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Safer Sites target inspections – coming to a street near you
HSE construction inspectors will be carrying out unannounced visits to sites where refurbishment projects or repair works are underway.
This year the Initiative is being undertaken as a series of two week inspections across the country, beginning 3 October 2016 ending 4 November 2016.
During this period inspectors will ensure high-risk activities, particularly those affecting the health of workers, are being properly managed.
These include:
- risks to health from exposure to dust such as silica are being controlled
- workers are aware of where they may find asbestos, and what to do if they find it
- other health risks, such as exposure to noise and vibration, manual handling and hazardous substances are being properly managed
- jobs that involve working at height have been identified and properly planned to ensure that appropriate precautions, such as proper support of structures, are in place
- equipment is correctly installed / assembled, inspected and maintained and used properly
- sites are well organised, to avoid trips and falls, walkways and stairs are free from obstructions and welfare facilities are adequate
Where serious breaches of legislation are found then immediate enforcement action will be taken, but inspectors will also be taking steps to secure a positive change in behaviour to ensure on-going compliance.
Health and safety breaches with clients and designers will also be followed up to reinforce their duties under CDM 2015 and to ensure that all dutyholders with on site health and safety responsibilities understand and fulfil these.
Follow the SaferSites Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SaferSites) to see what inspectors find on site and keep updated throughout the initiative.
How to manage your site safely (click on the links for more info):
- Site organisation – Everything you need to know about organising a safe and healthy construction site: http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/siteorg.htm
- Slips, trips and falls – Assess, eliminate and control the risks of slips, trips and falls on construction sites: http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/falls.htm
- Work at height – The hierarchy of controls for working at height, from working at ground level, using towers, scaffolds, platforms and ladders and, as a last resort, fall restraints and safety netting: http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/workingatheight.htm
- Structural stability – Assess the risks and prevent unintentional structural collapse during alterations, demolition and dismantling; and the measures you need to take to prevent accidents in excavations: http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/stability.htm
- Cranes – All lifting operations involving lifting equipment must be properly planned by a competent person; appropriately supervised; and carried out in a safe manner: http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/cranes.htm
- Electricity – Work safely with power supplies and electrical equipment; map overhead power lines and underground cables to prevent accidental contact with machinery: http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/electricity.htm
- Fire – Identify the risks of fire; control combustible materials and ignition sources; and make it clear exactly what to do if fire does break out: http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/fire.htm
- Mobile plant and vehicles – Assess the risks, establish competence to operate and control access to telehandlers, excavators, mobile work platforms, dumpers and road vehicles: http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/mobileplant.htm
- Demolition – All demolition, dismantling and structural alteration should be carefully planned and carried out by competent practitioners: http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/demolition.htm
For more information, visit the HSE web page: http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/index.htm or contact us on 07896 016380 or fiona@eljay.co.uk, and we’ll be happy to help.
Contains public sector information published by the Health and Safety Executive and licensed under the Open Government Licence