Site Safety

In recent years, the two main areas of industrial activity recording most fatalities and injuries were construction & farming. Even with the current downturn in construction activity, Site Safety is of the utmost importance. The Annual Report 2008 of the Health & Safety Authority states that :

 

“a  total of 7,019 inspections were carried out by Health & Safety Inspectors in the construction sector, representing over 40% of all inspections. Of these, 462 were accident investigations and 734 were complaint investigations. The inspectorate investigated 15 fatal accidents in the construction sector. Seven construction sites were voluntarily closed because of the poor overall standards of safety and health observed at the sites”.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

The construction inspection programme focused on a range of issues, including :

 

The appointment of duty holders (79% of sites demonstrated full or broad compliance),

Controls for excavations (recorded as adequate in 61% of cases),

The issue of edge protection and platform work, with only 42% of sites having full or broad compliance and 20% recorded as having limited or no compliance.

Welfare facilities met requirements in 59% of inspections.

Specific inspection campaigns in the sector, focusing on cement dermatitis and health surveillance, indicated poor performance, with rates of limited or no compliance at 36% and 38% respectively.

 

The duties of the Client, the Project Supervisor Design Process ( PSDP ) & Project Supervisor Construction Stage ( PSCS ) impose responsibilities on all those involved in construction and compliance with the main 2005 Act, the 2007 Regulations and the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work ( Construction ) Regulations 2006 is being constantly monitored. Site Safety has to be managed in a professional, conscientious and on-going basis to ensure Employees and Others remain accident & injury free while at work.

 

Q-West Consultants Ltd will carry out Site Visits to monitor your compliance with Site Safety, looking at all aspects of the daily routine. A written Report will be provided to you detailing the results of the Site Visit including where improvements need to be addressed.

 

Site Safety is not restricted to construction but includes any locations where work is being carried out. Safety Audits can be carried out in your factory, shop, hotel, nursing home, supermarket, childcare facility etc.