TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................................ 2
1.

2.

INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 3
1.1

Aims and Objective..............................................................................................3

1.2

Methodology........................................................................................................4

1.3

Company Description..........................................................................................4

1.4

Legal Environment...............................................................................................6

REVIEW OF HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM...................................8

2.1

Description.......................................................................................................... 8

2.2

Gap Analysis of Company Health & Safety Management System.....................10

3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION...............................................................................................15

4.

3.1

Physical Hazards...............................................................................................15

3.2

Health Hazards..................................................................................................18

3.4

Selection of Significant Hazard..........................................................................21

RISK ASSESSMENT....................................................................................................21
4.1

The process and methodology of risk assessment............................................21

4.2

Legal References..............................................................................................23

4.3

Risk Assessment Work at height - Scaffolding................................................24

4.4

Risk Assessment Noise due to Construction Machineries & Equipments.......27

5.

CONCLUSIONS............................................................................................................ 29

6.

RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................................................29

7.

ACTION PLAN.............................................................................................................. 33

8.

7.1

Management System.........................................................................................33

7.2

Hazards and Risk..............................................................................................36

REFERENCES/ BIBILIOGRAPHY...............................................................................44

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Occupational safety and health is beneficial for business as well as being a legal and social
obligation. Companies appreciate that preventing people from being harmed or made ill through
work, is also an essential part of a successful business. Every company can enjoy significant
benefits by investing in health and Safety. Simple improvements can increase competitiveness,
profitability and the motivation of employees. The implementation of a health and management
system provides an effective framework to prevent or minimize accidents and ill health.
This study was intended to assist in the decision-making, planning and implementation of the
construction projects, by minimizing the risks to employees and everyone associated with the
activities. Thereby, improving the cost effectiveness, reducing the indirect costs due to business
interruptions and improve employee relationship and public faith/ trust. The study was carried
out in accordance with the Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1974 and the derived statutes
and ACoPs.
The health & safety Management system of the company is modeled on HSG 65 with few
elements not considered which could have direct implications on the health and safety
programmes. Detailed gap analyses are conducted to identify the drawbacks and are prioritized
according to the criticality of the gap. Important gaps are summarized as:1. Lack of visible leadership from the top management which could lead to collapse of the
whole management system and lack of key person responsible to develop, implement and
monitor the management system.
2. Lack of competent persons to handle Health& Safety affairs and Inadequate training and
resources to manage risks at site.
All relevant hazards arising from the company activities have been identified. Two most
significant hazards has been selected and a detailed risk assessment was carried out to
identify residual risks and recommend mitigation measures to conform to the principles of As
Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP). Recommendations are made by reference to best
industry practice, economic, technical and health & Safety considerations. HSE assurance is
provided by identifying and managing risks, according to the principles of risk tolerance, risk
reduction and continuous performance improvement. The ALARP control principle is achieved
when additional measures which could be taken to reduce the residual risk are no longer
deemed to be practical or cost-effective i.e. ensuring that risks that cannot be eliminated are
reduced to ALARP. This study is applying the ALARP principle to ensure that risks to life, asset,
reputation and the environment are reduced and controlled to optimum levels.
Critical ALARP controls for identified hazards can be summarized as:1. Proper design and planning of load bearing scaffolds and selection and provision of training
for competent trained scaffolders who should engage in erection, dismantling, modification
and inspection of scaffolds.
2. Introducing low noise purchasing policy, re-designing the layout of site, monitoring of noise
levels frequently and reduce exposure of persons by proper job rotation and scheduling.
3. Training, instruction and supervision to all affected personnel.
All recommendations are followed with an action plan with assigned responsible persons and
target dates to complete. Approximate costing has been projected in the action plan. This
action plan will be updated to reflect that all actions are closed and the risks have been reduced
to and As Low as Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) principle.
2

1.

INTRODUCTION

Most people would agree that poor working conditions of any type have the potential to affect
workers health and safety. It would also be agreed that our aim should be to eliminate or at
least minimize the risk of accident or injury; and to protect workers from the ill-health caused by
their working conditions.
There is no doubt that construction is one of the most dangerous industries in Europe (1) . Every
year dozens of people die on site; several thousands get injured or develop work-related health
problems. Construction projects are complex and always unique, where risks can arise from a
number of different sources some controllable, some not. Assessing sources of risk at the
earliest opportunity enables controllable risk factors to be allocated to the areas of responsibility
so that those responsible can take appropriate measures to eliminate or minimize them. The
risk factors and sources can be broadly due to failure in managing the risks and a system not
directed and committed to control by inadequate design, planning, coordination, communication
and measurement, unrealistic expectations, poorly defined method of work, delay in decision
making, not having a common goal, requiring the project to be constructed too quickly and
defect free, yet at minimal cost, incompetence of staff and the external factors that influence the
site activities and those which were not identified and not in control of. Therefore, improving
health and safety on construction sites plays a key role in companys daily work and is an
ongoing process. The employers need to comply with the existing health and safety
regulations, and the workers need to know their rights. Every worker also needs to have a good
grasp of major workplace dangers so they can contribute to a better protection.
This case study provides an assessment of the companys health & safety management
system including risk management and existing control. This study is a demonstration of how
company can achieve health & safety objectives and how the statutes and standards can be
met in a methodical and auditable manner. The completed case study provides a primary
reference document for improvement on all information relevant to the safety and health of
personnel, and resources for the company.
1.1

Aims and Objective

It is important to develop safer working methods that also allow work to be done quicker and
with fewer people, reduced rates of accidents, incidents and ill health with examples of
sickness absence being halved, and maximising levels of recruitment, motivation and retention
of skilled staff and also achieving significant financial savings for good performers and penalties
for poor performers.
Therefore, the primary objective of this Health & Safety case study is to demonstrate to
company top management that essential significant measuring of their management system is
undertaken and gaps are identified along with the associated risks and ensure that additional
controls are identified, in place, or planned to be put in place such that the risks arising from the
construction activities are both tolerable and As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).

(1) The State of Occupational Safety and Health in the European Union Pilot study, 2000. European
Agency for Safety and Health at Work, ISBN 92-828-9272-7.

1.3

Company Description

The company is a medium sized limited liability contracting company registered in 2006 in
Emirates of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a joint venture between UAE based
contracting company and a company of United Kingdom that was established in 2005.
Company employs locally 200 manpower expertise in all aspects of contracting including civil
engineering, water pipeline construction, mechanical and electrical installations, and services to
the electromechanical industry including testing, maintenance and operational work which fully
supported by computer aided design facilities computerized project monitoring, accounting, and
cost control systems. The clients for the current jobs are leading Real Estate Development
Company of UAE. The main projects currently undertaken are as follows.
1. Construction of 10 residential and commercial buildings of up to three levels each in one
plot.
2. Water pipeline networks within the area and associated activities.
3. Operation & maintenance of water networks and pumping stations
The company has been certified for conforming to ISO: 9001: 2000 standards and has a HSE
Management system developed based on OSHAS 18000 guidelines and HSG 65. The
company is headed by a board of directors and the branch is being managed by General
Manager- Middle East Operations. The GM, Middle East is functionally responsible for all
aspects related to the companys operations in UAE and reports to the Managing Director
based in Dartford (UK) office. The branch company is organized into a Projects department,
Tendering department, Quantity surveying, Procurement department and Human resources/
Administration department.
Each project is managed by the Project Manager who has a team of Project Engineers,
designers, site engineers, foremen and leader men. One HSE Engineer has been appointed to
manage and monitor the implementation of the Health & Safety management system during the
company operations. The majorities of labor forces are from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh
and mostly are unskilled. Company holds major equipment and earth moving plants like
excavators, bull dozers, land scrapers, back hoes, piling rigs etc, lifting equipments like mobile
cranes of various capacities and machineries like generators, compressors etc. A typical project
is executed in the following phases:1. Site mobilization and establishment
2. Surveying, testing and soil investigations
3. Substructure/ Excavations & re-inforcements
4. Piling and foundations
5. Structural steel erection
6. Concrete frame construction
7. Pre-cast floors and panels
8. External claddings and roofing
9. Finishes Plastering/ screeding & floor finishing
10. Carpentry and joinery
11. Services plumping and mechanical
The projects are administered from the site offices which are located at the site of construction
and have administrative staffs including cleaners, office boys etc. Site office also has office
space for the client and consultant representatives. All staffs and workers are of age above 21
years and company does not employ female staff on project sites. The normal working hours
for the company is from 0700 hours to 1900 hours and workers are rotated not to exceed more
than 8 hours a day, 6 days a week. Night work if required does not exceed beyond 2200 hours.
4

The site offices are marked and fenced with proper access controls/ security gates. Electricity
and water supply are provided by the utility distribution company. Besides, that the company
has a number of generators installed as standby. A workshop is established within the site
premises to carry out carpentry, welding, steel fixing/ cutting jobs. A vehicle maintenance area
is earmarked away from the construction area within the site premises for cleaning, general
servicing etc. There is a canteen managed by a sub contractor which caters for the workers/
staff food. Adequate number of toilets and drinking water facility is established by the company.
First aiders and first aid box is available to cater for minor injuries. The nearest hospital and civil
defense facilities are 2 kms away from the site location.

1.4

Legal Environment

United Arab Emirates has primarily two key regulation issued as a federal decree, The
Ministerial Order 32 (1982) and UAE Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (Federal Law No.
8/1980), which broadly covers the main responsibilities of employers and employees on health
& safety affairs. There are no interpretations or associated ACoPs and guidelines available. Abu
Dhabi municipality is the public authority who regulates the health & safety on all development
activities in the emirates. Abu Dhabi Municipality Health & Safety guidelines are based on the
UK standards and it covers all activities on a construction site. UAE Ministry of Health
Regulations regulate all health related affairs in the country.
By the virtue of the company operating as a branch of United Kingdom (UK), the UK regulations
are also applicable on all its operations. The Legal system in UAE is similar to UK law and is
divided into two branches, the criminal and the civil. A single safety violation could lead both to
civil and a criminal law action. In general, the company is also vicariously liable for the
damages caused by employees while they are acting in the course of their employment and as
a reasonable employee would act. All issues concerned with rights and duties of individuals will
be dealt under civil laws. Criminal law characterizes certain kind of wrongdoing as offences
against the state, not necessarily violating the rights of individuals, and punishable by the state.
Unlike UK there are no separate court systems for Civil and Criminal cases in UAE. The
enforcement authority in health and safety matters is the Health and Safety section of UAE
Labor department or the local authority i.e., Abu Dhabi Municipality acting on its behalf.
Therefore, the most important piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in the
workplace is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSW 1974). It specifies the general
duties placed on employers and employees.
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007) is the key regulations
for the construction sector. The regulations are made under the Health and Safety at Work Act
1974. The Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) Managing health and safety in construction.
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 helps to ensure they follow the CDM
2007. Following the guidance given in the ACoP ensures that the duty holder comply with the
minimum accepted standards. The ACoP also includes a copy of the original CDM 2007
regulations.
The other main source of legal rules relating to health and safety in the construction industry
are the following regulations and are currently in force:-

1. The Construction (Head protection) regulations 1989 - is designed to provide protection,

so far as is reasonably practicable, against foreseeable risks of injury to the head to
which the workers are exposed in a construction atmosphere.
2. The Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996- These Regulations
impose requirements with respect to the health, safety and welfare of persons at work
carrying out "construction work". The arrangements in the regulation cover all activities
on a construction site.
3. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (in association with The
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) and associated ACoPs and
guidelines: Simple guide to PUWER 98 INDG 291; Safe Use of Ladders & Step
Ladders: An employers guide. Applicable to all lifting equipment and operations as
well as access equipments and other machineries and tools used during a construction
activities.
4. The Working at Heights Regulations 2005 and associated ACoP INDG 401- For all
activities where a person could be injuring falling, even if it is at or below ground level.
Also includes moving around at a place of work, but not travel to or from a place of
work.
5. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002- Applicable for
activities involving handling hazardous substances like paints, solvents, cement etc
during the construction works.
6. The Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996. - Consultation
with employees who are not represented by safety representatives under the 1977
Regulations. Hence, the company shall consult those employees in good time on
matters relating to their health and safety at work and.
7. Employers Liability Compulsory Insurance Act 1969 and associated guidelines, A
Guide for Employers HSE 40(rev1) - Company is required by the law to insure against
liability for injury or disease to their employees arising out of their employment.
8. Social Security Act (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979
9. Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995
(RIDDOR) - Reporting of fatalities, serious injuries and dangerous occurrences.
In addition, there are a number of relevant regulations that were passed in order to comply with
EC directives on type examination certificates of approval and European Union (EU) directives.
These include:
1. Construction Plant and Equipment (Harmonisation of Noise Emission Standards)
Regulations 1988 (as amended)
2. Falling Object Protective Structure for Construction Plant (EC Requirements)
Regulations 1988
3. Roll-over Protective Structures for Construction Plant (EC Requirements) Regulations
1988
4. Construction Sites Directive (92/57/EEC)
5. Working Time Directive (93/104/EEC)

2.

REVIEW OF HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

2.1

Description

The Company operates a HSE Management System in accordance with the United Kingdom
Health and Safety Executive guidance document HSG65 Successful Health and Safety
Management and also embraces the principle of OHSAS 18001Occupational Health and
Safety Management Systems.
The Health & Safety Management System of the company remains structured in 3 parts.
Part 1 the Policy Document/ statement of intent, states how the company top management
implement their HS&E Policy and are widely displayed on company notice boards. It gives
others an overview of their management system.
Part 2 contains Company Procedures, guidance notes and key standard forms - the how to of
the system. Supporting documents such as checklists and generic forms are referenced from
here. It broadly covers the following:1.
2.
3.
4.

Organizing
Planning and Implementation
Performance measurement
Audit and review

Part 3 comprises supporting documentation and guidance and includes some generic
documentation, toolbox talks, Hazard checklists and safety Standards for common operations
and tasks.
The HS&E Management System, (Part 2), contains the following sections:
Section 1: Manual Structure & Information This introduction also includes useful contacts,
abbreviations, and information sources.
Section 2: Health& Safety Responsibilities gives details of specific Health & Safety responsibilities for key appointments, various departments & company employees.
Section 3: CDM, Contract start, commissioning & handover gives guidance on the CDM duties
of clients, designers, planning supervisors, principal contractors and sub contractors. Guidance
is provided for producing the health & safety file and post contract works.
Section 4: Risk Assessment There is guidance of a general risk assessment and for unusual
activities at design phases. It also covers the production and the issue of work permits.
Section 5: Procedures for inspection & audit gives guidance on those inspections that must be
carried out as required by the law and by the company. This includes the safety programmes
and monthly checks. Guidance on disciplinary procedures is also in this section for use during
the projects.

Section 6: Incident reporting & investigation describes how accidents and incidents are
managed and reported. It also gives guidance in accident investigation, compiling information
and dealing with insurance claims.
Section 7: Performance indicators This section provides guidance on active and reactive
performance measurements and completing monthly Health & safety reports.
Section 8: Welfare & site establishment details the minimum standards for all welfare facilities
whether in a fixed location or site location.
Section 9: Fire & Emergency plans provide guidance on planning for fire and emergency in
permanent establishments, temporary accommodations or on site.
Section 10: Occupational health gives guidance on controlling risks to health from many
sources in the work place including vibration, COSHH materials.
Section 11: Plant & tools gives guidance on controlling risks through procurement, operator
competence, use and maintenance, including statutory inspections.
Section 12: Filing, review and provide guidance in general on continual improvement, learning
from experience.

2.2

Gap Analysis of Company Health & Safety Management System

Management System Section
Written policy/ statement of intent which is signed
dated and communicated to all employees
Health & Safety of employees considered as an
important business objective by top management
Top management committed to continuous
improvement.
A named senior manager is appointed for overall
responsibility for implementing health and safety
policy
Policy encourages involvement of employees and
safety representatives in the health & safety effort.
Includes a commitment to ensuring that all employees
are competent to do their jobs safely without risks to
health
Responsibilities clearly defined to all personnel
including managers, supervisors and team leaders.
All personnel including manager, supervisor and team
leaders accept their responsibilities and have
adequate time and resources and competence to
fulfill them
All personnel including managers, supervisors and
team leaders fully aware of what to do and how they
will be held accountable for health & Safety.
Identification of people responsible for particular
health and safety jobs including those requiring
special expertise (e.g. H& S Advisors)
Assessment of experience, knowledge and skills
needed to carry out all tasks safely

Compliance
(Yes/No)
Part Yes

Gap/ Comments
Statement of intent (Policy document) is
not dated and is not communicated to all.

Priority*
P2

Yes
Yes
No

No person by name is appointed to take

overall responsibility for health and safety
affairs.

P1

Yes
Yes
Part Yes
No

Responsibilities of top management is not

defined
No defined budget has been allocated for
health and safety programmes

P2

P3

Yes
No
No

10

Adequate Health and safety persons are

not identified/ recruited.
Employee training requirements are not
communicated to the employee and

P1
P1

Management System Section

Compliance
(Yes/No)

Gap/ Comments

Priority*

appropriate supervisors
System for ensuring adequate instruction and training
for all employees including managers, supervisors
and temporary staff.
Identification of specific training, skills and experience
assessment system for people doing hazardous work
Arrangements for gaining access to specialist advice
and help when needed
System for ensuring competence needs and are met
while recruiting, promote or transfer people or when
people are assigned health & Safety responsibilities
(re-organize).
Consultation with employees and employee safety
representative on all issues that affect Health & Safety
at work.
Active health and safety committee chaired by
director/ senior manager and employees from all
divisions are represented.
Involvement of workforce in preparing health and
safety improvement plans, reviewing performance,
undertaking risk assessments, preparing safetyrelated rules and procedures, investigating incidents
and problem solving.
Arrangements for cooperating and coordinating with
contractors and employment agencies whose
employees work at site on health and safety matters.

Including health and safety on the agenda of regular

management meetings and briefings.
Availability of information on hazards, risks and
control measures and safe system of work in place

No

No clear training budget/ facility allocated

P2

No

No competency based training is

identified (No training matrix developed)

P1

Health & Safety competency

assessments are not administered as part
of recruitment/ promotion process

P3

Yes
No
No
No

Part Yes

Yes

No
Yes
11

Health & Safety committee has not been

formed and meetings are not held as per
planned.
Meetings are held seldom and senior
managers do not attend
Employee involvement only in incident
investigations. No system of addressing
employee suggestions available

P2
P1

P1

Sub-contractors are given a copy of

company Health & Safety plan and
require their plan to be in line with the
company requirements.
Health & Safety is discussed only in
safety meetings

P1

Management System Section

which can be easily accessed in the relevant work
area.
All levels of managements are approachable on
health and safety issues and encourage staff to
discuss health and safety matters.
Top management, managers and team leaders
communicate their commitment to health and safety
through self example.
System for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment
and how to control them and safe system of work.
Planning and scheduling health and safety
improvement measures and prioritizing their
implementation based on the nature and risk rating.
Arrangements for measurable, realistic and time
bound health and safety targets agreed with
managers and supervisors.
Procurement (premises, plant, equipment and raw
materials) and supply procedures take account of
health and safety at the appropriate stage before
implementation of the activity.
Take account of health and safety during design
processes, equipment procedures, work systems and
tasks.
Health and safety rules and procedures (Part 2) in
place covering day to day work activities, foreseeable
abnormal situations and maintenance work.
Emergency response procedures
Welfare arrangements (living, canteen, toilets,

Compliance
(Yes/No)

Gap/ Comments

Priority*

Yes
Yes
Part Yes
Part Yes

Only generic hazard assessment has

been carried out. Each applicable job has
not been evaluated using a risk
assessment system. No hazard registry

P1

Yes
No

Objectives and targets are not reviewed

and updated annually and no action plan
is maintained to achieve the targets

P2

Yes
Yes
Yes

Part Yes
Yes
12

Procedure is in place but no

testing/evaluation of the emergency plan
is conducted at correct intervals (at least
annually)

P1

Management System Section

washing/ changing facilities, rest etc) including
medical facilities and health management/ monitoring
programme
Introducing KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to
measure the performance in Health & Safety
Arrangement for documenting and communicating the
inspection, monitoring and incident investigation
reports.
Arrangement for monitoring performance of health
and safety plan and to measure the targets and
objectives set.
Availability of pro active monitoring involving testing,
inspecting and consultation methods to ensure that
controls are working properly and the rules and
procedures are followed and all the standards set are
met.
Arrangement for reactive monitoring like investigating
accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous
situations
Identifying reasons for substandard performances in
health and safety.
Arrangements for dealing with situations that have
created risk with priority being given where the risks
are greatest.
Arrangements for analyzing the causes of potentially
serious events to identify the root causes including
shortcomings in safety management system
System for regular audits of safety management
system by competent independent auditors (internal/
external)

Compliance
(Yes/No)

Gap/ Comments

Priority*

Yes
Yes
Part Yes

Targets are not reviewed

P3

Inadequate number of trained and

competent auditors

P2

Yes

Yes
Yes

Yes

Yes

Part Yes

13

Management System Section

Compliance
(Yes/No)

Use audit reports and inspection reports information

to review the operation of safety management system
and safety performance.

Yes

Review of objectives set to check if they are met in

the agreed timescales.
Analyze audit reports and information used to identify
future improvement targets and to identify particular
causes of accident, ill health or poor control of risk to
target for future risk reduction effort.
Benchmarking the performance of the safety
management system against other similar business
group or self monitor improvement over time.

No
No

Gap/ Comments

Objectives not reviewed

Objectives are not reviewed and new
targets are not set

Priority*

P2
P2

Yes

* Priorities Justification
P1 - High priority since the non-compliance could lead to an immediate lose or enforcement actions. The action requires to be taken within
1-3 weeks
P2 - No immediate impact, but if not complied health & safety cannot be managed efficiently. The action needs to be taken within 1 month
P3 - No immediate impact. Action needs to be taken for an over all effective management & measurement of health & safety management
system and avoid non compliances from external auditors and enforcement authorities. Action needs to be closed within 3 months.

14

3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
S.No

Hazards

Activity/ Relevance

Likely Implications *

Priority **

3.1 Physical Hazards

1

Vehicle movement Struck/ crushed by

moving vehicles

Maneuvering vehicles, plant and equipments working

in close vicinity to people, visitors/ public. Working
near traffic areas and poor ground conditions.

Fatalities, serious personnel injuries,

property damages, productivity loses.

P1

Excavation collapseburied/ crushed/

trapped/ suffocation

While carrying out sub structure and foundation

works.

Fatalities, asphyxiation and serious

injuries to personnel

P2

Striking existing
underground
services

Due to excavations that are done to lay foundations,

substructures and services like electrical cables,
water connections and drainage connections.

Unstable structures

Due to excavations in near vicinity with insufficiently

supported sides

Intrusive occurrences
- suffocating /
drowning

Like groundwater, flooding, sewage, smoke, gas

leakage etc while doing excavations

Asphyxiation, serious health effects,

death due to suffocation and inhalation
of toxic gases, collapse of trenches.

P3

Slips trips and falls

Uneven, slippery surfaces, trailing cables from

electrical equipment/ temporary electrical
connections, open floors and excavations, use of
stairs or contaminated ladders.

Serious injuries leading like cuts, bone

fractures and death if affected from a
height or onto sharp surfaces.

P1

Working at height exposed to

unprotected edges/
scaffolds

Working on fragile roof, ladder, working/ erecting

scaffold/ working near unprotected excavation
edges. Presence of floor openings. Unprotected
hoists, loading/ unloading from trucks, emergency
rescues at height etc.

Possible fall of personnel and material

leading to fatalities and serious
injuries.

P1

15

Fire and explosions, electrocution,

multiple fatalities and serious injuries,
disruption of services, public
discomfort, property damage etc
Collapse of nearby buildings and
structures, serious multiple injuries
and fatalities

P3

P3

S.No

Hazards

Falling objects

Electrocution

10

Fire and explosion

11

Impact, crushing

12

Plant and machinery

Operations and
instability

13
14
15
16

Moving objects/
trapping
Contact with
overhead lines
Contact with rotating
parts and static
machinery
Collapse of structure

Activity/ Relevance
Collapse of sides of deep excavations, breaking of
edges, inadequate working platforms, lifting
equipment failures, unsecured load on scaffold
platforms and passenger hoists etc.
Striking existing electrical services during
excavation. Temporary electrical connections. Use of
electrical equipments like grinders, lightings etc.
Working in damp conditions. Portable electrical
equipments like heaters, kettles and ovens might be
used in office kitchen.
Fire/ explosion could arise from striking existing
services, faulty electrics or overloading of joints, bulk
storage of easily burnt waste materials and
flammable materials like diesel, solvents/thinners
etc, smoking of personnel and arson.
Lifting, lowering and moving of loads by cranes or
machineries (concrete pumps, vibrators etc) or due
to materials falling from height and moving plant
contacts.
Presence of heavy lifting cranes, excavators, piling
equipment and their movement on the site and
possible running into excavations and working on
slopes and on a soft standing ground.
Placing of steel work. Closure of joints, base plate
packing etc.
Movement and working of high boom lifting
equipments like crane/ MEWPs.
Use of circular saws and grinders. Gear mechanisms
of equipment.
Temporary works and during scaffold erections,
overloading of platforms, presence of excavations
close to structure.
16

Likely Implications *

Priority **

Fatalities and serious injuries to

personnel especially on head.
Equipment damages by falling on/ to
the ground

P1

Multiple fatalities, burns, ventricular

fibrillation. Secondary falls leading to
death.

P2

Death multiple fatalities and injuries,

serious property damage and
environmental damages.

P2

Serious injuries like contusions,

fractures etc.

P2

Toppling of equipments, falling of

loads onto persons causing serious
injuries leading to death. Equipment
damage
Crushing and trapping of limbs
causing serious injuries like fractures.
Electrocution, serious burns and
deaths.
Entanglement of clothes leading to
injuries, cuts and bruises, friction
burns etc.
Falling on/of people leading to multiple
injuries and death. Equipment/
property damages.

P2

P2
P3
P3
P2

S.No

17

18

19

Hazards

Activity/ Relevance

Movement of components and accessories,

unloading materials from vehicles like blocks and
bricks, compressed gas cylinders, testing
equipments etc. Also while erecting scaffolds and
manual excavations.
Presence of loose used shuttering materials for
Stepping on nails
casting, broken glass pieces and sharp objects on
and sharp objects
site due to improper housekeeping. Workers not
wearing safety shoes.
Hazardous surfaces - Presence of hot surfaces, projecting parts of
Burn, Puncture,
equipment, sharp edges and ends of machineries/
stabbing
materials. Unguarded protruding bars
Manual handling MSD (Musculo
skeletal disorders)

Likely Implications *

Priority **

Strains, back pains leading to chronic

musculo- skeletal disorders, load
dropping over the feet leading to
fractures and personnel injuries.

P1

Injection wounds, punctures, cuts and

possible contact with contaminated
blood leading to serious health effects
like hepatitis and AIDS

P2

Burns, cuts, punctures and wounds

P2

20

Mechanical
equipment-Failure

Possibility of failure of motors and short circuits in

mechanical equipments like circular saws, grinders,
cutters, generators, compressors etc.

Electrocution, fire and injuries due to

overrun and breaking up of the
equipment/ part of the equipment, eye
injuries due to compressors.

P2

21

Use of damaged and

improper hand tools
and power tools

Breaking/ malfunctioning of hammers, chisels etc

and power tools like drillers, jack hammers

Eye injury, injury to hand/ limbs and

body

P2

Presence of pipe chambers, service holes,

manholes, deep excavations etc.

Death due to asphyxiation/

suffocation, MSDs, fire and explosion,
serious multiple injuries and property
damage. Difficulty in rescue
operations.

P2

22

Entering confined
spaces

17

S.No

Hazard

Activity/ Relevance

Likely Implications*

Priority **

3.2 Health Hazards

Chemical hazards
(Inhalation/
Ingestion/ Contact
with hazardous/
harmful substances)

Dust

Noise

Vibration

Ergonomic- Bad
working positions

Stress or fear

Temperature - Heat
exhaustion

Sparks and inhalation of fumes from welding, paints,

cement handling, lime and mortar mixing, chemical
grouts and additives. Contact with asbestos is also
possible while demolishing some existing buildings
or doing modification works. During maintenance
works and cleaning and dosing works.
During the demolition, grinding, blasting, cutting
bricks, wood cutting and during vehicle movement
on dry sand.
Presence of heavy equipment working, vehicle
movement, generators, compressors etc.
Use of heavy equipments and hand tools like
excavators, loaders, drilling/piling equipment,
compactors & pneumatic tools, breakers,
compressors , generators, traffic movement.
Inadequate working space. Improper work station
design and DSE for office workers and for workers
involved in manual handling and repetitive jobs like
loading and unloading. Working in confined spaces
Long hours of work especially at night amidst noise,
dust etc. Pressures from supervisors and due to
poor health conditions and inadequate welfare
arrangements and domestic issues. Lack of job
security. Lone working by equipment operators.
Confined space working especially hot works.
Requirements to work in open, humid and hot and
dusty conditions

18

Chemical burns, cement burns, eye

injuries, acute dermatitis, chronic
asthmas, lungs disorders and can
lead to cancer.

P2

Lungs disorders, coughing/ choking,

eye injuries and possible cancer.

P1

Hearing loss, tinnitus, complaints from

neighbors, environment pollution

P1

Vibration induced illnesses (VWF,

HAVS etc)

P1

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs),

Stress, loss of vision,

P3

Lack of productivity, suicidal

tendencies, possible ignoring hazards
and causing serious injuries to self
and others. Leads to violent behavior.

P3

Heat cramps, sun burns, dizziness,

unconsciousness and possible death.

P1

S.No

Hazard

Activity/ Relevance

Likely Implications*

Priority **

Hygiene and health Biological hazards

(bacterial, viral,
fungal)

Inadequate number of toilets, drinking/ eating

facilities. Toilets not regularly cleaned and eating and
resting in presence of waste and decomposing and
microbiological materials.

Gastro intestinal disorders, nausea,

diarrhea, legionnaires, weils diseases

P3

Collecting waste

Lot of demolition debris (could include asbestos);

concrete/construction and other wastes from
canteen and first aid clinic are prevalent on site.

Health disorders like asbestosis,

hepatitis/ AIDS, cut and puncture
injuries during collection and
segregation of wastes.

P2

10

Exposure to
Radiation (ionizing/
non-ionizing)

X ray testing of welding and joints of components

are held on site (pipe joints for ex). Laser/ infra red
and radio frequencies equipment used for level
reading and surveying. UV radiation from welding.

Radiation sicknesses and serious

damages to body cells and tissues
including serious skin and eye injuries.

P2

During night working without adequate lightings or

due to failure of lightings. Due to poor site layout,
high vision obstructing machineries, structures,
buildings, people and material movers/vehicles.

Slips, trips and falls leading to serious

injuries, stress, overlooking risks,
hitting against equipment and vehicles
leading to serious injuries and
accidents while driving and operating
equipment.

P2

Slips and falls, loss of control of lifting

equipment, falling of materials causing
serious personnel injuries and
damages to equipment and facilities.

P2

3.3 Other Hazards

Poor lighting/
Visibility

Adverse weather
conditions

Unfamiliarity with site

risks

Ropes and equipment becoming unstable tangled or

twisted in the wind. Slippery walking surfaces.
Possibility of strong winds affecting the lifting
activities and high working platforms and work
requiring high reaches like use of a MEWP.
Visitors and suppliers could visit the construction site
without being properly inducted.

Tress passers/
children/ Public

Presence of inhabited area, public and road.

Possibility of trespassing including children

19

Serious injuries by contacting existing

risks on site.
Serious injuries up to fatality by
contacting risks leading to legal
litigations. Arson by nuisance makers
causing fire and serious property
damages.

P2

P3

S.No
5

Hazard

Activity/ Relevance

Poor communication

Multi lingual workforce not having a common

language. Signals not tied up with the riggers, banks
men and the equipment operators like cranes.

First Aid & Welfare

Immediate facility for treatment, cleaning of wound,

allergies and dermatitis might be required while
working with harmful substances and conditions.
Requirement of rest areas required especially during
summer.

Violence and
threatening behavior

Presence of other contractors and public with

differing opinions and requirements and also due to
workers under intoxication. Poor management by
immediate supervisors.

* Priority and Justifications

P1

The likelihood and severity of this hazard to take effect is very high

P2

The likelihood and severity of this hazard to take effect is medium

P3

The likelihood and severity of this hazard to take effect is low

20

Likely Implications*
Instructions not conveyed correctly,
leading to negative impact of
operations causing serious personnel
and property damages.
Not administering acute injury
conditions leading to chronic/
aggravating the injury or conditions.
Heat exhaustion, dehydration, stress
etc due to lack of rest.
Serious physical injuries and legal
litigations and affects morale.

Priority **
P2

P3

P3

21

3.4 Selection of Significant Hazard

Physical Hazard: Work at height - Scaffolding
Falls from height/ scaffolding platforms are the most common cause of fatal injury and the
second most common cause of major injury to employees in a construction industry. The
previous company incident / accident record shows that there have been more cases related to
working at height than any other hazards during the construction activity. Working on a
scaffolding is undertaken on a daily basis and the likelihood of an incident happening is very
high. The control presently company has in place is not adequate and it could further lead to
major accidents.
Health Hazard: Noise due to Construction Machineries & Equipments
Noise and vibration are among the most widespread and underestimated of health hazards.
Hearing loss caused by exposure to noise at work continues to be a significant occupational
disease. There are many noisy tasks in construction. This means that workers may be exposed
not only to the noise that their work is making, but also to the ambient, or background, noise of
other tasks on site. A construction site is crammed with all kinds of heavy equipments,
machineries (static and mobile), construction vehicles in a limited site boundary which emanate
a colossal amount of noise. To worsen the scenario workers work in close proximities to these
machineries. Besides the machineries, activities like drilling, demolition, breaking, piling etc
also release lot of noise which affects the persons in and near the construction area badly. The
severity and likelihood of hearing damage is very high in such an atmosphere and the company
has not identified noise as a significant hazard and there are inadequate controls and health
monitoring in place.

4.

RISK ASSESSMENT

4.1

The process and methodology of risk assessment.

To do this risk assessment the guidelines in HSEs Five Steps to Risk Assessment, HSE INDG
163(rev 2) 06/06 , INDG 362 Noise at work - Guidance for employers on the Control of Noise at
Work Regulations 2005 and INDG 401 - The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (as amended) A
brief guide, has been followed.
Step 1: Identifying Hazards: by checking for any available documented risk assessments and
by walking around the workplace, asking employees and their representatives, manufacturers
instructions or data sheets, previous health and accident records and visiting HSE website in
construction industry area. Referring to applicable legislations like Control of Noise at Work
regulations 2005 and The Work at Height Regulations (2005).
Step 2: Who might be harmed and how? : by identifying and noting down the groups of people
who would be affected like physically handicapped/ special need workers; temporary workers,
contractors, cleaners, visitors, members of the public including children; young workers/
trainees; neighboring contractors and analyzing how the hazard could harm them.
Step 3: (a)

Assess the potential severity of any loss based on the hazard realizing its full
potential if the hazardous event occurs. Ratings between 1 and 5 are chosen:
1. Fatal / Permanent disability
22

2.
3.
4.
5.

Serious injury / illness

Moderate injury / Illness
Minor injury / Illness
Slight injury (No lost time). First Aid Case.

(b)

Assess the Likelihood of the Hazard realizing its potential if no control

measures are put in place using the following ratings:
1. Certain or imminent to happen
2. Very Likely
3. Likely
4. May Happen
5. Unlikely

(c)

Risk Rating is done based on the probability of the hazard resulting in loss is
given as a numerical figure between 1 and 5. The rating is calculated by
multiplying the severity factor with the likelihood factor, giving a value to each on
a scale of 1 to 25.

Severity

The risk rating is further divided into Low, Medium and high in terms of its loss
potential and is divided into low, medium, and high in terms of action time
required avoiding the loss.

1
2
3
4
5

1
1
2
3
4
5

Likelihood
2
3
2
3
4
6
6
9
8
12
10
15

4
4
8
12
16
20

5
5
10
15
20
25

20 25: Low Risk

Personnel with competency and skills to perform the job have the authority to proceed
after verbally discussing the job requirements with anyone performing the work with
them. May be acceptable; however, review task to see if risk can be reduced further.
4 16: Medium Risk
Job shall only proceed with appropriate authorization after consultation with HS&E
personnel and assessment team. Where possible, the job shall be redefined to take
account of the hazards involved or the risk shall be reduced further prior starting the job.
If applicable, a Permit-to-Work shall be obtained
1 3: High Risk
The job must not proceed until it has been redefined or further control measures put in
place to reduce risk. The controls shall be re-assessed for adequacy prior to starting the
job.
Step 4 (a): Checking existing controls and precautions: by listing down the control procedures.
They may include method statements, permit systems, training and instruction or use of
personal protective equipment etc. to undertake the task safely. Cross referring to the
legislations and standards to assess the controls.

23

Step 4 (b): Assessing what further controls/ actions needs to be in place to reduce risks to a
level of so far as reasonably practicable. This residual risk is calculated on the reduced
Likelihood and Severity ratings, which are a direct consequence of the control measure being
put in place.
Step 5: Review - Due to possible addition of new machines, personnel, substances or
procedures which could lead to new hazards, the risk assessments would be reviewed and will
take account of new hazards. In addition to that, periodically review will be done to ensure that
the precautions are still working effectively.
7
4.2

Legal References
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Sec 3.

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996, Schedule 1-5.
The Work at Height Regulations (2005), Sec 6-7
Noise at Work Regulations 1989

24

4.3

Risk Assessment Work at height - Scaffolding

Hazards
Working at
height ScaffoldingFall of persons/
materials

Effects
(Who/How)
Workers -at
height
Workers working
under the area
Emergency
Rescuers

Contractors

Risk
Rating
High
Medium

Low

High

Inspection/
Maintenance
People

Medium

Cleaners

High

Public - due to
material falling/
structure
collapsing

Medium

Existing Controls

Additional Controls

(1) Scaffolds are erected

on a firm base with sole
plates and base plates.
Adequate longitudinal
and diagonal bracings
are provided and ties are
adequately fitted where
applicable.

(1) Construct scaffolds to comply with Construction

(Working Places) Regulations and British
Standards BS EN 12811.

(2) Gangways/ exposed

edges are protected by
top rails. All working
platforms are provided
with top rail, mid rail and
toe boards. Loose
materials to be tied back
near leading edge.
(3) Ladders/ step
ladders/ roof ladders,
proper temporary
working
platforms/scaffoldings
are used for working
above ground.
(4) Guardrails and toeboards are removed for

25

Review

12-09-08
or when
location is
changed
(2) Design drawings to be produced for load- and new
bearing scaffolds and non-standard structures. equipment
Consider any additional plant, equipment, and
materials or sheeting that could impose additional persons
loadings over and above the standard scaffold arrive,
design loads.
whichever
is earlier.
(3) Where scaffolding is to be installed on
footpaths or public areas, consent to be taken from
Local Authority (Abu Dhabi Traffic department) or
adjacent property owners. Therefore permissions
must be sought prior to work commencing.
(4) Use MEWPs (Mobile elevated working
platforms) and mobile access platforms for
temporary works.
(5) Eliminate protruding edges- if not possible
warning signs and banners must be put in place to
warn employees.
(6) All scaffold planks and kick-boards to be well
secured to scaffold structure to prevent
displacement.

Hazards

Effects
(Who/How)
Trespassers/
Vandals

Risk
Rating
Low

Existing Controls

Additional Controls

access and are replaced

after access has been
gained. Unused ladder
gaps have boards fitted
to close them off.

(7) Use outriggers/ guy ropes to support the

scaffold.

(5) Suitable signs

(Hazard falling objects /
Work at height) and
barriers are positioned
directly below works to
warn of overhead
operations.

(9) No access for persons to walk directly under

the scaffolding. A flagman to be employed to warn
the passers by/ public.

(6) Area underneath the

working area is cordoned
and marked with safety
warning tapes.
(7) Scaffoldings are
erected by carpenters
and fitters following
manufacturers
instructions supervised
by the line supervisor.
(8) Scaffolding inspection
is done by the supervisor
every month and
inspection record is
maintained in the office.
(9) Ladders are removed
26

(8) Ties removed for any purpose to be replaced or

alternative ties fitted, at once.

(10) Full edge protection & passive restraint such

as nets and airbags. to be provided.
(11)Ladder to extent 1 m or 5 rungs above the
landing.
(12) Appoint competent person to inspect all the
height access equipment (scaffolds, ladders etc
and supervise its erection and approval for work.
Use only registered scaffolders under the direction
of a Temporary Works Co-coordinator
(13) Traffic movements will be restricted around
scaffold bases. Excavations adjacent to scaffold
bases will be monitored to ensure the stability of
the structure is not affected.
(14) All scaffolding must be inspected before it is
first used in that position; Where conditions may
cause deterioration of the structure; Within a 7 day
period (Minimum weekly inspection) or as specified
by the Temporary Work Coordinator or the
designer

Review

Hazards

Effects
(Who/How)

Risk
Rating

Existing Controls
or covered to prevent
unauthorized access
when work is not in
progress.
(10) All scaffolds more
than 2m height from floor
levels is protected
against fall of material by
closing the edges by the
means of toe-boards.
(11) Induction training
includes the precautions
to be taken for working at
height.
(12) Weather is
forecasted prior to
commencing the activity
at high and avoid if any
advance warning
available through
meteorological
departments.
(13) Safety belts are
provided for workers with
single lanyard. Hard hats
are worn by everyone.

27

Additional Controls
(15) Scafftags to be fixed signed and marked
green on a daily basis by the line supervisor using
the equipment.
(16) Waste materials to be transferred through
material lowering devices/ a waste chute attached
to the main standards.
(17) Work will be monitored to ensure that
additional precautions and equipment is taken into
use if edge protection is removed and no
unauthorized alterations are made on access
equipments.
(18) Training/toolbox talks and instructions to be
provided to all operatives and supervisory staff
involved in the use of suspension equipment such
as lines and harnesses, and how to inspect and
assess PPE of this type before use.
(19) Maintain good housekeeping Look for and
remove nuts, washers, cords, rope & tools Keep
loose parts and pieces in secure containers or non
hazardous area. Clean up and properly dispose of
left over materials.
(21) Where edge protection is removed for access,
or is not reasonably practicable, personal
suspension equipment (safety harness) with two
lanyard and provision for securing/ hooking to be
used by operatives working at or near the edge.

Review

4.4

Risk Assessment Noise due to Construction Machineries & Equipments

Hazards

Noise due to
Construction
machineries/
equipmentInduced
hearing loss,
tinnitus.

Effects
(Who/How)

Risk
Rating

Workers using
power tools,
operating
heavy
machineries,
riggers etc.
Workers in
near vicinity.

High

Site office
staffs including
expectant
mothers.
Maintenance
personnel/
inspectors
Subcontractors/
suppliers
Visitors

Medium
Low

High

Medium

Existing Controls

(1) Signpost by adequate

hearing protection
warning sign (Hearing
protection zones) near
the noisy work area/
equipment.
(2) Breaker mufflers are
fitted on generators and
other machineries
(3) Proper and regular
maintenance of
machinery and
equipment to be carried
out and results are
maintained.

Additional Controls

(1) Establish action and limit value of 85 dB (A)/

peak sound pressure of 140 dB (c) at the ear
measured on a daily or weekly basis.
(2) Select and choose less noisy equipment by
introducing low- noise purchasing policy for
machinery and equipment.
(3) Keep the compressor/ generators and other
static machineries covered
(4) Static machineries to be mounted on antivibration mounts & erect enclosures around
machines to reduce the amount of noise emitted
into the workplace or environment
(5) Screen the noise source with a barrier, soil
heap or locate behind partly completed buildings.

(4) Provision of ear plugs

(6) Identify noisy work areas and limit the workers
in and around the area by adjusting work
schedules

Low

28

Review
12-09-2008 or
when location
is changed
and new
equipment
and persons
arrive,
whichever is
earlier

Hazards

Effects
(Who/How)
Public

Risk
Rating

Existing Controls

Additional Controls

Low
(7) Provide sound proof rest facilities/ safe havens
at the site
(8) Modify the paths of pedestrians so as to avoid
passing through the noisy activity areas.
(9) Audiometry test to be conducted on all
vulnerable workers/ operators and results to be
conveyed and kept as records. Encourage
employees to seek medical advice if hearing
damage is suspected.
(10) Training to be conducted on the likely noise
exposure and risk to hearing; where and how to
obtain hearing protectors; how to report defects in
hearing protectors and noise control equipment
and employee's duties.
(11) Provide ear defenders/ muffs to all personnel
who are entering the hearing protection zone.

29

Review

5.

CONCLUSIONS

This Health & Safety case study provides assurance that drawbacks and gaps in the Health &
Safety management system and hazards to personnel and assets have been identified and
assessed and controls have been recommended where considered necessary. Also
documented is the process of identification of potential risk reduction measures and whether
their adoption met ALARP (As Low as Reasonably Practicable) criteria.
The actions and the time frame to close those actions raised during HSE Studies have been
included in the action plan. A future update/ close-out to this case have to be documented on
the review date.
It is concluded that this case study demonstrates:1. The companys management system broadly covers the requirement of HSG 65 and
OSHAS 18000 guidelines.
2. There was evidence of less participation from the top management or a lack of visible
leadership in implementing the HSE Programs.
3. Objectives and targets for Health & safety are not being reviewed periodically.
4. Resources are not adequately planned for Health & Safety programmes by the
company.
5. Employee consultations in Health & Safety affairs are not visibly practiced by the
company.
6. Training and competency of staffs are inadequate.
7. Company does not have suitable arrangements for risk management.
8. Performance measurement and auditing are not being conducted regularly.
9. All the significant hazards and effects & controls have been identified, prioritized,
assessed and additional controls have been recommended to manage the residual
hazards.
10. The adequacy of controls for most of the hazards has been reviewed to identify whether
the risks have been reduced to a level that is tolerable and ALARP and it was found
inadequate.
11. The risks associated with working at height and noise has been evaluated and
measures taken to reduce them to a level that is As Low as Reasonably Practicable
(ALARP).

6.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Management System
The significant gaps/ drawbacks in the existing management system has been demonstrated in
sec 2.2 (gap analysis) and detailed action plan with target date and responsible person is
demonstrated in the action plan.
Main recommendations according to their priorities to improve the existing management
systems are:1. Review the statement of intent/ Policy with a current date and name of the person
signing it. The most tangible way to assess the top managements attitude towards is
30

2.

3.
4.
5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

evident only if the policy statement is effective and covers in brief the intention of the top
management and the approach towards health & safety issues. Policy statement is the
first document that any person would see and thus benefit by improving the public
image.
It may not be practically possible at times for the top management to address critical
issues that needs quick decisions. Hence, appointing a competent Health & Safety
management representative is required, who should be the focal point to address any
issues on behalf of the top management besides his normal duties.
Some critical activities require specialist who are adequately trained and experienced in
that field. Therefore, appointing adequate health & safety advisors or specialist is
required who can perform exclusive health & safety jobs.
A platform is essential for coordinating or presenting key issues that needs consensus
and conveyed to all departments the quickest and easiest way. Therefore, timely and
scheduled meetings need to be conducted to discuss safety related issues.
Companies that ask employees for their views on health and safety issues can cut down
on accidents. By including workers ideas and involving them in enforcing health and
safety rules, companies can create a positive attitude towards maintaining good practice
and make significant improvements collective participation of all in suggestions can
yield more improvement options.
The best way to identify all hazards and risks is to breaking down all critical jobs and
describe the method use to conduct those activities and critically assess the risks
involved. This requires a system of method statements and risk assessments for all
critical jobs.
Health & Safety programmes include provision of adequate training, personal protective
equipments, reward programmes etc. Hence, allocating a budget for health & safety on
all projects are essential and same must be incorporated while assessing the project
values and putting forward bid proposals for new contracts.
All health & safety programmes needs to be measured and only by assigning a SMART
(Simple, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound) objective one can measure
the performance. Only measuring gets the activity done. Hence, objectives and targets
need to be clearly identified and periodically reviewed, in any case not later than yearly.
The management system needs to be continuously reviewed and measured so as to
incorporate any changes in the companys organization, equipment or processes.
Therefore, internal audits are required to be conducted on an annual basis.

These actions benefits the company by improving the organizational capability in handling
health & Safety issues more effectively, reduction of injuries and cost reduction, business
interruption protection, reliability and productivity improvement, public image/ trust
improvement, improve the employee relations and help the management take pro-active
actions to reduce risks pertaining to workers and thus reduction in direct/ indirect costs. This will
also avoid business interruption due to injuries, investigations and enforcement actions and
also timely rectification of issues to avoid injuries and asset damages helping cost reductions.
Some of other noticeable benefits are to win and retain contracts; avoid loss of key staffs;
availability and affordability of insurance.
Physical Hazard Working on Scaffolding
During the course of hazard reviews, all significant hazards have been identified and prioritized
based on the criticality of the hazards and the risk ratings i.e. Priority P1 has the highest risk
rating which is obtained by multiplying the severity and likelihood of the hazard being affected,
P2 is medium risk rating and P3 is low risk rating. The methodology is detailed in section 4.

31

Working at height- on scaffolding has been identified as the most significant Physical hazard in
the companys activity due to its risk rating being very high and previous incident records
showing high numbers of injuries due to injuries related to scaffold workings. All existing
controls were assessed and additional controls are recommended according to the hierarchies
of control and level of protection that control gives in avoiding risk:1. It is critical to design all load bearing scaffolds properly according to the British
construction standards and follow the sequence of erections.
2. Before erecting scaffolds on pathways/ roads or next to property owners, it is essential
to seek permission or no objection certificates. This will avoid unnecessary business
interruptions due to stoppage of work by local authorities or public.
3. Erection of temporary scaffolds/ ladders costs more time and exposes the workers to
hazard during erection, ascending /descending and inspection of the same. Therefore,
MEWPs or mobile access platforms should be considered for temporary works not
exceeding few hours. Work can be done quicker with fewer people.
4. Most of the injuries from scaffolds occur due to fall of persons and materials. A partial
restraint is required to arrest falling from height and reduce the impact of the injuries.
5. Where working at height is not avoidable above pedestrian/vehicle route, it is required
to warn and protect by providing adequate warning signs and appointing flagmen.
6. Most of the falls from ladders occur due to improper positioning of ladder at the landing
level, where the top of the ladder is shorter than the landing level. Therefore, it is
required to ensure that ladders are extended at least 1 m or 5 rungs above the landing
level.
7. It is necessary to warn workers/ people the worthiness of the access equipment they
use. A scafftag system which is signed and inspected regularly should be put on all
access equipments/ scaffoldings. Green tag for serviceable and red for unserviceable.
This would reduce the incidents of structure collapse, reducing injuries, cost reduction,
avoid business interruption etc.
8. A dedicated trained and competent team is required to manage the erection,
dismantling, modifying, testing and inspection of all access platforms including
scaffoldings and ladders, so that a common best industry standard is followed through
out the site. Therefore, appointment of a scaffolding supervisor and trained scaffolders
are required. Inspections to be carried out not less than once in 7 days and before its
first use.
9. There is a requirement of continuously monitoring the scaffold structures for any
unauthorized modifications, removal of critical components etc so as to maintain the
integrity of the structure. Adequate number of inspectors must be appointed to carry out
this task.
10. Requirement of people and workers be aware of the hazards present at height and the
proper use of the personal protection equipment like safety harnesses must be included
in the training and tools box talks.
11. It is essential to have a hooking or a securing point while using safety harnesses for
which lanyards with adequate strength and provision for securing them need to be
considered to ensure that at all point of time the person working at height is securely
hooked to a static point. Most importantly while moving on a top working platform.
Health Hazards Noise due to construction equipments & machineries
Noise has been considered as the most significant health hazard in a construction atmosphere
as there are a lot of close interactions between heavy machineries, equipments, plants,
vehicles and persons and it is a continuous process. It is practically not possible to isolate or
eliminate fully such noisy activities. Taking into consideration of this fact, the following
32

improvement actions are recommended based on the hierarchies of controls to reduce the
impact of noise emissions:1. Establish the maximum exposure limit of 85 dB (A) or peak pressure of 140 dB(C) at the
ear for all affected areas so that the measurements can be taken and levels exceeding
can be identified and controlled.
2. Technology is advancing and there is a requirement of possibly sourcing suppliers for
purchasing less noisy equipments and accordingly revise the purchasing policy and
strategies and so that we can control the noise emission at the source itself.
3. In order to identify people vulnerable to induced hearing loss, audiometric tests must be
conducted on a regular basis and accordingly classify them for noisy and less noisy
jobs. The same needs to be done at the time of recruitment, to assess if the loss of
hearing is due to occupational reasons. Likewise, exposure to noise must be limited to
persons by proper job rotation, giving breaks and providing soundproof havens.
4. There is a requirement of re-routing the pedestrian walkways to ensure that they are
avoiding the noisy activities and equipments so that their exposure to noise can be kept
to minimum. Likewise, there is a need to re-design the vehicle routes to ensure that they
avoid the public interfaces and buildings so that the noise due to transport and vehicle
cause fewer nuisances to public and reduce complaints and enforcement actions.
5. Vibration of air particles and equipments is a prime cause of noise. Hence, there is a
need to mount all static machineries on vibration proof mounts and kept covered or
enclosed.
6. All operatives and staffs needs to be aware of symptoms of hearing loss, the hazards of
noises and the right use and maintenance of personal protective equipments like ear
muffs. Training and tools box talks must include these topics. Ear muffs are better ear
defenders than ear plugs. Everyone should be provided with ear muffs while entering
Hearing protection zones.
By ensuring that the above mentioned controls are put in place, the company can reduce the
injuries and accidents significantly and thus save on both direct and indirect costs. Improve
productivity by avoiding business interruptions, enforcement actions; improve the public image
and trust. Improve employee relations and will also help optimization of resources.

33

7.

ACTION PLAN

7.1

Management System

Recommendations
1

Action(s)

Time
Scale

Responsibilities

Cost

Success Criteria**

Update the policy

statement/
statement of
intent
Appointing
management
system
representative

Revise the policy statement with a

valid signature of General
Manager/ Director with date.

1 Week

General
Manager

100

Appoint a person in senior

management by name to take
overall responsibility for health and
safety affairs of the company.

2 Weeks

General
Manager

Clearly define
health and safety
responsibilities of
all.

Define the top management

responsibilities in health and
safety affairs.

2 Weeks

General
Manager

Provide sufficient
resources to
manage safety

Define/ ear mark a budget for

health and safety programmes.

1 Month

General
Manager

Identify people
with specific
health and safety
role

Recruit 5 H&S Officers and 5 H&S

assistants for the units under
construction.

3 months

HR Manager

1000 Appointment letter and

internal memo
announcing the new
position &
responsibilities
100 Revised HSE
management system
with responsibilities of
top management
included.
200 Inclusion of Health &
Safety while budgeting/
costing for new
contracts. Benchmark
a % to be spent on
health & Safety on all
projects.
2000 Appointment letter and
CVs

34

Signed and dated

statement of intent

Review
Date
12-03-08

19-03-05

19-03-05

12-04-08

12-06-08

Recommendations
6

Assess the
experience,
knowledge and
skills and provide
adequate training
after identifying
specific training
skills required.

Consult
employees and
employee safety
representatives
on all issues of
health & Safety

Control
subcontractors/
all persons
entering/ working
in company
premises

Time
Scale

Responsibilities

Cost

Success Criteria**

Develop a competency based

training matrix.

1 month

Manager

100

Communicate training
requirements to the employees
and the supervisors.

1 Month

Manager

300

Training matrix.
Training attendance
register. Employee
training schedules and
certificates of
completion.

Allocate separate training budgets

and establish training rooms.
Include health & Safety
competency assessments during
the recruitment/ transfers/
promotions of employees.
Establish a health and safety
committee.

3 Months

Manager

12-06-08

3 Months

Manager

1 month

Manager

3 months

Manager

3000 Physical observation of

the training room.
300 Revised format of
performance appraisals
with inclusion of H&S
performance criterion.
100 HSE suggestion boxes
on all locations
including rest areas/
labor camps. Invitation
letters for committee
3000 meetings. Minutes of
meetings and agenda
items.

1 week

Manager

300

12-03-08

Action(s)

Meetings to be held at least half

yearly.
Employee suggestion box to be
placed around all the company
facilities.
Company health & safety plan to
be given to all contractors.

35

Interviewing
subcontractors.
Reviewing their HSE
plans.
Acknowledgement
letter from contractor
on receipt.

Review
Date
12-04-08

12-04-08

12-06-08

12-04-08

12-06-08

Recommendations

Action(s)

Time
Scale

Responsibilities

Cost

Success Criteria**

Review
Date

Induction training to be conducted

to all visitors including temporary
contractors and record to be
maintained along with a written
acknowledgement to comply with
company requirements.

1 Week/
Ongoing

Manager/
Supervisor/ H&S
Advisor

100

Inspection of induction
registers and induction
markings on the
helmets with date.
Interviewing visitors.

Communicate
health and safety
issues at all
possible forums
Introduce a
system for task
risk assessments
and method
statements before
commencing any
critical activities

Health and safety to be discussed

as the first agenda on all meetings
held.

1 Week/
Ongoing

All

500

Minutes of meetings,
agenda items.

19-04-08

Method statements and task risk

assessments to be prepared by
the construction team and
reviewed by the health & safety
specialist and same to be
conveyed to all operatives.

1 month

Managers/
Supervisors/
Line
Management

500

Random checks on the

method statements and
task risk assessments
records. Hazard
registry for all projects
separately.

19-04-08

11

Review objectives
and targets at
least annually

Update/ review the objectives and

targets and prepare action plans to
achieve them.

1 Month

Manager

300

19-04-08

12

Evaluation of
emergency
response
procedure

Conduct emergency response

drills on all facilities/ sites and
repeat the drill at least quarterly.

2 Weeks

Manager/
Supervisor/ Line
Management

Revision of HSE Plan

and memo announcing
the health & Safety
target for the current
year.
1000 Emergency drill report.
Photographs and
update of equipment
inspection records.

10

Maintain a hazard registry.

36

02-04-08

Recommendations
13

7.2

Regular internal
audits to be
conducted.

Action(s)

Time
Scale

Responsibilities

Cost

Success Criteria**

Review
Date

More staffs to be sent of internal

audit trainings and be certified as
internal auditors. An audit team to
be formed.

3 months

General
Manager/
Managers

2000 Training report on

internal auditor course.

19-06-08

An annual audit plan to be

prepared.

1 Month

Manager

300

Audit plan for the year

with the names of audit
team and audit
protocols

19-04-08

Time Scale

Responsibilities

Cost

Success Criteria**

2 Weeks

Manager/ Design
Manager

2000

Hazards and Risk

7.2.1 Working on Scaffolding

Recommendations
1

Design all
scaffolds in use

Action(s)
Produce design drawings for
load bearing scaffolds and nonstandard structures. Consider
any additional plant, equipment,
material or sheeting that could
impose additional loadings over
and above the standard scaffold
design loads.

37

Design/ scaffold
erection drawings
and schedules.

Review
Date
02-04-08

Recommendations

Action(s)

Responsibilities

Cost

Success Criteria**

1 Month

Manager

1000

No objection letters;
letter to public
authorities.

19-04-08

3 Months

Manager

30000

Local purchase
orders. Physical
inspection on site.
Method statements
of temporary works
requiring access to
height
Appointment letter/
transfer letters and
time sheets.

19-06-08

Inspection on site.
Check list of fall
arrest equipment
purchased. Audit
safety of stores.
Inspect method
statements.
Inspection reports of
scaffolding. Physical
observation.
Inclusion in the
inspection checklist

19-04-08

Obtain consent
from public
authorities.

Avoid using
scaffolds/ ladders
for temporary
height access

Warn public/
passers by and
restrict traffic
movements at
the base of the
scaffolding.
Provision of
passive restraints
for material falls/
persons

Eliminate protruding edges.

Employ a flag man, warning
signs and barriers near the
scaffold platform where vehicles
are likely to pass and restrict
traffic movements.
Provide safety nets and air bags

1 Week

Supervisor

500

1 month

Manager

10000

Securing the
working platform

All scaffold planks and kickboards/ toe boards to be well

secured and tightened to
scaffold structure to prevent
displacement

Immediate
(within 2
days)

Supervisor/ Line
Management

500

Consent to be obtained from

local authorities before erecting
scaffolding on footpath or public
areas or adjacent to property
owners.
Use MEWPs (Mobile elevated
working platforms) and mobile
access platforms for temporary
works.

Review
Date

Time Scale

38

26-03-08

13-03-08

Recommendations
7

Secure the
scaffold structure
to existing
structure

Proper erection
and use of
ladders

Competent
persons only to
erect, alter or
inspect access
equipments/
scaffolds

10

Inspect the
scaffold regularly

Time Scale

Responsibilities

Cost

Outriggers/ guy ropes to be tied

to the scaffold and secure it
against existing structure. Ties
removed for any purpose to be
fixed back or alternate ties to be
used.
All ladders to extent 1m or 5
rungs above the landing
platform

Immediate
(within 2
days)

Supervisor/ Line
Management

500

Inspection reports
and photographs

13-03-08

Immediate
(within 2
days)

Supervisor/ Line
Management

1000

13-03-08

Appoint a competent person

trained in CITB procedures in
erecting, handling, inspecting
and maintained all access
equipment.

1 Month

Manager

2000

ladder inspection
records,
photographs/
reduced number of
incidents due to
collapse of ladder/
fall from ladder
Appointment letter.
Training register and
scaffolder training
certificate. Erection &
inspection checklists.

Persons erecting scaffolds to

undergo a third party training
and be certified as a scaffolder

3 months

Manager

3000

Inspect scaffold
training certificates
and list of appointed
scaffolders.

19-06-08

The appointed competent

person to inspect the scaffolding
before it is first used; where
conditions may cause
deterioration of the structure
and within a 7 day period are as
specified by the temporary

1 Month

Manager/
Supervisor

1000

Inspection reports
and photographs

19-04-08

39

Success Criteria**

Review
Date

Action(s)

19-04-08

Recommendations

Action(s)

Review
Date

Time Scale

Responsibilities

Cost

Success Criteria**

Inspection on site.
Unused scaffoldings
marked as red.
Green tags are
signed off on a daily
basis before work
commences.
Inspection of site.
Check method
statements. Check
local purchase
orders. Dust
emission records.
Inspection records
and daily scaffold
checklists.

02-04-08

Training records,
training registers.
Personal interviews.
Demonstration of use
of PPEs.

19-04-08

works coordinator.

11

Provide evidence
of worthiness of
access
equipment/
scaffolds

Use scaff tag system signed

and marked green and
inspected by the competent
person not less than 7 days.

2 weeks

Supervisor/ Line
Management

1000

12

Arrest debris/
materials from
falling

Debris guards/ debris netting

and fans to be provided for high
rise scaffolds and those close to
public areas

1 Month

Manager

1000

13

Monitor misuse
of scaffolds and
access
equipments

Appoint inspectors to randomly

check if edge protection is
removed and no unauthorized
alterations are made.

Immediate
(within 2
days)

Supervisor

2000

14

All operatives to
be trained
especially the
persons erecting
scaffolds

Provide training/ tools box to all

operatives and supervisory staff
involved in the use of
suspension equipment such as
lines and harnesses, and how to
inspect and assess PPE before
use.

1 Month

Manager

3000

40

19-04-08

13-03-08

Recommendations

Action(s)

Time Scale

Responsibilities

Cost

15

Ensure good
housekeeping

Task a housekeeping team to

look for removed nuts, washers
and to clean up grease, oil,
paint etc and to dispose all left
over materials on a daily basis.

Immediate
(within 2
days)

Supervisor/ Line
management

500

15

Provide suitable
personal fall
arrest systems.

Provide safety harnesses with 2

lanyards and provisions for
securing/ hooking.

Immediate
(within 2
days)

Manager

4000

Success Criteria**
Inspect
housekeeping
records and
checklists. Inspect
records of fall due to
slips/ trips.
Visual observation
while doing the
activity. Check
purchase orders for
safety harnesses.
Review method
statements.

Review
Date
13-03-08

13-03-08

7.2.2 Noise from Construction Equipment/ Machineries

RECOMMENDATIONS
1

Establish noise
exposure limits

ACTION(S)
Measure the exposure limit value
not exceeding 85 dB (A)/ peak
sound pressure of 140 dB (C) at
the ear for all affected persons.

TIME
SCALE

RESPONSIBILITIES

COST*

2 weeks

Manager

1000

41

SUCCESS
CRITERIA**
Record of noise
monitoring and
establishment of first
action level and peak
action level.

REVIEW
DATE/
FORMAT
13-03-08

RECOMMENDATIONS

ACTION(S)

TIME
SCALE

RESPONSIBILITIES

COST*

SUCCESS
CRITERIA**

REVIEW
DATE/
FORMAT
19-06-08

Purchase less
noisy equipment

Revise the purchasing policy and

introduce a low- noise
purchasing strategies for all
construction related equipment

3 Months

General
Manager/
Managing
Director

1000

Revised procedure for

purchasing and list of
suppliers and
certificates from
manufacturers on low
noise qualities.

Isolate the noisy

equipment/
machineries

Keep the compressor/ generator

and all static machineries
covered with sound proof
material.
Screen the noise source with a
barrier, soil heap or locate behind
partly completed buildings.

1 month

Manager/
Supervisor

5000

Physical observation
and maintenance
records. Purchase
orders of sound proof
covers.

19-04-08

Reduce noise
due to vibration
of machineries

All static machineries to be

mounted on anti-vibration
mounts.

1 month

Manager

3000

19-04-08

Health
surveillance

Conduct audiometry test on all

vulnerable workers/ operators
and results to be conveyed and
kept as records.

1 month

Manager

3000

Encourage
participation from
employees

Encourage employees to seek

medical advice if hearing
damage is suspected.

1 month

Supervisor/
Line
management

500

Physical observation.
Maintenance records
and local purchase
orders.
Audiometry records for
all staffs clearly
categorized separately
for people with defects
and healthy. Health
records/ medical
reports
Check record of
referels to clinic/
hospitals for hearing
complaints.

42

19-04-08

19-04-08

RECOMMENDATIONS

ACTION(S)

TIME
SCALE

RESPONSIBILITIES

COST*

SUCCESS
CRITERIA**

REVIEW
DATE/
FORMAT
13-03-08

Reduce duration
of exposure to
workers

Identify noisy areas and limit the

workers in and around the area
by adjusting the work schedules

Immediate
(within 2
days)

Supervisor/
Line
management

1000

Check time sheets/

work schedules for all
workers.

Redesign the
pedestrian routes

Modify/ re-design the pedestrian

routes to avoid passing through
noisy activity areas/ equipments.

2 Weeks

Manager

1000

25-03-08

10

Provision of safe
havens

Provide sound proof rest

facilities/ safe havens on site

2 month

Manager

20000

New signmarked
pedestrian routes with
barricades and hazard
warning signs.
Physical observation
and noise monitoring
records.

Reduce public
interfaces

2 weeks

Manager

2000

Training

2 weeks

Manager/
Supervisor/
Line
Management

5000

Inspect vehicle routes

and interview drivers
regarding the
knowledge of new
route.
Checking training
matrix, employee
training records,
training registers and
personal interview.

25-03-08

11

12

Provision of
personnel
hearing
protection
devices.

Access roads to site to be repositioned such that equipments

and machinery movements
cause minimum disturbances to
residential buildings/ publics.
Training on the likely noise
exposure and risk to hearing;
where and how to obtain hearing
protectors; how to report defects
in hearing protectors and noise
control equipment and
employees duties.
Provide ear defenders/ muffs to
all personnel who are entering
the hearing protection zones.

1 Month

Manager

3000

Inspect stores. Check

the purchase orders
and personal
interviews with
workers.

19-04-08

11-05-08

25-03-08

* Costs: Calculated based on the assumed man-hours spend by the responsible persons and the equipment, material and training
costs. Man-hours are calculated based on the following assumptions:43

RECOMMENDATIONS

ACTION(S)

Top Management (GM/ MD) :

500 per hour

Managers

250 per hour

TIME
SCALE

RESPONSIBILITIES

COST*

Supervisor/ Line
management
Workers/ Labors

SUCCESS
CRITERIA**

REVIEW
DATE/
FORMAT

100 per hour

50 per hour

** Success criteria can be generally attributed to reduced number of injuries, dangerous occurrences, non conformances and
enforcement actions

44

8.

REFERENCES/ BIBILIOGRAPHY

1) NEBOSH 2006, Guide to the NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and
Safety, Leicester.
2) CRONER 2006, The Law of Health and Safety at Work. by Norman Selwyn, Surrey
3) IOSH 2007, Health and Safety: hazardous agents. By Dr Chris Hartley, Leicester.
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HSG183, HSE Books, Sudbury
5) Health and Safety Executive, 2006, Successful health and safety management. HSG65,
HSE Books, Sudbury
6) RMS 2006, Workplace and Work Equipment. A study book for the NEBOSH National
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7) Health and Safety Executive, 1996, Slips and Trips: Guidance for Employers on
Identifying Hazards and Controlling Risks. HSG155, HSE Books, Sudbury.
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Books, Sudbury
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Work Regulations 1989, L108, HSE Books, Sudbury.
13) British Standards Institution, 2004, Temporary works equipment Part 1: Scaffolds
performance requirements and general design. BS EN 12811-1: 1994, BSI, London.
14) British Standards Institution, 1994a, Hearing Protectors: Recommendation for the
Selection, Use, Care and Maintenance. BS EN 458: 1994, BSI, London.
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2380)
18) Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1966 (SI 1966 No. 95)
45

19) Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (SI 1999 No. 3242)
20) Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1988 (SI 1998 No. 2306)
21) Work at Height Regulations 2005 (SI 2005 No. 735)
22) Noise at Work Regulations 1989 (SI 1989/1790)
23) Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/2306) (as amended
by SI 1999/ 860 and SI 1999/2001)
24) Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/3073) (as amended by the
Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1994 (SI 1994/ 2063)
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3 March 2008)

46