Small Builders Health and Safety

Small Builders Health and Safety

Small builders typically working on domestic work such as repairs and extensions, loft conversions in private houses, The Builder is responsible for all aspects of health and safety and if working for business clients short timescale works under 30 days quite often the responsibilities are shared equally between the builder and the business client.

What does the law require the smaller builders to do? :-

  • Effectively manage all the hazards and subsequent risks on site by the planning and monitoring the site with good site management techniques, this will include undertaking risk assessments and method statements, and using the findings to inform the workers of the site risks and prevention required. The prevention could be by training and toolbox talks and as part of the site induction.
  • The law also requires that the small builder co-operate with the client or occupier of the property and the homeowners and occupiers should also be made aware of the safety requirements on site.
  • Where the client is a  business, the business (owners) have legally required duties and is obliged to fully co-operate with the small builder and whatever has been arranged for managing the works.

One safety concern is that small builders must be competent to carry out their work safely, and should not price or accept a contract if they are inexperienced in the type of work and are not competent to do the work safely, The UK HSE mentions that most fatal injuries in the construction industry now occur on smaller building projects involving refurbishment of existing homes and workplaces. Over 60% of those deaths involve falls from ladders, scaffolds, working platforms, roof edges and falls through fragile roofs or roof lights. (HSE.Gov.uk)

 

We have a 5 page detailed small builders method statement that covers most aspects of small building and construction work HERE, available for instant download in MS Office format.

From the daily Mail, Roofer Fined for unsafe working
From the daily Mail, Roofer Fined for unsafe working

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