Construction site health and safety risks

Construction site health and safety risks, There are many health and safety risks when working on or managing a construction site. We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 health and safety risks on construction sites.

1. Asbestos Management

Asbestos is a very dangerous substance and must be handled correctly. Due to asbestos being an extremely hazardous material, it is important that before beginning construction work an asbestos survey is carried out by a qualified surveyor. If asbestos is found at your construction site, the correct procedures must be followed whilst it is being removed, this includes proper disposal. For further information on asbestos surveys, contact our team.

2. Electricity 

Electrocution is another big health and safety risk at construction sites, especially with live wires around. It is important to ensure your workforce is trained in electrical safety to keep themselves and their colleagues safe. There are several options for how to train your workforce, including online courses, a great option for any construction companies with a workforce in different sites.

3. Noise

Whilst noise is not always considered a hazard, on a construction site it must be. With lots of loud repetitive noises on site every day, it is vital that staff members are taking the correct precautions to protect their hearing. Depending on the level of noise, you may need to provide your team with noise defenders or other PPE to protect their hearing.

4. Working at height 

On a construction site, there are going to be many times during the constructions process that workers are required to work at height. You should make sure that any workers working at height have been given the correct training and safety equipment such as harnesses to avoid injury. There are lots of training resources available to utilise to ensure your workforce are safe no matter what height they are working at. 

5. Moving objects

There are always lots of heavy, moving objections on construction sites, from materials to vehicles. Whilst you can take some precautions to reduce injury caused by moving objects, it is the responsibility of your workers to be aware of who and what is around them when moving around a site. 

Read further information on construction site hazards, or contact us to discuss an asbestos survey or management plan.

https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/key-points.htm

How to choose an Asbestos Removal Company

How to choose an Asbestos Removal Company, Once you have had your building surveyed for asbestos by a qualified surveyor, you may need to have asbestos removed. In order to do this, you will need to choose an asbestos removal company. With so many companies offering the service out there, how do you make your selection? This blog outlines some of the things to consider when selecting an asbestos removal company.

Specialised services

When looking for an asbestos removal company, it is important to carefully assess the areas of asbestos removal they specialise in. Whilst some removal companies offer a range of services, others will specialise in asbestos abatement, mould remediation and other services. 

We would always recommend selecting a company that specialist in the type of asbestos removal service you require.

Asbestos removal company licensing

There are a range of different licensing options for companies working with asbestos. It is important to ensure the company you select has the right licences and is qualified to remove asbestos from your building. 

The equipment used and the company’s procedures

When narrowing your search, be sure to investigate what the company’ procedures are. For example, sheets should be used to keep asbestos fibres away from areas of the building that are not contaminated. The company should also have a decontamination procedure for their workers to follow before leaving the site.

It is also important to ensure the companies in your short list, are using the latest equipment and technologies available. If a company is using outdated equipment and tools, the equipment could be unsafe and could also hamper the efficiency of the removal process.

Insurance cover

It is no secret that asbestos is extremely dangerous, so it vital that you check the company you are going to use has the right levels of insurance. 

The contractor you decide to use should also have an employee compensation policy; this will cover any harm a worker might suffer whilst at work. The company should have public liability insurance to cover any damages to third parties or their property during the asbestos removal process. The benefit of public liability insurance is that it also shields you as a home/property owner from lawsuits if an employee is injured during the removal process.

Disposal of waste

Due to the level of harm asbestos can cause, it is essential that any contaminated materials are disposed of correctly. This includes any safety gear, polythene sheets and construction materials. It is also a requirement in England for contractors to hold a valid Waste Carrier Licence. Asbestos should also only be disposed of at licensed sites. 

When a company disposes of asbestos, it should be in a sealed double bag and marked as hazardous. The vehicle being used for transportation should also be easy to clean and have a locking chamber for asbestos. You should also be issued with proof that any contaminated materials have been disposed of safely and correctly.

Company reviews

No matter what service you are using, you are likely to take a look at previous reviews of the company. This is especially important for asbestos removal as asbestos containing material is extremely dangerous. In fact, if you can find someone who can provide you with a recommendation for an asbestos removal company, that is the best route to take. Also, often asbestos surveyors will be able to recommend companies they have worked with in the past.

If you would like more information on asbestos surveys and removal, our expert team are able to offer a range of advice, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.