Professional Documents
Culture Documents
SAFETY
LEGISLATIONS
Introduction
Health and safety in construction is not a matter to be taken lightly.
H&S methods will ensure the construction site has good design,
good planning and uses tried and tested safety techniques.
Introduction
In a working environment there is a wide range of possible hazards.
If a business fails to comply with legislation then the owner can be fined or
imprisoned.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
The HSE is the UK government body responsible for enforcing health and
safety at work legislation.
The HSE also plays a major role in producing advice on health and safety
issues, and guidance on relevant legislation.
Duties:
To take care of themselves and others
To report accidents
These include accidents that cause an employee to be off sick for three
days or more, if (following a work accident) he is admitted to hospital for
24 hours or more; serious injuries; certain work related illnesses (such as
repetitive strain injuries;) accidents to non-employees if they are taken to
hospital from the scene of the accident (even if they are discharged
straight away.
Stepladders should only be used for jobs that do not take long
and they must be safe and stable when in use.
01. Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 (HASWA) –
Welfare Facilities
Washbasins for hands near the toilet with hot and cold (or warm)
water, soap and drying facilities
Environment
In very hot weather, employers only need to provide local cooling e.g.
fans
01. Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 (HASWA) –
First Aid
Some workplaces have qualified first aiders and first aid rooms.
Notices should inform employee where the first aid box is kept
and who the first aider(s) or appointed person(s) is/are.
01. Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 (HASWA) –
Fire Safety
Workplace Transport
Signposts at junctions
Speed limits
Training of drivers
01. Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 (HASWA) –
Equipment
Employees should never use equipment that you are not trained
or authorised to use.
Equipment
Carry out a visual check of equipment before use it and look for
any obvious defects.
Employer should;
Employee should;
This deals with the reporting of injuries and accidents at work (serious and
fatal)
This deals with the storage and control of hazardous substances and items
such as protective equipment and clothing.
Communicating Health and Safety Regulations
Employers have a responsibility to provide information on health and safety to
its employees.
Most organisations will produce their own company policies and procedures
for health and safety which must meet the minimum requirements laid down
by the HASWA.
Communicating Health and Safety Regulations
Induction training – new employees receive a copy of the Health & Safety policy
On-going training – might include the safe use of equipment, safe lifting and handling
techniques etc
Use of notices – posting fire drill procedures, caution signs, no-smoking signs
Introducing a health and safety representative – who should be available for advice
and provide information on all aspects of health and safety
Breaches of Legislation and Procedures
Breaches by the Organisation:
Inspectors representing the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or local government’s
Environmental Health Dept can visit organisations at any time to:
Provide advice;
Employees who believe the organisation has breached H & S can take their
case to an Industrial Tribunal
A verbal warning
A written warning
Dismissal