The construction industry happens to be the industry with many risks. The apparent risks do not only affect employees at construction sites but also affect those living near construction sites and those passing through as well. The risks extend further to the immediate environment. Because of the varied risks, many jurisdictions across the world have enacted appropriate legislations particularly relating to Health And Safety In Construction. Such jurisdictions have in place the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which spells out responsibilities for both construction employers and employees alike in ensuring that employees work in safe environments.
All construction employers are required to prepare a health and safety policy document indicating their commitment to follow and implement Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements. It is from the policy document that employers are required to put in place appropriate health and safety programs addressing the unique risks and hazards prevalent at their construction sites. Preparation of Work Method Statements is also a requisite. These are statements prepared before commencement of any construction work. The statements describe the nature of a project, identified risks, mitigation measures and duration.
An important component of Health And Safety In Construction legislations is training. All construction employers are required to provide their employees with approved health and safety training to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills on how to identify potential hazards and risks, how to prevent and handle the same in case of their occurrence. In this regard, employers are obligated to provide the training at no cost to their employees. While this is certainly an expense on the part of employers, it is actually an investment considering the amount of injury and fatality claims a construction employer can face.
Health issues that construction employers need to look into while considering Health And Safety In Construction sites are varied. In case employees need to work with Asbestos, employers need to identify the apparent risks of the same to their employees. The same need to be disposed off safely. Risks posed by construction equipments need to be addressed and mitigation measures put in place. In particular, the risks of hand-arm vibration equipments need to ascertained and addressed. Noise should be contained to the bear minimum so as not to affect employees. Gas emissions including those of carbon monoxide need to be addressed. These can cause respiratory diseases not only to employees but to neighbors as well.
Like with health issues, safety issues vary greatly and construction employers are obligated to ascertain the same when considering Health And Safety In Construction sites. Construction site organization is crucial in preventing the occurrence of physical injuries. All risks of slips, trips and falls should be controlled or eliminated. Because some construction work involves employees working on heights, employers are obligated to provide working at height controls. Such controls include use of towers, scaffolds, platforms, ladders and fall safety nets.
