Construction jobs –
staying safe on the job
Construction jobs are subject to stringent health and safety
regulations to make sure you stay safe on the job
Health and safety in the construction industry
2.2 million people work in Britain’s construction industry,
making it the country’s biggest industry. It is also one of
the most dangerous. In the last 25 years, over 2,800 people have
died from injuries they received as a result of construction jobs.
Many more have been injured or made ill.
Asbestos-related disease is responsible for up to 3500
deaths a year
Asbestos was used extensively as a building material in Great Britain
from the 1950s to the mid-1980s. Any building constructed or refurbished
before 2000 could contain asbestos. If it is undisturbed and in
good condition, most asbestos is safe, but can be deadly if the
fibres become airborne and inhaled. Every day, thousands of workers
on construction jobs are gambling with their lives by working on
buildings where asbestos is still present and where the risks are
not being managed.
Take a Moment, Not a Fall
Falls are the biggest cause of deaths in Britain’s workplaces.
53 people died in 2004-05. On top of this, nearly 3,800 suffered
major injury such as broken bones or fractured skulls. You do not
have to fall far to be hurt. Seven deaths and 2,247 major injuries
were from a fall from below head height. One of the main causes
is falls from ladders. The key message on a construction job is
to remember to plan ahead, do not over-reach, use the right equipment
and do not rush.
Taking care of your back
Construction jobs have the highest rate of musculoskeletal disorders
(MSDs). These are mostly back injuries from manual handling. There
were 56,000 Work Related MSD cases in construction in 2004/5. Handling
injuries (to employees in 2004/2005) accounted for 38% of over 3
day injuries and 15% of major injuries.
Plant and machinery
Most construction jobs will involve the use of heavy machinery,
and it’s important that the machines are kept in good repair,
with safety devices operating correctly. All dangerous parts of
the machinery should be guarded, and the machinery should only be
operated by trained, competent operators.
General site safety
Emergency procedures should be put in place, such as evacuating
the site of the construction job in case of fire, or rescuing workers
from a confined space. Escape routes should be kept clear of building
materials or site machinery. Every worker on site should be aware
of safety procedures, and there should be an alarm system that everyone
recognises and responds to.
To talk to one of our advisers about the construction jobs we have
on offer today, call now on 0115 946 9034 or e-mail us at recruit@ktp-recruitment.com
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