Identifying the Risks Early in the construction project

The construction industry still accounts for far too many workplace accidents and therefore when any of us are having building work done, there is no case for being complacent when it comes to health and safety.

Identifying the Risks Early

Of the accidents that occur in the building industry, there is evidence to indicate that up to 60% of them are directly attributable to decisions taken before the actual building work even starts. This statistic is corroborated by further evidence from the HSE, which indicates that 40% of designers are unaware of the safety factors that should be taken into account at the design stage - such straightforward issues as fragile roofing materials or the need for ladders during construction and maintenance, for example.

Bearing in mind that, as clients, we either make the decisions or strongly influence the appointment of designers and much other preparatory work, this means that we all have a role to play in seeking to bring down the level of accidents and fatalities in the construction industry.

Health & Safety Executive Consultation

If these facts are not convincing enough, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is looking to revise the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) and the associated Approved Code of Practice. A major aim is to enhance the client’s responsibility in regard to health and safety.

Current indications are that there will be a new regulation that will impose a duty on clients to make and maintain “Safety Management Arrangements”. In other words, when you commission building work to be carried out around your premises, you – as the client - will need to operate a CDM Safety Management System to ensure the work can be carried out without risk to health and safety. That includes appointing a competent design and construction team. Sounds like the death knell is tolling for cowboy outfits!

Existing Legal Obligations

Of course, as clients, we already have legal responsibilities in this regard under current legislation. For example, we are responsible for:

Making timely appointments of planning supervisors and principal contractors who can satisfy us in regard to being both competent and adequately resourced
Considering how these people will work together to ensure everyone's safety
Providing health and safety information about the site and any existing structures
Ensuring work doesn’t start until there is a construction phase Health & Safety Plan in place.