Construction Health and Safety Essentials

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Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

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The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HASAW Act) is the main piece of legislation in the UK that sets out the general duties of employers, employees, and others to ensure health, safety, and welfare in the workplace.

Key points:

• Employers must provide a safe working environment, proper training, safe equipment, and systems of work.

• Employees have a duty to take reasonable care of themselves and others, and follow safety procedures.

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Risk Assessment

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A risk assessment is a careful process of looking at what could cause harm in a workplace or activity, then deciding what steps need to be taken to prevent accidents or injuries.

Key parts of a risk assessment:

1. Identify hazards – spotting anything that could cause harm (e.g. falling objects, trip hazards, electricity).

2. Decide who might be harmed and how – workers, visitors, or the public.

3. Evaluate the risks – judge how likely harm is and how serious it could be.

4. Control the risks – put measures in place to reduce the chance of harm (e.g. PPE, barriers, training).

5. Review regularly – check the assessment stays up to date as site conditions change.

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COSHH

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COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.

It is a UK law that requires employers to control substances that can harm people’s health. These include chemicals, fumes, dusts, vapours, gases, and biological agents.

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PPE

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Protective Equipment (e.g. hard hats, gloves, boots)

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Method Statement

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A method statement is a written document that explains how a specific task or activity will be carried out safely and step by step. It is often used in construction alongside a risk assessment.

Key features of a method statement:

• Describes the task to be done.

• Lists the hazards and risks identified.

• Explains the safe system of work – who will do the task, what equipment will be used, and in what order.

• Sets out control measures (e.g. PPE, barriers, permits).

• Includes emergency procedures in case something goes wrong.

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Manual Handling

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carrying, or moving loads by hand or bodily force

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Working at Height

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• They apply to all work where a person could fall and cause injury – not just from ladders or scaffolding, but also from platforms, roofs, or even into holes and openings.

• Employers (and those in control of work) must:

• 1. Avoid work at height where possible (e.g. use extendable tools from the ground).

  3. Prevent falls by using safe equipment (e.g. guardrails, scaffolds, MEWPs).

  5. Minimise the consequences of a fall if it can’t be prevented (e.g. safety nets, harnesses).

• Workers must be trained and competent to do the job safely.

• All equipment for working at height must be properly inspected and maintained.

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RIDDOR

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Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations

It is a UK law that requires employers, site managers, and those in control of work to formally report certain serious workplace incidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

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Fire Assembly Point

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safe area for evacuation during fire

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Hazard

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with the potential to cause harm