Key Stage 4 Construction Exploring health, safety and welfare in the construction industry Scale: 1:1 Coming up in this unit... Hazards are present in almost all workplaces but, because of the type of work, construction sites are much more dangerous than most other work locations. Accidents can cause damage to property and equipment and, more importantly, injury to workers, site visitors and the general public. Both employers and employees can be fined if it is proved that their action – or inaction – contributed to an accident. To reduce the likelihood of accidents, day-to-day workplace health, safety and welfare procedures and best-practice control methods must be followed at all times. Risk assessments should be carried out both for the workplace and for specific tasks, and their recommendations carried out. Some accidents are fatal; in these cases many people are affected. It is your responsibility to keep yourself, your colleagues and members of the public safe and well through your actions at work. To do this, you need to develop a good foundation of knowledge and skills about health, safety and welfare. Remember – you will never stop learning and updating your knowledge as you progress through your career. New circumstances and technologies will call for new work methods and techniques, and these will require new strategies for risk control. You need to pay at least as much attention to safe methods of doing your work as you do to your specialist work skills. Keep yourself and others safe and well at work UNIT ONE When you have completed this unit, you should be able to: Çexplain the importance of health, safety and welfare in the construction industry, including: - the elements and main causes of accidents - the human and financial costs of accidents Çdescribe your personal responsibility for health safety and welfare in the construction and built environment sector, including: - responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act - risk assessments; safety policies and safe systems Çidentify and describe the hazards and risks you would expect on construction sites, including: - identification of hazards and risks that could arise when using plant, equipment, machinery and materials - factors that affect the level of risk, such as: workplace factors, human factors Çdescribe good methods for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of workers including: - regular training, good workplace procedures, provision of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) - appropriate fire precautions and training, workplace signage and good housekeeping - awareness of safe work methods for working at heights, working below ground and working in confined spaces - compliance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) - training and appropriate workplace procedures for using electricity on site and being aware of buried and overhead services. 50 51 Unit 2: Exploring health, safety and welfare in the construction industry BTEC FIRST IN CONSTRUCTION Avoid accidents! Avoid accidents! Accidents will happen and, unfortunately, some of those accidents will be fatal. On average, more than 60 people are killed every year in the UK through accidents on construction sites. Many more people suffer permanent injury, disability or the loss of an arm or leg. But you can do a lot to avoid accidents. You take care not to get killed or seriously injured in other situations – like crossing a busy road – so surely you should take care not to have an accident at work either. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Accidents in the construction industry An accident could be: Za fall Za slip or trip Zinjury caused by tools and equipment Zinjury caused by materials Zpoisoning Zviolence inflicted by work colleagues. Accidents are caused by: Zunsafe conditions – such as: – faulty or inadequate equipment – the presence of hazardous substances Zunsafe acts – mistakes made by people, such as: – failing to wear goggles or a hard hat – failing to follow safe work methods. The majority of accidents in the construction industry are slips, trips and falls; these cause over 1,000 long-term injuries every year. The most frequent type of fatal or serious accident on construction sites is falling. Elements of an accident The elements of an accident include any factors that contribute to the accident. These may be: Zorganisational: management decisions, project timelines Ztechnical: suitability of tools, equipment or materials; environmental influences such as light and heat Zhuman error: lack of concentration, stress, working above your skill level, not reading instructions carefully, taking short cuts, untidiness. Accident investigation Accidents are investigated to discover: Zthe root cause Zthe contributing elements Zthe chain of events. This information is used to decide what action to take to prevent such an accident happening again. This might include changing or improving procedures and training, or getting better equipment. A ‘near miss’ or dangerous occurrence should also be investigated. These are cases where an accident is only just avoided. The chain of events and root cause could have led to an accident, and may do next time, so it is just as important to look into these events. The difference between a near miss and an accident may be just one small factor, such as timing. An example might be a crane-load slipping and falling and narrowly missing a person walking underneath. In this case, at least two elements require urgent investigation: 1. Why did the load slip? 2. Why was the person walking underneath the crane? 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 Contact with electricity or electrical discharge Trapped by something collapsed or overturned Struck by moving vehicle Struck by moving/falling/ flying object Falling from height 383 110 84 62 60 FIG 2.1: Don’t become one of the statistics! Number of fatal injuries to workers in construction 1996–2006 Over the last five years, the rate of fatal injury has fallen by 50 per cent. Keep up the good work! What is this worker doing wrong? Over half of all fatal accidents in the construction industry are falls from height The most common serious accidents are caused by the following: Falling from a height, such as: 6 through a fragile roof 6 through a skylight 6 from a ladder 6 from a scaffold. Being hit with force, such as by: 6moving vehicles and plant, e.g. excavators 6falling loads, e.g. bricks or girders 6falling equipment, e.g. power tools 6collapsing structures. [LOW DOWN] Accident An accident is an unplanned event that results in the injury or ill health of people, or damage or loss to property, plant, materials or the environment, or a loss of business opportunity. ,,, ,,,Near miss or close call More formally called a ‘dangerous occurrence’, a ‘near miss’, or ‘close call’ is an unplanned event that does not result in injury, illness or damage – but very easily could have. ,,,Chain of events The chain of events includes all the things that happened in the lead-up to an accident and which were definitely connected with that accident. The difference between an accident and a near miss is often just one small difference in the chain of events. 6What is the most common type of accident in your chosen area of the construction industry? 6What is the most common cause of these types of accident? 6What steps should be taken to avoid these accidents? UNIT NEED TO KNOW... Exploring health, safety and welfare in the construction industry Avoid accidents BTEC FIRST DATE TWO SUBJECT DIFFICULTY RATING 7 Most fatal accidents are caused by falls from height 7 Keeping a tidy workplace can reduce accidents 7 Always wear the correct PPE to minimise risk of workplace injuries 7 A near miss needs investigating as much as an accident Slips, falls and trips could be avoided by: 6keeping the workplace in good order 6making sure that walkways and stairways are kept clear of obstacles 6cleaning up spills promptly and carefully 6making sure everyone on-site is wearing the correct type of footwear. 53 For information on the web about accidents and health and safety in the workplace see the resources on the CD accompanying this book. Environmental – to do with the world around us and our impact on it Unit 2: Exploring health, safety and welfare in the construction industry 52 BTEC FIRST IN CONSTRUCTION The cost of an accident As well as the enormous human cost of accidents – including injury and even death – accidents can also have a significant financial cost to people, companies and society. Cost to people A person injured by an accident can make a claim against the employer for loss of earnings, but this takes time. Meanwhile, sickness benefit paid by the government will usually be significantly less than wages. If the injury prevents the person from returning to work at their original skill level, they may end up on a lower pay rate, or even be unable to return to work at all. Cost to companies Financial costs include: Zthe accident investigation Zproviding solutions to the accident cause (such as purchase of new equipment) Zcompensation claims Zextended project completion time Zrecruiting and training of replacement staff. In addition to financial cost, a company may lose its reputation, which can cause loss of business. Social cost This includes the cost of supporting workers who can no longer earn a wage because of illness or disability. There is also the related cost to the whole family of reduced health and well-being and lack of opportunity resulting from having to survive on an extremely low income. ON FILE THE PRICE OF NEGLIGENCE Jim Baker, a labourer working with a self-employed contractor, had to have his leg amputated below the knee after an on-site accident. Jim was helping the contractor shift materials from the back of a tipper, using a seven-tonne excavator. While Jim was standing on the side of the truck, the contractor manoeuvred the excavator bucket over the load. The bucket suddenly swung, crushing Jim’s leg against the side of the truck. The accident investigation found that the contractor had not been trained to use the excavator. He had never attended a Construction Industry Training Board training course, and was not classified as a plant operator. The company employing the contractor was fined £4000 and the self-employed contractor was fined £350. TASK 1. What were the elements of this accident? 2. What training should a person have before using a seven-tonne excavator? 3. What safety training should site labourers have before helping with jobs such as this? 4. Do you think the fines are fair? 5. What are Jim’s prospects for the future? Think about an accident or near miss that has happened to you or someone you know. 6What were the elements of the accident? 6What was the chain of events leading up to the accident? 6What was the root cause of the accident? An accident in the workplace can lead to you being off work for a long time. This has financial costs for both you and your company Take extra care when working in excavations 54 55 Unit 2: Exploring health, safety and welfare in the construction industry BTEC FIRST IN CONSTRUCTION The law protects you! The law protects you! The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HASAWA) is designed to make workplaces safe and avert all accidents. Under this law both the employer and the employee have responsibilities. Your responsibilities It is your responsibility to cooperate with your employer on health and safety issues and to take care of yourself, any equipment you use and any others that may be affected by what you do. This includes: Zfollowing company procedures and work instructions Zusing the personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE) required for the job Zworking safely, using safe work methods Zusing, storing and maintaining tools and equipment correctly Zbeing aware of hazards and risks and taking recommended measures to avoid them. Zproviding information and training on safe systems of work and ensuring these are followed Zmaking sure that there are safe systems and procedures for moving, storing and using equipment and materials, including waste Zproviding adequate light, heat, ventilation, sanitation, washing, rest, first aid and welfare facilities Z(if there are more than five employees) drawing up a health and safety policy statement and a set of emergency procedures, and appointing an adequate number of safety representatives Zreporting injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences. Safety rules Workplace policies and procedures are written to ensure that work is completed according to legal requirements. Procedures are improved over time, especially using information from accidents and near misses, and updated to comply with changes in technology or the law. Since safety rules and procedures are designed to keep you alive and injuryfree, there is every reason to make sure you know what they are and to follow them exactly. In general, the safety rules on a construction site will include: Zelectrical safety: knowing the location of underground and overhead cables; using low voltage for tools and equipment; using protected cables, leads, plugs and sockets; regular safety inspection of power tools and equipment Zemergency procedures: evacuation plan training and practice; alarms checked regularly; emergency phone available; escape routes identified; first aid available Zexcavations: planned and inspected by a trained and competent person; adequate shoring safely installed, or sides sloped to a safe angle; safe ladder access; barriers around excavation area; stop blocks to halt vehicles; no weighty materials near edge Zfire prevention: minimum quantities of flammable products kept on-site; smoking banned; all sources of ignition banned near flammable store; gas cylinders stored (valves closed) and maintained correctly; combustible waste removed; correct fire extinguishers provided, inspected and maintained Zhand-arm vibration: workers trained in effects of over-use of vibrating tools; job rotation and reduced-vibration tools used; regular inspection and maintenance of vibrating tools; health surveillance arranged as required Over 700 companies were prosecuted by the HSE in 2005/6. The average penalty for offences in the construction industry rose from £8,421 in 2003/2004 to £9,615 in 2005/2006. Scan through articles in the local, regional and national newspapers. How many reports of workplace accidents can you find? How many of these happened in the construction industry? What injuries were there? What were the penalties? Find out the detailed safety rules for three different activities in your chosen area of the construction industry, for example: 6 using a drill 6 using a ladder 6 using cement. Can keeping to the safety rules prevent all accidents? Keep yourself alive and well – use the correct PPE and follow instructions Your employer’s responsibilities The Health and Safety at Work Act states that an employer must take all steps, as far as reasonably practical, to ensure your health, safety and welfare at work, including: Zconducting risk assessments of the workplace and of all work tasks Zproviding a safe workplace without health risks Zmaking sure that all plant, machinery, equipment and tools are safe to use UNIT NEED TO KNOW... Exploring health, safety and welfare in the construction industry The Law protects you BTEC FIRST DATE TWO SUBJECT DIFFICULTY RATING 7 The Health and Safety at Work etc Act. 1974 (HASAWA) sets out safety rules for both employers and employees 7 It is your employer's responsibility to provide a safe workplace 7 It is your responsibility to work safely 6 Check that the procedures, work instructions and safework methods you are using are up to date 6Report hazards as soon as they occur 57 For information on the web about site safety and HSE penalties see the resources on the CD accompanying this book. HASAWA – Health and Safety at Work etc. Act HSE – Health and Safety Executive Prohibition notice – a legal order to stop work Risk assessment – a survey made of a job before anything is done to identify any undue risks to workers or the general public, plus recommendations to minimise those risks Unit 2: Exploring health, safety and welfare in the construction industry 56 BTEC FIRST IN CONSTRUCTION Zhazardous substances: identified before work commences; risk assessment completed and control measures applied; workers trained in safe use; health surveillance arranged as necessary Zladders: only used if there is no other possible method; ladders should be in excellent condition; rest against a very solid surface; secure to prevent slipping; never stretch to reach work – move the ladder position instead Zmanual handling: training in safe lifting techniques; equipment provided for lifting heavy objects and materials; materials ordered in, or transferred into, 25 kg bags Znoise: reduced wherever possible; training given to workers on effects of noise; correct ear protection supplied Zsafe access to and from work areas: lighting supplied where necessary; guard rails around or covers over hazardous areas; no obstacles in walkways Zscaffolds: installed; inspected and dismantled by trained and competent people; base plates or timber sole plates on uprights; scaffold secured to the building; fully boarded platforms; edge protection on platforms (such as double guard rails and toe boards) Ztools and machinery: suitable for the job; guards on sharp edges; moving parts inspected and checked regularly; regular maintenance schedule for all tools and machinery; training provided as required Zvehicles: separate road and walkways on-site; warning signs in large plant operation areas; reversing avoided; brakes, lights and steering checked regularly; drivers trained; loads secured Zwelfare: clean toilets and washing facilities on-site or nearby; drinking water provided; rest area provided; rest periods approved Zworking on roofs: edge protection provided; safety nets installed correctly (industrial-sized roofs); barriers around fragile roof areas (cement sheets, roof lights); area cleared beneath roof workers. ON FILE ACCEPTABLE RISK? The HSE prosecuted a contractor for placing employees at risk – no accident had occurred. An inspector noticed workers removing slate tiles from the roof of a building that was going to be demolished. The inspector could not see any roof ladders or scaffolding, and stopped to inspect the site. The inspector issued a prohibition notice to stop the work and investigated the matter, finding that none of the workers had received safety training in working from height. The contractor said he could not afford to supply ladders and scaffolding as this would reduce the profit from the sale of the recycled tiles. The contractor pleaded guilty to the charges and was fined £3,000. TASK 1. Is it a good idea for HSE inspectors to visit sites without an appointment to check safety procedures? State your reasons. 2. Why do you think the workers were doing the job, even though it was unsafe? 3. What equipment would you provide for doing the job safely? 4. Should the penalty for placing people at risk of fatal injury be the same as the penalty when a fatal accident has occurred? Explain your answer. A contractor working on-site must ensure that any person employed by them, or any person who is self-employed but under their control: 6is trained and competent to do the job safely 6 is properly supervised 6 is provided with clear instructions for the work 6has access to washing and toilet facilities 6has the correct tools, equipment and plant and that these are in good working order 6uses the correct protective clothing and equipment. Imagine that you are a health and safety inspector visiting a work site. What safety procedures would you check? How would you expect the workers to react to your inspection? How would you expect the project manager to react to your inspection? Well-constructed scaffolding helps to ensure worker safety Always follow instructions for staorage or use of hazardous materials
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