In the fast-paced and demanding construction industry, ensuring workers’ safety and well-being is paramount. With the presence of numerous hazards at a construction site, it is evident that there would be specific regulations surrounding these hazards and ensuring safety related to it.
By adhering to key regulations, you can create a secure environment that protects your employees and promotes a culture of safety. Undoubtedly, you, as an employer, would be legally required to assure compliance with these safety regulations. However, understanding the rules that apply to your construction sites and achieving compliance can take time and effort.
Rest assured, as in this article, we will guide you on the top health and safety regulations that apply to the construction site and guide you on how to achieve compliance with every law.
Construction site health and safety regulations
1) Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 forms the foundation of workplace safety in the UK. This regulation aims to ensure safety for every hazard or risk, irrespective of the workplace. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places general duties on employers, employees, and self-employed individuals to maintain a safe working environment. However, to maintain a safe and healthy environment, there are specific measures the employers must look into. This includes conducting a risk assessment, providing adequate employee training, and implementing effective control measures to control hazards. For employees, they are responsible for following all the safety procedures and learnings from the training provided by the employer. Ultimately, to achieve a secure and safe environment, it is vital for both the employer and employees to abide by the responsibilities placed upon them.
2) Control of Substance Hazardous to Health 2002 (COSHH)
COSHH regulation emphasizes the risks related to the presence of hazardous materials in a workplace. Construction sites are known for holding numerous hazards that can potentially endanger a person’s life. These hazards include; chemicals, dust, biological agents and hazardous materials like PCBs and lead-based paints. To prevent exposure and health hazards related to them, the COSHH regulation is now a legal requirement for employers to abide by.
COSHH regulation requires employers to identify and assess the risks associated with the workplace hazards. Conducting a risk assessment at a construction site can be challenging and demanding, so therefore, employers or designated persons would have to undergo COSHH risk assessment training to understand how to conduct a risk assessment related to COSHH effectively. A risk assessment would help acquire control measures such as substitution, containment, and ventilation. Other legal duties include providing adequate COSHH training, clear labelling of hazards, and appropriate storage and disposal of hazards.
3) Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
The PUWER regulation focuses on the safe use and maintenance of work equipment, machinery, and tools in the workplace. PUWER regulations dictate laws regarding the use of proper safety equipment in any work activity, irrespective of the workplace. PUWER places legal duties on employers, including checking whether the equipment is suitable for its intended purpose, well maintained, and used by competent and trained individuals.
Regular inspections, risk assessments, and provision of training programs are easy solutions to assure compliance with the PUWER regulations. Ultimately, all these legal duties aim towards one primary objective: to encourage a culture of equipment safety.
4) Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
LOLER is legislation that surrounds all the operations related to lifting and lifting equipment in the workplace. Construction sites are a workplace where lifting operations occur frequently. LOLER regulation emphasizes implementing preventive measures associated with lifting operations, which helps prevent accidents.
In regards to LOLER, an employer is legally required to competently plan, thoroughly supervise, and execute the lifting operations in the workplace. Furthermore, all the lifting equipment, such as lifting machines and vehicles, should be inspected and maintained regularly to reduce the probability of accidents.
5) Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre that can be found in construction sites, especially those which are old. Asbestos-containing materials have the potential to be a significant health hazard for anyone coming in contact with it or inhaling asbestos. With asbestos being a significant hazard for construction site workers, the legislation of Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 places duties on employers or responsible persons to manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in their workplace. For that, employers or accountable persons might have to conduct surveys, perform risk assessments, prepare management plans, and make arrangements for the proper handling and disposal of ACMs. Furthermore, employers must assess who might be exposed to asbestos and provide adequate asbestos awareness training. Appropriate training programs allow the workers to learn about asbestos awareness, how to identify asbestos, handling ACMs, and tips on ensuring their safety while being exposed to them.
6) Working at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR)
Working at heights is a standard task in most construction areas. With workers conducting tasks at height, they are exposed to quite many hazards. These hazards include falls due to slips and trips, broken surfaces, improper elevated surfaces and other accidents like struck-by incidents. As these hazards can be dangerous and, in some cases, even prove to be fatal. Therefore, the WAHR dictates laws regarding working at height in workplaces, ensuring the safety of the workers and reducing accidents related to working at height.
The WAHR employs legal duties on employers to assess the risk, plan and supervise the work, and provide suitable equipment regarding operations at height. Additionally, employers are responsible for enhancing the safety of the workers at height by implementing measures such as guardrails, harnesses, and safe access systems. These safety precautions are necessary for achieving compliance with the WAHR 2005.
7) Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulation 1992 (PPE)
Personal protective equipment plays a vital role in assuring the safety of employees while performing any work task. PPE act as a first line of defence against workplace hazards. Inappropriate provision of PPE can be very risky for a worker’s health; therefore, the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulation 1992 makes it a legal responsibility for every workplace employer to provide their employees with appropriate PPE to ensure their safety while at work. This regulation also requires employers to inspect the PPE for any faults or defects and properly maintain this equipment so that it can be utilized efficiently.
Summary
Our blog, “Achieving Compliance at Your Construction Site” provides a comprehensive guide to your problems, helping you on to create a safe and secure workplace. Achieving compliance at your construction site is an ongoing commitment that requires dedication and vigilance. You can build a safe and secure workplace by adhering to regulations such as the Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH, Control of Asbestos, PUWER, LOLER, PPE, and Working at Height. Conduct thorough risk assessments, provide adequate training, and enforce best practices. By prioritizing compliance and continuously monitoring and improving safety measures, you can ensure the well-being of everyone on your construction site. Together, let’s create a culture of safety and ensure the well-being of everyone on the construction site.
