6 Things To Be Aware Of With Construction Health & Safety

From building to demolition, there are many aspects to construction - and many risks to be mindful of. Large-scale jobs in construction bring larger risks, so require extra vigilance when it comes to health and safety. Whether you are working or hiring for a construction site, you need to be sure that you have access to updated health and safety regulations, and an appropriate person to speak with regarding any concerns. The HSE has recorded 80,000 workers in construction who suffer from bad health relating to their line of work. So, what are the main things to be aware of with construction health and safety?

Asbestos

With much construction work, in particular demolition and refurbishment, there is an increased chance of encountering asbestos. Inhalation of asbestos can cause fatal respiratory conditions and lung disease, so is not something to be taken lightly. Even carrying the dust home on your clothing can cause damage to those around you, so ensure you are fully equipped with the correct protective clothing and PPE at all times. For more information about asbestos and how you can protect yourself, head on over to our Working With Asbestos Health And Safety Guide.

Structural stability and collapse

When working with excavations, areas can easily become unstable. As the pressure caused by additional loads such as workers, vehicles and tools can cause a collapse, extra precautions must always be taken. Risk assessments are vital, as is the appropriate use of scaffolding. It is also paramount to double check the work you are carrying out, and any adverse effect it may have on the surrounding area. If your work will affect the integrity of nearby structures, ensure they are also risk assessed, and supported with the appropriate scaffolding.

Working from height

There are a number of hazards present when working from heights, and this continues to be a major cause of fatality and injury within the industry. Therefore, if you are working from a height you need to ensure that:

• There are appropriate guardrails in place.
• Scaffolding and ladders are completing secure.
• Materials, tools and equipment on elevated walkways or scaffolding are adequately stored when not in use. This eliminates trip hazards, as well as the risk of workers below being hit by falling objects. For further protection from the risk of falling objects, all workers on site should be fully equipped with protective headwear.

Manual handling

As with any manual job, incorrectly lifting heavy tools or equipment can cause both short and long-term damage. On construction sites, where you will naturally find heavy materials such as bricks, cement and toolkits, extra precautions should be taken while lifting and manual handling. Thorough training should be provided to all staff who will be manually handling, to ensure heavy items are lifted safely and correctly.

Electricity

There are strict laws regarding the precautions a worker should take if they are working with electricity. Wherever possible, construction should not be carried out on live electrical systems, and, in the rare cases where this isn’t possible, the worker should be fully authorised for the work. You may encounter existing electrical systems in buildings, overhead power lines when constructing, and underground cables when digging or demolishing. Always be aware of the electrical equipment around you - avoid it where possible, and if you do have to work near it, ensure your qualifications and training are completely up to date.

Slips and trips

A key danger in any industry is slips and trips, however, these can be even more dangerous on a construction site environment. Always ensure that your working area is organised and tidy, with equipment being safely stored when not in use. High grip footwear is also a must on a construction site, helping to minimise the risk of falling on slippery surfaces.

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