June is National Safety Month, so it’s important to stay safe on-site.
This National Safety Month is to highlight and create a healthier yet safe environment for construction workers.
It’s important to raise awareness about various hazards contractors may face on the job and promote measures to prevent accidents.
In construction, we face many risks such as, falls, electrocution, being struck by heavy objects and exposure to hazardous materials.
By dedicating a month to safety awareness, construction workers, employers, and regulatory agencies can collaborate to emphasise the importance of safety on-site.
Including, protocols, PPE and implementing effective training programs.
This focus on safety can help reduce the number of accidents, creating a safer environment for everyone involved.
What are the key themes of National Safety Month?
There are four main topics to cover this month, which are:
- Safety Engagement
- Roadway Safety
- Risk Reduction
- Slips, Trips, and Falls
Safety engagement, why is it important?
Engaging workers in safety practices can help prevent accidents and injuries on construction sites.
Workers actively involved in safety procedures are more likely to identify and mitigate potential hazards before accidents occur.
Another importance of safety engagement is the well-being of workers. It fosters a culture where your employees feel valued, leading to job satisfaction.
Job satisfaction leads to improved productivity, when workers feel safe and secure they are more focused.
Roadway safety, importance for construction zones
Roadway safety is most important as it protects both workers and the public, prevents accidents, ensures regulatory compliance, and contributes to the overall success and efficiency of construction projects.
Construction workers are exposed to the hazards of working near moving vehicles and heavy equipment, roadway safety measures help protect workers from accidents and injuries.
With work on the road, construction zones can often intersect with regular traffic flow. Posing risks to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Safety measures such as signage, barriers, and speed limits help reduce accidents and protect the public.
Following roadway safety regulations and guidelines is essential for construction companies to avoid legal liabilities and penalties. It ensures that construction activities are carried out in a manner that prioritises safety for both workers and the public.
Risk reduction emphasised
It’s important to emphasise the significance of risk reduction because construction sites as we know, are hazardous environments.
Adhering to safety regulations and standards is not only ethical but also a legal requirement. Failure to mitigate risks can result in severe penalties, fines, lawsuits, and even project delays or shutdowns.
Continuous improvement, prioritising risk reduction fosters a culture of continuous improvement within construction companies. Regular risk assessments, safety training, and feedback mechanisms enable organisations to identify and address potential hazards proactively.
Slips, trips and falls
Slips, trips, and falls are significant concerns in the construction industry because they are among the leading causes of injuries and fatalities.
They are important to address for many reasons…
While slips and trips may seem minor, they can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones and sprains. Construction sites often involve working from a height, which increases the risk and potential severity of falls.
Many slip, trip, and fall incidents are preventable through proper training, hazard identification, and implementation of safety measures. By raising awareness and taking proactive steps to mitigate these risks, construction companies can create safer work environments for their employees.
What is construction safety and its importance?
Construction safety in the UK refers to the regulations and practices aimed at ensuring the health, safety and welfare of the workers and the public in construction environments.
Such measures are put in place to prevent serious accidents, injuries and possible fatalities that can occur during construction projects.
Key aspects of construction safety on-site include:
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – The UK’s national regulatory body for workplace health and safety. It sets out regulations, provides guidance, and enforces standards to ensure safety in construction sites.
- Construction Design and Management Regulation (CDM) – These regulations aim to improve health and safety in the construction industry by placing duties on clients, designers, and contractors throughout the project lifecycle.
- Risk Assessment – They are conducted to identify potential hazards on site and implement measures to mitigate or eliminate these risks.
- Personal Protective Equipment PPE – Workers are required to wear the correct PPE, such as hard hats, high visibility clothing, safety goggles, gloves, and steel-toe boots, to protect themselves from workplace hazards.
- Site Management – Effective site management must be put in place such as clear signage, regular inspections, maintaining a tidy workplace and secure fencing.
- Health and Welfare Facilities – Construction sites should provide facilities for workers to rest, eat, and access clean drinking water, as well as adequate toilet and washing facilities to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of diseases.
The Legal Requirements for Construction Site Safety
In the UK, the safety on-site is governed by numerous different legal requirements. One includes the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which is the primary legislation.
This act requires the employer to provide a safe working environment.
Other regulations are set in place, like the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, also referred to as the CDM Regulations.
This legislation puts specific responsibilities on designers and contractors to ensure that health and safety remain a priority during construction projects.
Basic Legal Requirements for Construction Site Safety
The Construction Safety Signs and Signals Regulations 1996 require signage on construction sites.
This includes hazard signs such as ‘high voltage’, ‘falling objects’, ‘danger’, ‘no smoking’, ‘wear hard hat’ and ‘use ear protection’.
Signs also need to be on show for emergency exits, escape routes and assembly points.
Required signs also need to be presented for the location of fire alarms and extinguishers.
Sign types and placement will be resolved following a risk assessment that is specific to the site.
How to stay safe on-site, breaking through barriers
Construction sites need to be secure to prevent unauthorised access, this helps protect the public from harm.
Again, the type of barriers required depends on the risks and characteristics of the project on-site.
This may include:
- Fencing
- Hoarding
- Pedestrian barriers
Risk Assessments
This should identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls.
Risk assessment should be reviewed and updated regularly.
Building a Safer Future: Beyond National Safety Month
In conclusion, as we delve into National Safety Month and explore the key themes, the importance of prioritising safety on construction sites becomes clear.
This month serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to create and maintain a culture of safety awareness within the construction industry.
By addressing crucial topics such as safety engagement, roadway safety, risk reduction, and mitigating slips, trips, and falls, we not only safeguard the well-being of construction workers but also uphold the safety of the public at large.
Through collaborative efforts among workers, employers, and regulatory agencies, we can implement effective protocols, provide essential PPE, and institute comprehensive training programs to mitigate risks and prevent accidents.
Furthermore, understanding the fundamental principles of construction safety, including compliance with regulations such as those set forth by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM), underscores our commitment to fostering safer work environments.
Ultimately, National Safety Month serves as a catalyst for ongoing dialogue, education, and action to continuously improve safety practices within the construction industry.
Get in contact with ORB Mechanical and Electrical team today and explore our completed projects.