News

Blog Page

CHAS Accreditation and Its Importance

Posted: 5-01-2021 Updated: 18-04-2024 Safety stands as the foundational component of every successful project in the construction and consultation industry. As one of the leading consultancy firms, we have always fostered a culture of safety excellence and have embraced CHAS (Construction Health and Safety) Accreditation as an authentication of its solid dedication to ensuring secure [...]

On-site Safety Inspections: A Crucial Step Towards Accident Prevention

In today's dynamic work environment, it is necessary to ensure that employees are safe and well-kept. One of the most effective strategies for achieving this goal is on-site safety inspections. This inspection helps identify potential hazards, assess risks and implement preventive measures. On-site safety inspection forms a strong foundation for a safe and sound workspace [...]

The Evolution of Safety Standards in Construction: A Consultant’s Perspective

The history of safety standards in construction is a tale of lessons learned through trial and tragedy. In the not-so-distant past, construction sites were often hazardous environments, characterised by lax safety protocols and minimal oversight. Workers faced daily hazards without the protection of modern safety gear or comprehensive training programs. Accidents were tragically common, resulting [...]

Safety First: A Comprehensive Guide to Achieving Safe Contractor Accreditation

Is your workplace safety up to standard? If not, this blog post is just for you. Safety has become a paramount concern for organisations across various industries. The importance of maintaining a safe working environment cannot be overstated, and businesses are constantly seeking ways to enhance their safety protocols. One such avenue is obtaining safe [...]

Risk Resilience: Navigating Health and Safety Challenges for Small Builders

Are you a small builder? Then, you must have experienced the thrill of seeing a project come to life, brick by brick, beam by beam. But with the satisfaction of creation comes the constant pressure of risk. From workplace injuries to safety hazards, the construction industry is fraught with challenges that can threaten your business [...]

Addressing Mental Well-Being in the Construction Industry in the UK

In the demanding realm of construction, prioritising mental well-being is crucial for builders, employees, and workers alike. According to recent HSE data, mental health-related issues in the UK construction sector have risen by 20% in the last year alone, underscoring the urgency of addressing this pressing concern. This blog explores the nuances of mental health [...]

A history of safety in the construction industry

Safety stands as the cornerstone of construction, a vital aspect ensuring both worker well-being and project success. Over centuries, safety practices within this industry have undergone an evolutionary journey, adapting to technological advancements and lessons learned from past incidents. Understanding the historical narrative of construction safety unveils the profound impact of past experiences on present-day [...]

9 Key Principles of Construction Site Safety in the UK

Construction site safety is of high importance in the construction industry. It's not just about compliance; it's about saving lives and preventing accidents. Thus, knowing the key principles of construction site safety is essential for architects, builders, safety managers, and the overall leadership at a construction site. With this blog, we aim to address this [...]

Understanding the importance of construction health and safety

Construction sites are bustling hubs of activity, with heavy machinery, workers, and various materials coming together to create impressive structures. Amidst this activity, one paramount concern stands out – the importance of construction safety. The construction industry is thriving in the United Kingdom. Safeguarding the well-being of workers and the public is not just a […]

Fire safety responsibilities on construction sites: best practices

Construction sites are dynamic and potentially hazardous environments. In addition to the usual safety concerns, fire safety is a critical aspect that requires meticulous planning, organisation, and implementation. Ensuring fire safety on a construction site is a shared responsibility involving multiple parties, with the overarching goal of protecting lives and property. In this blog, we'll [...]

Why should you employ an external H&S consultant?

As a tradesperson, your focus is primarily on providing exceptional services to your clients and growing your business. However, one aspect that is often overlooked but crucial to your long-term success is health and safety. To ensure a safe work environment, protect your workforce, and avoid potential complications in the future, it is wise to [...]

How many first aiders do I need on my site?

It is crucial to prioritise the safety and well-being of workers on a construction site. Accidents can happen, and having trained first aiders readily available can be the difference between life and death. In this blog, we will delve into the topic of how many first aiders are needed on a construction site, considering the [...]

How can I tell if I have asbestos in my building?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre that has been widely used in building construction and various industries for its desirable properties, including fire resistance, durability, and insulation. It was commonly found in building materials, including insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, cement products, and more. Asbestos has been used for over 4500 years. Its use became [...]

Do I need an accident report book?

In the bustling world of construction, safety should always remain a top priority. With the potential risks and hazards present on a construction site, it is crucial to maintain a systematic approach to documenting accidents and incidents. In the United Kingdom, one effective tool for recording such occurrences is an accident report book. This blog [...]

Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS)

A recent bulletin from the Health and Safety Executive advises on the continued targeted respiratory health inspections in the workplace. The exposure of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust is an on-going issue within the Construction industry and can lead to irreversible lung disease if breathed in over time. Regularly breathing in this dust over a [...]

What is a safety culture?

A safety culture is a commitment that the organisation places a high level of importance on safety values and attitudes throughout the business. To achieve this culture There has to be a management commitment and that commitment must be headed- up by the most Senior Directors within the organisation. It includes employee involvement, backed up by [...]

Construction Health & Safety

Here is an insight into two aspects of Health & Safety in a construction environment; transport and mental health. These are two very high-risk aspects of health and safety, that may not be looked at to the same degree as other aspects, that may seem more important. Workplace Transport Transport through a site is an [...]

Lone workers

As an employer, you must manage any health and safety risks before people can work alone. This applies to anyone contracted to work for you, including self-employed people. Click on the link below and review our risk assessment for lone workers in the construction industry. Lone workers

Ladders and step ladders

Falls from height is the number one cause of fatal accidents in the construction industry. The use of step ladders and ladders is part and parcel to working in the construction industry. It is going to be impossible to avoid using step ladders and ladders. Employers as a minimum should provide some form of training [...]

Electrical cable strikes

Cable strikes can have very serious consequences for a business and operatives carrying out the works. Operatives can sustain very serious life changing injury or fatality. Management seen not to have adequate controls in place face custodial prison sentences or massive fines. On 22nd December 2021 the HSE issued its court findings on a cable [...]

MAINTENANCE PPE

PPE must always be looked after and stored when not in use, for example in a dry, clean cupboard. If it can be reused it should be cleaned and kept in good condition. You must always use the correct replacement parts, following guidelines and the manufacturer’s instructions, keep replacement/spare PPE available. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR [...]

Recent site safety news

A construction company based in Manchester has been fined after much of a three-bedroom domestic property in Stretford collapsed during a loft conversion and ground floor extension work. The construction company pleaded guilty and was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,000. Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard that the company had been carrying out [...]

Moving plant on construction sites

Moving objects are among the 10 most hazardous activities on a construction site. These include heavy plant, diggers, mechanical lifting equipment, dumpers skip lorry’s etc. To reduce the risks of operating plant on your construction site click on our risk assessment: Moving plant on construction sites

Electrical Risk Assessment

Working with electrics and around electrics on a construction site falls within the top 10 most hazardous and risk activities.  We have all heard of operatives receiving an electric shock without sustaining serious injury or death, however electric shocks can and do kill people. An electric shock may cause a fall at height and intern [...]

Safety eye googles

Having seen this sign in a factory some thirty years ago. It really made an impression on me as a young builder. It is a brutal message that does not hold back. Thirty years on it is with sadness I read about a case in Bradford. A young apprentice decorator struck a PVC panel with [...]

Keeping all staff safe from exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is without doubt one of the biggest hazards and creates one of the biggest risks to construction workers health. The Health and Safety Executive estimates that about 5,000 people die every year from asbestos caused cancers. Large amounts of asbestos were used in new and refurbished buildings before 2000. Blue (crocidolite) and brown (amosite) [...]

Trench’s & excavations is within the 10 most hazardous construction activities

Digging footings and trenches is a very high-risk construction activity. Live services can be damaged Electricity cables can cause fatalities if struck Toxic fumes such as carbon dioxide can build up and cause fatalities A trench collapse only 1.5mts deep can crush a person causing the person to stop breathing resulting in fatality. This type [...]

Manual handling is within the 10 most hazardous construction activities causing countless injuries

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 are the main piece of legislation dealing with manual handling. It sets out the main duties for employers and employees. Manual handling causes over a third of all workplace injuries. These include work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as pain and injuries to arms, legs and joints, and repetitive strain injuries of various [...]

Noise causes hearing loss and noise is within the 10 most hazardous things to be exposed to in construction

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (the Noise Regulations) came into force for all industry sectors in Great Britain on 6 April 2006 Noise at work can cause hearing damage that is permanent and disabling. This can be hearing loss that is gradual because of exposure to noise over time, but also damage [...]

Slips, trips, and falls is included as one of the highest risks identified in construction

Slips and trips are the most common cause of injury at work. On average, they cause 40 per cent of all reported major injuries and can also lead to other types of serious accidents, for example falls from height. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 requires employers, to ensure the health and [...]

To find out more about any of our services, please call us on 01689 820105 or follow this link and complete our online enquiry form.

Contact form Landing