A Health & Safety for construction guide

What is Health & Safety in construction?

Health & Safety in construction refers to the protocols, procedures and measures put in place to make sure that construction sites are safe for everyone who works on them or visits them. This includes everything from personal protective equipment (PPE) to training programmes, Health & Safety site inspections and emergency procedures.

Legally, employers and managers have a duty to provide a safe working environment for everyone on a construction site. This obligation is backed by strict Health & Safety laws designed to protect workers. Failure to stay compliant can result in hefty penalties, including big fines and even imprisonment.

The construction industry is notorious for its high accident and injury rates, and according to a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report, out of 138 workers killed in work-related accidents in 2023/24, 51 of them were in the construction sector.

 

Why is Health & Safety important in construction?

The implications of accidents are quite significant – injuries could range from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering conditions or even fatalities, and could take a huge physical and psychological toll on the injured worker and their families.

There’s also a big financial aspect of accidents and incidents. Direct costs could include medical expenses and compensation payments, and indirect costs include legal fees, fines and project delays. An accident on-site can seriously impact timelines, causing projects to overrun and eat into profits.

Plus, you should consider the reputational damage that comes with accidents and injuries. A bad track record when it comes to safety could put off potential clients and employees – and corporate social responsibility is increasingly scrutinised.

 

Key Health & Safety legislation

There are several pieces of legislation that govern Health & Safety, and one of the most important ones is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – also known as the HSWA. This forms the basis of workplace Health & Safety laws.

The HWSA states that employers are responsible for protecting the safety of their employees at work, and places general duties on the employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all persons while at work.

Other important Health & Safety legislation in construction includes:

• Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 which cover the need to provide a safe and healthy working environment.
• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 which ensure Health & Safety considerations are integrated into the management of a construction project.

 

Who is responsible for Health & Safety on construction sites?

Health & Safety responsibilities on a construction site are tiered and shared between a few key players:

• The client initiates the project and is responsible for making sure the project’s Health & Safety requirements are met from the start. They have to appoint competent designers and contracts and provide proper resources for safety measures.
• The designer has a duty to consider Health & Safety during the project’s planning and design phases. They have to identify potential hazards and make sure their designs minimise risks.
• The principal contractor holds overall responsibility for Health & Safety during the construction phase. They have to develop a Construction Phase Plan, manage site risks and make sure all workers are properly trained and supervised.
• Subcontractors carry out specific aspects of work, and have to stick to the principal contractor’s safety guidelines. They’re responsible for making sure their own teams are working safely and complying with regulations.
• Workers play a crucial role in Health & Safety, including using PPE and reporting any hazards they come across.

 

Main Health & Safety risks in construction

Construction sites are packed with potential hazards – so let’s take a look at a few of the most common risks.

Falls from height

Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in construction and caused the highest number of accidents in 2023/24 according to the HSE. Workers could fall from scaffolding, ladders and other elevated work areas. Making sure proper fall prevention and protection systems are in place is vital.

Falling objects

Tools, materials and debris could fall from heights, causing serious risks to workers below. Securing loads and wearing hard hats are essential preventative measures to put in place.

Electrical hazards

Contact with live electrical wires can result in severe injuries or death. Electrical equipment needs to be properly maintained and having electrical safety protocols in place is crucial.

Exposure to dust and fumes

Construction activities often generate a lot of dust and fumes that could have an impact on respiratory health. Using dust suppression techniques and providing appropriate PPE like face masks can reduce these risks.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

Manual handling can lead to MSDs which affect muscles, joints and tendons. Training in safe lifting techniques and encouraging regular breaks can help prevent these injuries. Take a look at our guide to manual handling for more.

All these risks need to be identified and controlled using thorough risk assessments – and it’s a legal requirement to carry them out. In fact, if you’ve got more than five employees, you also have to write them down, but it’s best practice to have a written record of your risk assessments anyway.

 

Health & Safety in construction tasks that require special training

Certain construction tasks are more dangerous than others, and need specialised training to make sure they’re carried out safely, including:

Working from height

Specialised Health & Safety training makes sure workers know how to set up and use scaffolding, ladders and fall protection systems safely.

Operating machinery 

Heavy machinery can cause significant risks if it isn’t handled properly. Training in operating cranes, excavators and other equipment is essential to avoid accidents.

Handling hazardous materials 

Construction often involves hazardous substances like chemicals and asbestos. Proper training in handling and disposing those sorts of materials is vital to prevent exposure and contamination.

 

Practical tips for controlling hazards on a construction site

Let’s take a look at some practical strategies to control hazards on a construction site.

Falls from height

• Utilise proper scaffolding and fall protection equipment
• Carry out regular site inspections to make sure you’re compliant with safety standards
• Provide training on the proper use of fall protection systems

Falling objects

• Secure loads properly to prevent them from falling
• Designate walkways and safe zones to keep workers clear of potential hazards
• Use toe boarded scaffolds and safety nets where necessary
• Make sure all workers have a properly fitting hard hat

Electrical hazards

• Make sure electrical equipment is properly maintained
• Use voltage detectors and ground-fault circuit interrupters
• Train workers to recognise electrical hazards and follow safe work practices

Dust and fumes

• Use dust suppression techniques like water spraying and vacuum extraction
• Provide everyone with properly fitting PPE and make sure everyone is trained on how to use it properly

Musculoskeletal disorders

• Train everyone on safe lifting techniques and ergonomic practices
• Encourage regular breaks to prevent repetitive strain injuries
• Provide adjustable workstations and tools to avoid awkward positions

 

How Citation can help

Compliance is all about protecting your most valuable asset – your people. And if you need help, Citation’s Health & Safety consultants are here for you 24/7 with a range of Health & Safety services that support areas such as:

• Health & Safety Policies
• Accident and Incident Reporting
• Method Statements
• Health & Safety Advice
• CDM Regulations

Our team are ready to offer the advice and support you need to keep you on the right side of the law. Just contact us today to get started.