Health and safety in construction is not just important to the well-being of employees but also for the success of organisations as well. It’s no secret that the construction industry exposes workers to many hazards and challenges on a day-to-day basis.
As an employer, managing health and safety in construction environments and protecting the wellbeing of your operatives is your statutory responsibility. As such, it is vital that anyone working on a construction site has sufficient training to understand the risks they face. In addition, putting the measures in place to protect themselves and others from harm is a vital part of the process.
The construction industry has a poor record on health and safety, averaging 40 injuries in the UK annually, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports. This is more than any other industry.
In addition, there were over 61,000 non-fatal injuries in the construction industry in the latest year that data is available. This gives it the third-highest rate of non-fatal injuries out of all sectors. These injuries lead to excessive costs and unmeasurable pain and suffering experienced by those affected.
Employers also have a legal duty to protect employees, contractors, or anyone else that may be affected by construction activities. Under legislation, employers must conduct risk assessments, reduce risk to reasonably practicable levels and provide all employees with sufficient knowledge, instruction and training.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 also outline the duties of employers. It is to ensure anyone on-site has the necessary training and competence to carry out their work in a healthy and safe manner.