them. Identify where pedestrians are most likely to slip on ice, for example: site entrances, car parks, and designated walkways. You need to take action whenever freezing temperatures are forecast. Keep up to date by visiting a weather service website. Put a procedure in place to prevent an icy surface forming and/or keep pedestrians off the slippery surface, Use grit on areas prone to be slippery in frosty, icy…

Read More

Manual Handling

safetyadmin

Manual Handling Manual handling is a term that covers activities such as lifting, carrying and moving. All of these activities can put you at risk of injury if you don’t handle them correctly. Manual handling injuries are one of the most common causes of work-related illness and injury in the UK. What is Manual handling? Manual handling is any activity that involves lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying a load. It can be carried out in many different ways and has been defined as ‘any operation which directly involves the use…

Read More

Struck-By Accidents and Prevention

safetyadmin
safety files

STRUCK-BY ACCIDENTS In struck-by accidents, workers are hit by vehicles, or falling/flying objects The reported accidents indicate that the main causes are:- • Accidents with site equipment or vehicles, these include excavators, dumpers and other site vehicles. • High-pressure hoses becoming detached from compressors etc. • Falling loads from cranes, truck Hiab’s etc. • Tools or materials dropped from height (Causes are often tools and equipment dropped from scaffolding or from MEWPS. Deaths in the UK from struck-by accidents accounted for around 10% of deaths; these can be prevented with…

Read More

Investigation of Accident, Incident or Near Miss

safetyadmin

Checklist for Investigations Investigation of Accident, Incident or Near Miss Companies should investigate safety events using a checklist, an example of a standard list is detailed below.   Note: In the table below, the term ‘event’ will be used to indicate ‘accident, incident or near miss’.   Personal What level of job training had been provided? How was competency assessed? What did the risk assessment identify in regard to areas of special needs? What other factors may have impacted on work performance? Management Who was supervising the task? What steps…

Read More

Example Method Statement for Brick and Block laying

safetyadmin

This is an example of what should be included in a Method Statement for bricklaying Part 2 Work Objective: To Complete Bricklaying work to the required line, level and elevations as per Architect & Design Drawings. Reducing Risks: 1. Use of Mechanical means where possible. 2. Use and continual use of PPE. 3. Good house keeping practices. 4. Continual inspection of plant and tools. Health, Safety and Environmental Risk Assessments that must be included: – Manual Handling – Use of Cement Mixer – Dermatitis and Burns from Cement -Abrasive Wheels…

Read More

Risk Assessment for Heat Stress

safetyadmin
High Temperature

Heat stress affects building and construction related works, steps should be taken to reduce the risks. What are the typical symptoms:-? Cramping Muscles, often these include side stitches and calf muscles. Dry skin that maybe hot to the touch, loss of concentration and confusion, rash,  person is very thirsty, headaches, tiredness, dizziness and in extreme heat stroke the person may convulse and could lose consciousness. Reducing the risks of heat stress:- Firstly determine if the sources of heat can be stopped, if not then determine if the temperature can be…

Read More

Construction Site Waste Management

safetyadmin

Site Waste Management Construction sites can generate vast amounts of waste, this can be in the form of packaging, timber, material off-cuts and general site waste. All waste should be disposed of in the most appropriate and environmentally sensitive way possible. If necessary for compliance, suitably qualified specialist contractors shall be engaged for disposal. Disposal of waste should follow the waste management hierarchy below: Prevention Minimisation Recycling Treatment Energy recovery Volume reduction. Disposal. Training and information should also be provided to employees so that they are aware of waste management…

Read More

Construction Site Risk Identification Checklist

safetyadmin

Construction Site Risk Identification Checklist Factors to be taken into account:- Are there substances used in a particular task suitable for the task? Have substances been assessed (COSHH) for safe use? Is the plant used in a particular task suitable for the task? Are the plant and substances suitable to the environmental conditions and terrain in which they are used? Are there any foreseeable abnormal situations which may arise, such as potential misuse of any materials or equipment and fluctuating operating conditions (e.g., during times of peak programmed works)? Is…

Read More

Site Hazard Control Measures

safetyadmin
Builders Risk Assessment

Hazard Control Measures Hazards on building sites need to be controlled to reduce the risks of accidents and near misses. The Site Management should consider this to be a top priority, where large sites are concerned there should be a budget established during the tender stage to enable full time Health & Safety Staff to be employed not only to manage and establish control measures but to train ALL staff so that there is a full understanding of the site and the hazards as well as the measures in place…

Read More