Health and safety on a construction site is something that should be at the forefront of every business in the industry. Ensuring the personal safety of employees, visiting staff and members of the public passing by is a responsibility that should be upheld by all company executives.
And it’s not just for physical safety either: relevant laws cover multiple aspects of daily life on a construction site and could make the difference between a successful company and one that’s operating illegally.
Whether you’re a site worker or starting a new company, it’s always worth knowing why you need to follow health and safety regulations – and how you can benefit from doing so.
Why do construction companies need to implement health and safety protocols?
1) Construction is a deadly industry
Unfortunately, construction continues to be one of the most dangerous industries.
Responsible for 45 fatal injuries between 2022 and 2023 alone, construction is hazardous simply due to the nature of the work. Heavy machinery, steps, trips and falls, and heavy lifting or exacerbate the risks, and when staff are untrained, the dangers multiply.
Effective health and safety strategies mean that the risk can be mitigated. Site managers should ensure thorough training for all staff members and it’s also imperative to use the right tools, especially when dealing with complex or heavy machinery.
2) It’s a legal requirement
If a construction firm doesn’t have the relevant health and safety procedures, it could be breaking the law. In this case any business could be sued, fined, or even banned from trading depending on the risks exposed to work as. There are several official legislative practices to follow, including those stated in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
If the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) learns that any construction site has not been complicit, they can act against the business. this could be something as simple as ensuring that everyone who works on site has access to facilities for changing eating and resting. Like other innovative solutions, modular building hire makes it easier for construction managers to comply.
It’s always the HSE officials who investigate these issues, but inspections can occur randomly and without warning. No matter the circumstances, it’s imperative for all site managers and project coordinators to understand their responsibilities.
3) Businesses can benefit, too
There are several long-term advantages to following health and safety protocol.
When a construction site clearly implements the correct health and safety measures, the workers are firstly likely to be more productive. Not only does this contribute to projects being completed faster, but it can boost morale on the site and keep workers feeling happy in their roles.
In turn, using the correct health and safety equipment and promoting a positive work ethic on site will build and maintain the reputation of your business, increasing the chances of profitable deals in the future.
Overview
In the construction industry, health and safety is so much more than just paperwork. Correctly implemented, the relevant protocols encourage more productivity on a site, reduce major risks, and increase the chances of profitable project completion, time after time.