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
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
Design for safety and the use of a multimedia tool. As a designer you can directly influence safety. Some of the well-proven ways of reducing risk include: Choosing the position and design of structures to avoid or minimise risks from known site hazards, including: buried services, including gas pipelines, overhead and underground power lines. traffic
What is the role of the Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS) The role of the Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS) was introduced with Safety, Health & Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006. It is a key appointment in the construction process. The 2006 regulations also introduced the role of Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP). While
Construction Safety Week – Working Safely with Hazardous Substances The standard reaction to hazardous substances on construction sites is often “Do you have the Safety Data Sheet?” (This will be Material Safety Data Sheet for those of a certain vintage!). It is a mistake to think that once the SDS is on file, the hazard
Construction Safety Week – An introduction to safety in lifting operations The number of tower cranes on the Dublin skyline is often seen as an indicator of the economic health of the construction sector. With about 100 tower cranes currently visible in Dublin, the importance of safe lifting operations cannot be underestimated. Of course, lifting
Construction Safety Week – Driving for work risk assessment For many organisations in the construction sector, large portion of time is spent behind the wheel, attending meetings, visiting sites etc. This is one of the greatest risks workers face on a daily basis. Some of the factors that increase the risk with when driving include;
Construction Safety Week Key Considerations for Working at height Work at height continues to be one of the main causes of serious and fatal injuries in the Irish construction industry. Work at height can vary from tasks just a step or two off the ground to work suspended by ropes 50 metres in the air.