Everyone at work needs to know how to work safely and without risk to health. Clear instructions must be provided along with any information and adequate training to do the job or use the equipment to complete a task.
There are a number of Health & Safety Regulations which place various duties on employers. The rules are designed to ensure that workers are protected from risks when using work equipment.
Construction Plant Machinery can cause major injuries and accidents; so, it is imperative that machines are used in the correct way by competent people. Being struck by a vehicle while backing up is one of the more common incidents.
Poorly trained employees can pose a danger to themselves and other workers at a company. There are several ways in which workplace training can improve performance and reduce the risk of injury. Employers have a responsibility to protect their workers through constant training processes.
Training doesn’t have to be completely classroom based, although there is an element of time off site
Top Health & Safety Tips for construction
The construction industry currently accounts for over 3 million jobs in the UK. Due to the nature of the work, it can be one of the most dangerous places, with workers being at risk of falls, machinery malfunctions, falling objects, electrical faults and many, many more.
Here is a list of tips to assist you with doing all you can to keep you and your employees safe in the construction workplace.
Ensure employees are wearing the correct protective clothing
Wearing the correct PPE (personal protective equipment) could be the difference between a minor injury or a long-term injury, or even fatality.
It is important that your employer provides you with the appropriate PPE relative to the type of work you are doing. This could range from a helmet, ear protection, safety goggles, knee pads, hi-vis. All PPE should be replaced if it becomes worn or unfit for its purpose. As an employer, you need to ensure that the items are worn when they should be.
Train employees appropriately in Health & Safety
It is a requirement that every employee construction operative, supervisor and/or site manager has sufficient health and safety training. The CITB updates regularly on what is mandatory and what is advised, whether the work be involved with confined spaces, asbestos awareness or working at height and safety harness. It is also recommended that workers within this industry have a level of first aid/life-saving techniques.
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The world is full of potential dangers. Construction sites are full of even more. Not just for workers but for other people too; visitors, delivery drivers, members of the public or even people who aren’t supposed to be there. It’s so important to highlight any hazards, potential dangers or risks to warn anyone nearby to take the necessary precautions.
Inspect equipment on a regular basis
Whether there is scaffolding present or abrasive wheels, all tools and equipment should be set up or constructed correctly and remain in good working order. It should be a constant responsibility to ensure not only safe use of construction equipment but also encourage inspection on a regular basis. All users should be fully competent to maintain and repair any damage, malfunctions.
It is both the responsibility of the employer and the worker to highlight and/or address issues with defective equipment.
Allstar Training Ltd can work alongside your Compliance Team to provide you with an ongoing training scheme to ensure that the right people have the right training for the right job.
Contact us for further information on training or consultancy.