Construction is often regarded as a high hazard industry, with inherent risks and a poorer safety record than other sectors. There can be a long list of construction site hazards, depending on the project type, project stage, construction techniques and safety management system. However, with good design, planning, management and hazard awareness, construction can improve
Employers have long adopted hybrid working. It goes beyond remote working, which was implemented without warning or preparation for many businesses in 2020. In simple terms, it involves an arrangement for people, teams or organisations to work at multiple locations – in the office or remotely. In a post Covid-19 world, a multiple location work
What is a Safety Management System and how can it benefit you? The adaption of a Safety Management System (SMS) enables a company to provide a safe and healthy workplace, prevent work related injury and ill health, and continually improve its performance in relation to Occupational Health and Safety Management (OHSM). Adapting an SMS, whether
Traditionally, health was the forgotten element of ‘health & safety’. The focus was heavily put on the dangers/risks that would cause immediate harm or injury which are easier to measure. Over the past decade, there has been a transformation, and the occupational health hazards are well known to most in the construction industry. Occupational health
Every site is different and likely to present various hazards and risks. However, a well-designed and maintained site with proper segregation of vehicles and people will make workplace transport accidents less likely. The most effective way of ensuring pedestrians and vehicles move safely around a construction site is to provide separate pedestrian and vehicle traffic routes. Where possible, there should
Temporary works are required for almost every construction project, but understanding what temporary works are and how to manage them adequately is often misunderstood. The Code of practice for temporary works procedures (BS 5975:2019) defines temporary works (TW) as: “Those parts of the works that allow or enable the construction of protecting, support or provide
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Health and Safety aspects of Construction Projects COVID-19 will have a significant impact on the construction sector and the future design and maintenance of buildings. Exposure to COVID-19 will present a health risk to workers and the wider community if present and left uncontrolled. Employers are advised to follow
Guidance for employers and employees working remotely General health and safety hazards need to be considered by both the employers and employees when working remotely. In reality employers have little direct control over the home workplace so ensuring that employees are fully equipped with information in this area is vital. At ORS, we have been
Construction site fatalities increased by 140% in 2019. Construction workplace deaths have more than doubled in the last year, from five to 12 in 2019. Provisional data released by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) shows that the number of deaths have increased to its highest since 2015. Chief Executive officer of the HSA, Dr. Sharon