Laying the foundations for healthier and safer construction sites

The new two-week qualification, Health and Safety Management for Construction, will give you the skills you need to take on health and safety responsibilities in the construction sector.

The qualification will help you gain the confidence and technical know-how to challenge unsafe behaviours and offer practical solutions.

NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction is available in both UK and International variants. The UK version is closely aligned to Construction (Design & Management) (CDM) Regulations whilst the international option references ILO guidance. Whichever option you choose, the qualification goes beyond legislation to focus on best practice to support your development.

The Importance of Site Health and Safety

With so many risks and hazards on building sites, risk assessments and safety precautions are vital in keeping construction workers out of harm’s way. Companies should position construction health and safety at the heart of their training and operations, and all contractors should have completed health and safety assessments associated with their work activities before starting work on building sites. 

But why exactly is building site health and safety so important? Here are some of the reasons behind the need for extensive safety measures in the construction industry. 

There Are Countless Health and Safety Risks on Building Sites

Working in construction is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world because of the countless risks and hazards of building sites. Working from heights, mobile plant handling heavy loads, operating dangerous machinery, and working around potentially hazardous substances and hazardous materials — such as asbestos — can expose construction workers to the risk of injury and work-related health problems. 

Building sites also pose the risk of falling objects and collapsing structures. Hot work hazards — such as welding, cutting, soldering, and any activities that involve using heat or open flames — are also key areas to assess as potential construction health and safety risks. Returning to work under COVID-19 regulations is a timely reminder that construction H&S is more important than ever. Updating risk management on-site should be an ongoing process to ensure construction companies stay compliant with ever-changing legislation. 

The Most Common Safety Risks in Construction

Given any industry, many risks are avoidable. Spotting problems and risks early on allow you to eliminate them before occurring. Other risks come with the territory, requiring planning, a sharp safety mindset and the right personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent injury or death.

The most common construction safety risks include:

• Working up high: Falling off a ladder, scaffolding, ledge, piece of aerial equipment or another high location can quickly turn to a hazard.

• Slip, trip and fall hazards: Construction workers often have to work on wet, dirty and uneven surfaces and move around obstacles, increasing the risk of slips, trips and falls.

• Moving hazards: Construction uses some of the largest, most heavy-duty equipment. It can be challenging for operators to see workers on the ground, creating a risk for injury.

• Noise: Job sites are noisy places filled with activity, often featuring loud tools and heavy machinery. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can lead to long-term hearing loss.

• Vibrating tools and machinery: Exposure to prolonged vibrations can lead to Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome, a permanent condition affecting the nerves, blood vessels and joints.

• Collapses: Falling earth and debris pose serious safety hazards to anyone caught underneath. People working in trenches or buildings that collapse can be seriously hurt or killed.

• Material handling: Workers often move tools, equipment and material around work sites. Moving heavy loads with improper handling techniques can lead to muscle and joint injuries.

• Breathing hazards: Construction sites often have poor air quality. Dangerous airborne hazards are common, including chemical fumes and the dust kicked up from people and machinery.

• Electricity: Electricity is one of the top health and safety risks in construction. Common sources of direct and indirect exposure include faulty tools, improper wiring and damaged insulation.

What are the main types of hazards in construction?

In 2019/20, the HSE reported the deaths of 40 construction workers, with 81,000 others suffering from work-related ill health. Construction workers are exposed to a range of hazards that can increase their risk of injury or death. Risks to construction staff include falls from height, machinery malfunctions, electrocution, falling objects, and structural collapses – to name a few.

To keep your construction site safe, read our guide to lone working.

As an employer, it may be tempting to cut corners to save money; but with workplace related injuries being the cause of over 1.6 million lost workdays annually, it’s in everybody’s best interest to prioritise construction site safety.

Read More Here