Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

How you can stop construction deaths

2020-11-30T15:44:46Z

WatsonandWatson:

=== Safety practices in the construction industry have improved a lot over the years. They are, however, still far from perfect. This is shown by the fact that the [https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/pdf/fatalinjuries.pdf construction industry was responsible for over a third of workplace fatalities] in the year 2019/2020 (40/111). ===

Here is a quick guide to the main hazards, what you can do about them and why you should care.

== Falls from a height ==

This one probably comes as no surprise to anyone familiar with construction. The [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-laws-to-extend-homes-upwards-and-revitalise-town-centres UK is having to build upwards], this means an increased need to work at heights. This means, potentially, more exposure to risk.

Fortunately, most of the issues relating to working at heights can be resolved by the appropriate use of safety equipment/PPE. The key word, here, is “appropriate”. Workers need to know how to set up the safety equipment and they need the time to do so and put on the necessary PPE. They also need the time to [https://www.watsonandwatsonsafety.co.uk/consultancy/site-and-workplace-inspections/ undertake regular checks of it].

== Struck by moving vehicle ==

The best way to deal with this is to combine setting out safe routes for vehicles and pedestrians with robust traffic management. This starts with effective access control. Having dedicated site security can be very useful here as security guards can often capably do double duty as traffic managers.

== Struck by moving object ==

On construction sites, moving objects generally means falling objects. Solving this starts with thinking about what equipment can be used where safely. You then need to check whether or not it is possible to keep people away from places equipment must be used. If you can’t they need to be given suitable PPE, meaning helmets and boots.

== Trapped by something collapsing/overturning ==

Avoiding this should require nothing more than basic site management (and time). In simple terms, if it can collapse, secure it so it doesn’t.

== Contact with moving machinery ==

On a construction site, moving machinery and moving vehicles are often one and the same. Again, this goes back to access control and traffic management.

== General safety considerations ==

While these are the main causes of death, there are many other causes of workplace injuries. Most of these can be avoided by a combination of training and PPE. Construction sites also need to remember the “health” part of health and safety, particularly during COVID19. For example, they need to provide appropriate toilet facilities.

== Why make safety a priority? ==

[https://www.watsonandwatsonsafety.co.uk/ Health and safety] is often seen in a negative light. At best companies see it as a preventative measure rather than something which actively benefits them. It is true that health and safety is largely about prevention, but it also brings positive benefits.

Firstly, it makes hiring easier. Employees want to work in safe environments. Secondly, it reduces absences and increases productivity. These twin benefits are often two sides of the same coin. This in turn saves you both money and time.

Lastly, it protects your reputation as a company with both the trade, the public at large and the relevant authorities. This can make a meaningful difference to your ability to bid for contracts.

--[[User:WatsonandWatson|WatsonandWatson]] 15:44, 30 Nov 2020 (BST)

[[Category:Research_/_Innovation]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]]

How you can stop construction deaths

2020-11-30T15:44:30Z

WatsonandWatson: Created page with "=== Safety practices in the construction industry have improved a lot over the years. They are, however, still far from perfect. This is shown by the fact that the [https://www.h..."

=== Safety practices in the construction industry have improved a lot over the years. They are, however, still far from perfect. This is shown by the fact that the [https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/pdf/fatalinjuries.pdf construction industry was responsible for over a third of workplace fatalities] in the year 2019/2020 (40/111). ===

Here is a quick guide to the main hazards, what you can do about them and why you should care.

== Falls from a height ==

This one probably comes as no surprise to anyone familiar with construction. The [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-laws-to-extend-homes-upwards-and-revitalise-town-centres UK is having to build upwards], this means an increased need to work at heights. This means, potentially, more exposure to risk.

Fortunately, most of the issues relating to working at heights can be resolved by the appropriate use of safety equipment/PPE. The key word, here, is “appropriate”. Workers need to know how to set up the safety equipment and they need the time to do so and put on the necessary PPE. They also need the time to [https://www.watsonandwatsonsafety.co.uk/consultancy/site-and-workplace-inspections/ undertake regular checks of it].

== Struck by moving vehicle ==

The best way to deal with this is to combine setting out safe routes for vehicles and pedestrians with robust traffic management. This starts with effective access control. Having dedicated site security can be very useful here as security guards can often capably do double duty as traffic managers.

== Struck by moving object ==

On construction sites, moving objects generally means falling objects. Solving this starts with thinking about what equipment can be used where safely. You then need to check whether or not it is possible to keep people away from places equipment must be used. If you can’t they need to be given suitable PPE, meaning helmets and boots.

== Trapped by something collapsing/overturning ==

Avoiding this should require nothing more than basic site management (and time). In simple terms, if it can collapse, secure it so it doesn’t.

== Contact with moving machinery ==

On a construction site, moving machinery and moving vehicles are often one and the same. Again, this goes back to access control and traffic management.

== General safety considerations ==

While these are the main causes of death, there are many other causes of workplace injuries. Most of these can be avoided by a combination of training and PPE. Construction sites also need to remember the “health” part of health and safety, particularly during COVID19. For example, they need to provide appropriate toilet facilities.

== Why make safety a priority? ==

[https://www.watsonandwatsonsafety.co.uk/ Health and safety] is often seen in a negative light. At best companies see it as a preventative measure rather than something which actively benefits them. It is true that health and safety is largely about prevention, but it also brings positive benefits.

Firstly, it makes hiring easier. Employees want to work in safe environments. Secondly, it reduces absences and increases productivity. These twin benefits are often two sides of the same coin. This in turn saves you both money and time.

Lastly, it protects your reputation as a company with both the trade, the public at large and the relevant authorities. This can make a meaningful difference to your ability to bid for contracts.

[[Category:Research_/_Innovation]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]]

Demolition safety

2020-05-20T11:37:43Z

WatsonandWatson: Created page with "Health and safety has never been more important and with many businesses looking to improve on their health and safety skills and [https://www.watsonandwatsonsafety.co.uk/consult..."

Health and safety has never been more important and with many businesses looking to improve on their health and safety skills and [https://www.watsonandwatsonsafety.co.uk/consultancy/coronavirus-covid-19-support-service/ risk assessments] due to the current outbreak of Covid-19, we wanted to share our tips, especially in the construction industry and how safety can be achieved in demolition.

== Workers should receive quality [https://www.watsonandwatsonsafety.co.uk/health-and-safety-training/ health and safety training] ==

This is true for most industries, not just in construction but it’s an important factor in many environments and should be vital for any individual using heavy machinery, equipment or even leading a team.

When it comes to demolition, training is key. Anyone handling explosive and dangerous materials should know exactly what they are doing and be able to assess outcomes and potential hazards before going away with the demolition.

Having adequate training in this area will help to prevent serious accidents, which could be fatal especially if they are dealing with explosives.

The types of training individuals would receive for these types of jobs and environments are usually covered when receiving qualifications such as: [https://www.watsonandwatsonsafety.co.uk/health-and-safety-training/iosh/ IOSH], [https://www.watsonandwatsonsafety.co.uk/health-and-safety-training/citb/ CITB], [https://www.watsonandwatsonsafety.co.uk/health-and-safety-training/working-at-height/ Working at Height], [https://www.watsonandwatsonsafety.co.uk/health-and-safety-training/principles-of-assessing-risk/ Risk Assessing] as well as many others.

== Wearing PPE is not an option ==

You wouldn’t walk into a room full of dust and sand without the right equipment, so employees shouldn’t work in similar conditions without the right safety equipment. Even the 5-part PPE is standard for these types of situations and environments, which includes: Hard hat, high visibility vest, gloves, safety goggles and steel toe cap boots.

In some cases these items should be worn all time and if you want to ensure the safety every individual on site, this 5-part PPE should be at the top of list.

== Ensuring the site is clean throughout ==

Even long before the cleanup phase has begun; keeping sites clean and safe throughout the entire process should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind, workers and site managers included.

Having a clean site is standard amongst most health and safety regulations and should be implemented especially on demolition sites to ensure the safety of workers.

A safe site should ensure that every individual can access fresh drinking water and washing facilities as well as hot water and a clean and safe environment for cooking equipment and even storage space to prevent PPE from being over-worn or damaged.

== Double checking during a final sweep ==

Before the actual demolition begins, it’s always a good idea to complete one final sweep throughout the entire building, in every room including any small storage areas, toilets, corridors and hallways. This will ensure that there is nobody left in the building and that every room is completely empty, even of furniture and items.

Even during the demolition process, there should be an adequate amount of workers securing the surrounding area to make sure no one gets too close to the site once it starts being demolished as this is a huge risk to health and safety.

This additional gate keeping of the site should include managing pedestrians and vehicles to ensure there is sufficient access for vehicles and walkways that do not interfere with the site. Keeping a one-way flow of traffic will prevent the need for any reversing of vehicles, which could cause problems if there isn’t a clear enough view for drivers to do so.

== Cleaning the site is vital to keep standards high ==

Once the demolition is complete, the next stage should be a clean-up phase, for many reasons. I don’t need to tell you this, but after a building has been demolished there is an incredible amount of debris and workers will need to cleanup and dispose of properly – step two should not be skipped for this!

Wearing PPE during the cleanup stage is absolutely vital! With debris, comes plenty of dust, sand and the potential for asbestos – which should actually be removed before the site is even demolished and in some cases, the demolition should not go ahead until all asbestos is removed.

--[[User:WatsonandWatson|WatsonandWatson]] 12:37, 20 May 2020 (BST)

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]]

Adopting a Culture of Health and Safety in Construction

2019-08-19T10:59:25Z

WatsonandWatson:

The construction industry routinely draws criticism for its track record on health and safety. In basic terms, it appears to understand the theory, but seem to be very bad at putting it into practice.

This does not seem to be the result of a lack of understanding or resources. Many construction sites absolutely follow the letter (and spirit) of the law when it comes to establishing effective health-and-safety practices, including creating robust reporting systems and providing suitable protective equipment.

It seems to be more an issue of culture, of getting people to do in practice what they know they are supposed to do in theory. With that in mind, here are three tips as to how to foster a culture of health and safety in construction.

== Be a role model ==

Employees are quick to notice whether or not managers are actually practicing what they preach. Make sure you do so at all times, not just when you think someone might be watching.

== Communicate ==

As the old joke goes, we have two eyes, two ears and one mouth. The law requires that employers communicate important health-and-safety information to their employees and there are also many practical reasons why employers may, in fact probably will, need to talk (or write) and have their employees listen (or read).

At the same time, however, communication is a two-way process and it is often very valuable to listen to feedback from the people who actually have to implement your policies in practice.

Listen means really listen, sincerely, in good faith and with the humility to accept that there is a difference between theory and practice, which means that the ideas which looked great to you on paper (or these days on screen) and which may have worked perfectly in simulations, may not work in practice or, at the very least, may be perceived as more hassle than they are worth and hence be met with user resistance.

As with management in general, a lot of health-and-safety management ultimately consists of having the judgement to understand when to stand firm (usually because the law requires it) and when to show adaptability to what employees want.

== Reward good behaviours ==

Another old phrase is “carrot-and-stick”. Employers may understand that there needs to be “sticks” to (try to) ensure that health-and-safety policies are followed so that the company stays in compliance with the law (and probably its insurance policy as well), but using a stick is generally unpleasant for everyone and to be avoided whenever possible.

Using a carrot, by contrast, is often at least as effective and more appreciated. So instead of just penalizing employees for failing to adhere to health-and-safety policies, reward them for doing so.

Rewards don’t have to be big to be effective and they don’t even need to be completely guaranteed, just as long as the possibility is there.

For example, if you need employees to complete a certain [http://www.watsonandwatsonsafety.co.uk/courses/our-iosh-managing-safely-programme.html online health and safety training course], as well as levying a penalty for non-completion, you could offer one or more potential rewards for employees who do complete it, perhaps some for objective criteria (such as best score in a test) and some just at random so everyone has a chance of winning.

--[[User:WatsonandWatson|WatsonandWatson]] 11:59, 19 Aug 2019 (BST)

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]]

Adopting a Culture of Health and Safety in Construction

2019-08-19T10:59:07Z

WatsonandWatson: Created page with "The construction industry routinely draws criticism for its track record on health and safety. In basic terms, it appears to understand the theory, but seem to be very bad at put..."

The construction industry routinely draws criticism for its track record on health and safety. In basic terms, it appears to understand the theory, but seem to be very bad at putting it into practice.

This does not seem to be the result of a lack of understanding or resources. Many construction sites absolutely follow the letter (and spirit) of the law when it comes to establishing effective health-and-safety practices, including creating robust reporting systems and providing suitable protective equipment.

It seems to be more an issue of culture, of getting people to do in practice what they know they are supposed to do in theory. With that in mind, here are three tips as to how to foster a culture of health and safety in construction.

== Be a role model ==

Employees are quick to notice whether or not managers are actually practicing what they preach. Make sure you do so at all times, not just when you think someone might be watching.

== Communicate ==

As the old joke goes, we have two eyes, two ears and one mouth. The law requires that employers communicate important health-and-safety information to their employees and there are also many practical reasons why employers may, in fact probably will, need to talk (or write) and have their employees listen (or read).

At the same time, however, communication is a two-way process and it is often very valuable to listen to feedback from the people who actually have to implement your policies in practice.

Listen means really listen, sincerely, in good faith and with the humility to accept that there is a difference between theory and practice, which means that the ideas which looked great to you on paper (or these days on screen) and which may have worked perfectly in simulations, may not work in practice or, at the very least, may be perceived as more hassle than they are worth and hence be met with user resistance.

As with management in general, a lot of health-and-safety management ultimately consists of having the judgement to understand when to stand firm (usually because the law requires it) and when to show adaptability to what employees want.

== Reward good behaviours ==

Another old phrase is “carrot-and-stick”. Employers may understand that there needs to be “sticks” to (try to) ensure that health-and-safety policies are followed so that the company stays in compliance with the law (and probably its insurance policy as well), but using a stick is generally unpleasant for everyone and to be avoided whenever possible.

Using a carrot, by contrast, is often at least as effective and more appreciated. So instead of just penalizing employees for failing to adhere to health-and-safety policies, reward them for doing so.

Rewards don’t have to be big to be effective and they don’t even need to be completely guaranteed, just as long as the possibility is there.

For example, if you need employees to complete a certain [http://www.watsonandwatsonsafety.co.uk/courses/our-iosh-managing-safely-programme.html online health and safety training course], as well as levying a penalty for non-completion, you could offer one or more potential rewards for employees who do complete it, perhaps some for objective criteria (such as best score in a test) and some just at random so everyone has a chance of winning.

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]]