Construction site

issues – hazards
and control
10.1 Introduction
The construction industry covers a wide range of activities
ranging from large-scale civil engineering projects to very
small house extensions. The construction industry has
approximately 200,000 firms of whom only 12,000 employ
more than seven people – many of these firms are much
10
smaller. The use of sub-contractors is very common at all
levels of the industry.
Over many years, the construction industry has had
a poor health and safety record. In 1966, there were
292 fatalities in the industry and by 1995 this figure had
reduced to 62 but by 2000/01 the figure had increased to
106. Over the last 25 years, 2,800 people have died on

Figure 10.1 Typical construction site.

173
 Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction
construction sites. These figures include deaths of mem-
bers of the public including children playing on construc-
tion sites. Although most of these fatalities (over 70%)
were caused by falls from height, there are other signifi-
cant causes. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has
listed the main causes of fatalities as:
➤ falling through fragile roofs and rooflights
➤ falling from ladders, scaffolds and other workplaces
➤ being struck by excavators, forklift trucks or dumper
trucks
➤ overturning vehicles
➤ being crushed by collapsing structures.
At a conference organized by the Health and Safety
Commission in February 2001 to address the problem,
it was noted that at least two construction workers were
being killed each week. Targets were set to reduce the
number of fatalities and major injuries by 40% over a
4-year period. All these statistics, however, ignore the
large number of ‘near miss’ incidents, such as material
falling from a height but not coming into contact with
an employee, a machine overturning without causing
injury and a trench collapse at a time when no one was
working in it. A proper investigation of near miss inci-
dents and the identification of the causes allow preven-
tive action to be taken before an accident occurs. It also
signals that all failures must be taken seriously whether
or not they lead to injury and may yield a greater under-
standing of deficiencies within the health and safety
management system. Studies have shown that approxi-
mately ten ‘near miss’ similar incidents will be followed
by an accident if no remedial action is taken.
Due to the fragmented nature of the industry and
its accident and ill-health record, the recent construc-
tion industry legal framework has concentrated on haz-
ards associated with the industry, welfare issues and
the need for management and control at all stages of a
construction project.
Finally, it is important to note that the construction
site may be inside a building (refurbishment work) as
well as an open air site.
10.2 General hazards and controls
The Construction (Design and Management) (CDM)
Regulations deal with the main hazards likely to be
found on a construction site. In addition to these specific
hazards, there will be the more general hazards (manual
handling, electricity, noise, etc.), which are discussed in
more detail in other chapters. The hazards and controls
identified in the CDM 2007 are as follows.
174
Figure 10.2 Secure site access gate.
10.2.1 Safe place of work
Safe access to and egress from the site and the individ-
ual places of work on the site are fundamental to a good
health and safety environment. This clearly requires that
all ladders, scaffolds, gangways, stairways and passenger
hoists are safe for use. It further requires that all excava-
tions are fenced, the site is tidy and proper arrangements
are in place for the storage of materials and the disposal
of waste. The site needs to be adequately lit and secured
against intruders, particularly children, when it is unoccu-
pied. Such security will include:
➤ secure and locked gates with appropriate notices
posted
➤ a secure and undamaged perimeter fence with
appropriate notices posted
➤ all ladders either stored securely or boarded across
their rungs
➤ all excavations covered
➤ all mobile plant immobilized, fuel removed, where
practicable, and services isolated
➤ secure storage of all inflammable and hazardous
substances
➤ a programme of visits to local schools to explain the
dangers present on a construction site. This has been
shown to reduce the number of child trespassers
➤ security patrols and closed circuit television – may
need to be considered if unauthorized entry persists.
10.2.2 Protection against falls
Falls from a height are the most common cause of seri-
ous injury or death in the construction industry. These
falls are normally from a height (see Chapter 8) but
may also be on the same level. It is important that trip
 Construction site issues – hazards and control

hazards, such as building and waste materials, are not must also be fenced and suitable notices posted so that
left on-site on walkways or roadways. neither people nor vehicles fall into them.

10.2.3 Fragile roofs 10.2.7 Prevention of drowning

Roof work, particularly work on pitched roofs, is hazard- Where construction work takes place over water, steps
ous and requires a specific risk assessment and method should be taken to prevent people falling into the water
statement prior to the commencement of work. Further and rescue equipment should be available at all times.
details are given in Chapter 18.

10.2.4 Protection against falling objects

Construction workers and members of the public need

to be protected from the hazards associated with fall-
ing objects. Both groups should be protected by the use
of covered walkways or suitable netting to catch fall-
ing debris. Waste material should be brought to ground
level by the use of chutes or hoists. Waste should not
be thrown from scaffolding and only minimal quantities
of building material should be stored on working plat-
forms. The Construction (Head Protection) Regulations
virtually mandate employers to supply head protection
(hard hats) to employees whenever there is a risk of
head injury from falling objects. (Sikhs wearing turbans
are exempted from this requirement.) The employer is
also responsible for ensuring that hard hats are properly
maintained and replaced when they are damaged in any
way. Self-employed workers must supply and maintain
their own head protection. Employees must wear head
protection when so directed, take good care of it and Figure 10.3 Prevention of drowning.
report any loss or defect. Visitors to construction sites
should always be supplied with head protection and
mandatory head protection signs should be displayed
around the site. 10.2.8 Vehicles and traffic routes
Injuries due to falling materials are not limited to
All vehicles used on site should be regularly maintained
materials falling from height. Many fatalities have been
and records kept. Only trained drivers should be allowed
caused by the collapse of walls, particularly retaining
to drive vehicles and the training should be relevant to
walls, and by the collapse of excavations.
the particular vehicle (forklift truck, dumper truck, etc.).
Vehicles should be fitted with reverse warning systems.
10.2.5 Demolition HSE investigations have shown that in over 30% of
dumper truck accidents, the drivers had little experience
Demolition is one of the most hazardous construction and no training. Common forms of accident include driv-
operations and is responsible for more deaths and major ing into excavations, overturning whilst driving up steep
injuries than any other activity. The management of dem- inclines and runaway vehicles which have been left
olition work is controlled by the CDM Regulations and unattended with the engine running. Many vehicles such
requires a planning supervisor and a health and safety as mobile cranes require regular inspection and test
plan (as covered in Chapter 3). A more detailed discus- certificates.
sion of demolition is given in Chapter 20. Traffic routes and loading and storage areas need
to be well designed with enforced speed limits (a maxi-
10.2.6 Excavations mum of 10 mph is the limit on most sites), good visibil-
ity and the separation of vehicles and pedestrians being
This topic is covered in more detail in Chapter 19. considered. The use of one-way systems and separate
Excavations must be constructed so that they are safe site access gates for vehicles and pedestrians may be
environments for construction work to take place. They required. Finally, the safety of members of the public

175
 Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction
must be considered particularly where vehicles cross
public footpaths.
10.2.9 Fire and other emergencies
Emergency procedures relevant to the site should be in
place to prevent or reduce injury arising from fire, explo-
sion, flooding or structural collapse. These procedures
should include the location of fire points and assembly
points, extinguisher provision, site evacuation, contact
with the emergency services, accident reporting and
investigation and rescue from excavations and confined
spaces. There also needs to be training in these proce-
dures at the induction of new workers and ongoing train-
ing for all workers.
10.2.10 Electricity
Electrical hazards are covered in detail in Chapter 14,
and all the control measures mentioned apply on a con-
struction site. However, due to the possibility of wet con-
ditions, it is recommended that only 110 V equipment is
used on site. If mains electricity is used (perhaps dur-
ing the final fitting out of the building), residual current
devices should be used with all electrical equipment.
Where workers or tall vehicles are working near or under
overhead power lines, either the power should be turned
off or ‘goal posts’ or taped markers should be used to
prevent contact with the lines. Similarly, underground
supply lines should be located and marked before dig-
ging takes place.
10.2.11 Noise
Noisy machinery should be fitted with silencers. When
machinery is used in a workshop (such as woodworking
machines), a noise survey should be undertaken and, if
the noise levels exceed the second action level, the use
of ear defenders becomes mandatory. If it is necessary to
shout when talking to a nearby colleague, then the noise
level is excessive and ear defenders should be worn.
10.2.12 Health hazards
Health hazards are present on a construction site. These
hazards include vibration, dust (including asbestos),
cement, solvents and paints, and cleaners. A Control of
Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)
assessment is essential before work starts with regu-
lar updates as new substances are introduced. Copies
of the assessment and the related safety data sheets
should be kept in the site office for reference after acci-
dents or fires. They will also be required to check that the
correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is available.
176
A manual handling assessment should also be made to
ensure that the lifting and handling of heavy objects is
kept to a minimum. Additional health hazards may also
be present when working near water whether the water
is stagnant or not.
10.3 Initial site assessment
Before work commences, an initial site assessment
should be undertaken. This assessment should not only
consider hazards associated with the site itself but also
the hazards which may well be present during the con-
struction phase.
The previous and current use of the site will form
the basis of the assessment. A greenfield site is likely
to present fewer problems than a brownfield site, par-
ticularly when the site has been previously contaminated
by earlier activities. Chemical contamination is common
when the site formerly housed industrial plant. It is not
uncommon in such situations for oils or other pollut-
ants to be stored in underground storage chambers; and
although normally the bulk of such substances will have
been removed, residues will remain and present both
environmental and cost problems to the construction
developer who needs to understand the various reme-
dial measures that may be used to prevent pollution of
nearby streams. Remedial measures may involve the
capping of the chamber or its excavation and the com-
plete disposal of the pollutants (possibly including soil
washing and thermal treatment). In many parts of the
country, there are old mine workings, shafts and wells
and in many cases there is no record of these on avail-
able public documents. A detailed site survey may well
discover that such old workings exist and indicate that
sufficient funds must be allocated to ensure that they
are safely capped.
Knowledge of the history of the site is, therefore,
important during the initial site assessment. Details will
also be needed of any other activities, including non-
construction ones, which are taking place at or near
the site.
If the project involves demolition and refur-
bishment, then information on the occupancy of the
premises or nearby premises needs to be ascertained.
A structural survey should be made of the building to
investigate the types of structural defect that may be
apparent during a visual inspection and explain the
causes of those defects. Typical defects include cor-
rosion of steelwork, cracking due to fatigue in struc-
tural steel and welds, cracked brickwork and concrete,
concrete degradation (flaking), dropped lintels and dis-
torted doors or window frames, wood rot, evidence of
timber infestation, dampness above the damp-proof
 Construction site issues – hazards and control
course, cracks or dips in floors and ceilings, dips in
the roof line, deformed structural members and bulg-
ing walls. Possible causes could include the quality of
the initial design, the age of the building, lack of mainte-
nance, poor quality materials, poor construction stand-
ards, solar radiation, damage from extreme weather
conditions, vibration from machinery or traffic, chemical
attack, overloading, accidental impact, ground settle-
ment or subsidence, leaking drains, unauthorized modi-
fications, fire damage, vandalism, the action of tree roots
and pest infestation.
The provision of temporary supports where required,
suitable access equipment and barriers or covers to pre-
vent falls through floor openings and the need to carry
out an assessment of the manual handling operations
are additional factors to be considered. Asbestos, ver-
min infestation and exposure to lead from paintwork and
pipes are possible health hazards and evidence of any
of these must also be included in any assessment.
Also an emergency evacuation plan and the use
of hot work permits may need to be considered at the
initial site assessment stage.
A survey of the topography of the site, including
the ground conditions, ground stability and type of
ground or soil (e.g. gravel, sand or clay), is essential prior
to the commencement of any construction work.
Access to the site, particularly for vehicles, is an
important consideration especially if access is from a
busy road or close to a school or hospital.
Finally the nature of the surroundings of the
site should be included in the assessment and should
include the following considerations:
➤ the proximity of roads, footpaths, railways, rivers
and other waterways
➤ the details of any fencing or hedging and general
vegetation
➤ the position and description of any trees which need
to be felled and those that must be untouched (par-
ticularly if they are subject to a tree preservation
order)
➤ the proximity of residential, commercial or industrial
properties and concerns
➤ the proximity of schools, colleges, hospitals and
playing fields
➤ the presence of overhead power lines and details of
the responsible authority
➤ the presence of buried services including sewers
and disused wells
➤ the availability of services, such as electricity, tele-
phone lines and water, and drainage systems
➤ any evidence of fly tipping or other unauthorized
activity
➤ measures required to prevent unauthorized access
by vehicles.
10.4 Site controls
Many of the site controls have been covered earlier in
this chapter (Section 10.2 – General hazards and con-
trols). Site controls can be conveniently subdivided
under four headings – site planning, site preparation,
site security and the arrangements with the client and/or
occupier of the premises.
10.4.1 Site planning
An essential element of site planning is the layout of the
site. Due to a lack of forethought or planning, many sites
rapidly degenerate into a muddled or confused state.
This leads to a corresponding reduction in health and
safety standards and an increase in accidents.
During the site planning stage, arrangements will be
needed to ensure that there is safe access to and around
the site for both pedestrians and vehicles. Care must be
taken during the planning of traffic routes so that pedestri-
ans and vehicles are kept apart as much as possible. It will
also be necessary to provide suitable loading and unload-
ing areas, which may need to be moved as the construc-
tion work progresses, and recognized parking areas.
Method statements (see Chapter 6) should be
developed at this stage. They will detail how a specific
job or process is to be undertaken together with the
associated hazards and the necessary control measures
that should be in place to ensure health and safety. If
contractors are to be used, a pre-tender questionnaire
should be submitted by them so that their competence
may be determined. The method statement should be
checked and approved by the employer or a respon-
sible person, such as the site manager or supervisor,
before the work starts. When the work has started,
the employer is obliged, under section 3 of the Health
and Safety at Work Act, to ensure adherence to the
method statement and that a safe system of work is
being used while the work is being undertaken.
Adequate lighting must be provided in all parts of
the site especially along vehicle routes, although natural
light should be made available whenever possible. When
lighting failure could lead to serious risks of accidents,
such as working on a tower scaffold, secondary light-
ing should be provided, perhaps in the form of torches.
Suitable signs will be required on the site – these may
be health and safety, warning or directional signs.
Areas on the site will also need to be designated for
site offices, materials and on-site machinery (fixed and
mobile) storage and welfare facilities for the workforce.
Arrangements for the day-to-day management and con-
trol of the site, monitoring, review and inspection of pro-
cedures and equipment and workforce supervision must
be made during the planning stage.
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 Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction
If demolition or refurbishment is to be undertaken,
then hazards associated with structural collapse, fire,
working at height, lifting and carrying and electricity must
be considered together with health hazards from lead,
asbestos, vermin and insects. As mentioned in Chapter 20,
a structural survey before work commences should
reduce the risk of unintentional structural collapse. The
issue of hot work permits, provision of firefighting equip-
ment and suitable storage facilities for flammable sub-
stances should control the fire risk. Health risks can be
controlled, for example, by the use of licensed contrac-
tors for the removal of asbestos, specialist contractors to
eradicate vermin and the provision of suitable PPE.
Emergency arrangements need to be in place before
work begins. These arrangements should deal with fire
precautions, accident reporting and investigation and
the provision of an accident book together with RIDDOR
reporting forms.
Whatever the type of construction project, the dis-
posal of any waste produced must be planned. There
are four requirements for the transfer of waste from the
site to final treatment or disposal:
1. The waste must be clearly identified. This will
involve the determination of the chemical and physi-
cal properties of the material, the identification of
any special problems associated with the waste,
and ensuring that it is properly labelled with a written
description.
2. The waste must be securely stored with procedures
to deal with spillages and prevent access, particu-
larly by scavengers or children.
3. The waste must be transferred only to an authorized
person. Classes of authorized person include regis-
tered waste carriers, holders of waste management
licences or exempt parties such as charities or waste
collection authorities. Waste transfer notes must be
transferred from one duty holder to the next along
the waste chain. Checks are advised to ensure that
prospective waste contractors are competent to deal
with waste.
4. The adequate records of waste consignments must
be kept for at least 2 years in the case of controlled
waste, and 3 years for any hazardous waste. (These
categories of waste are defined in Chapter 16 which
includes additional possible legal requirements for
waste disposal on construction sites.)
Waste skip selection should be made during the site
planning process. The selected skip must be suitable
for the particular job. The following points should be
considered:
➤ sufficient strength to cope with its load
➤ stability while being filled
178
➤ a reasonable uniform load distribution within the
skip at all times
➤ the immediate removal of any damaged skip from
service and the skip inspected after repair before it
is used again
➤ sufficient space around the skip to work safely at all
times
➤ the skip should be resting on firm level ground
➤ the skip should never be overloaded or overfilled,
and
➤ there must be sufficient headroom for the safe
removal of the skip when it is filled.
Finally the HSE should be notified before work begins
(using F10 (rev) or the details required by F10) when the
project construction phase involves more than 30 days
of work or involves more than 500 person-days of con-
struction work. The CDM co-ordinator is responsible for
this notification to the HSE. See Chapter 21 for details of
the information required.
10.4.2 Site preparation
It is quite possible that specialist activities, such as lift-
ing, piling or steelwork, will be carried out on site dur-
ing the construction phase and controls will need to be in
place to address associated risks. Only workers who are
competent in the specialist activity should be employed
or contracted. One of the ways of assessing competence
is to check on relevant method statements supplied by
the workers. When the activity involves working at height,
then the safeguards outlined in Chapter 18 must be
made available. Care must also be taken to ensure that
other major hazards are addressed, such as noise and
vibration hazards associated with piling work and crane
hazards during lifting operations. Site rules for site work-
ers should be formulated during the planning stage and a
specimen set of such rules is given in Appendix 10.1.
The preparation of the site may well involve the
removal or de-branching of trees using chainsaws and
a wheeled excavator to remove the roots. These are par-
ticularly hazardous operations when there are overhead
or buried power lines at the site.
Chainsaws must only be used by trained and com-
petent operators using a safe system of work which
fully describes the hazards involved and the measures
required to reduce the risks. Such measures include the
necessary PPE, for example goggles, hearing protection,
and ballistic trousers or overalls; the provision of safe and
secure access to higher branches such as ladders or
cherry pickers; and the provision of fall arrest equipment
such as harnesses. There must be a high level of super-
vision at all times. There is much more information on
chainsaws and the necessary precautions when used, in
Chapter 13 (13.9.4).
 Construction site issues – hazards and control
Figure 10.4 Precautions for overhead lines: ‘goalpost’ crossing points beneath lines to avoid contact by plant.
When site preparation requires the removal of con-
taminated topsoil, it is important to ensure that appropri-
ate PPE, including respirators, is issued to the workforce
and the suitable welfare facilities, including a decon-
tamination unit, are available. A decontamination unit
will have a dirty chamber where contaminated cloth-
ing can be left, a shower facility and a clean chamber
where clean clothes will be kept. Arrangements will also
be needed to ensure that eating, rest and first-aid areas
are free from contamination and that emergency decon-
tamination facilities are available.
Finally, high-voltage overhead power lines should
always be made dead to prevent contact with the ener-
gized cable. If this is not possible, other control meas-
ures should be used such as height restrictions for site
vehicles, signs, goalpost barriers and the use of banks-
men. It is also necessary to locate and identify any
underground services. It is essential that the electrical
supply company is informed of the construction work
and that sound emergency procedures are in place.
10.4.3 Site security
Site security is required to ensure that construction
materials, equipment and accessories are protected
and this is usually achieved by the erection of a strong
perimeter fence and a lockable gate. However, it is also
important to protect members of the public includ-
ing trespass by children. This is particularly relevant
for a refurbishment project when strong hoardings or
secure fencing must be provided. There is also a need
to ensure that the site itself is safe should children man-
age to trespass onto the site. This involves the removal
of access ladders, providing trench supports, covering
holes where possible, immobilizing plant, safe stacking
of materials, locking away dangerous chemicals, isolat-
ing electrical supplies and locking off fuel storage tanks.
Many of these problems may be avoided by visiting local
schools to inform children of construction site dangers.
Accidents to children on construction sites are a national
concern and a widespread problem everywhere.
The provision of warning signs at the perimeter
fence and suitable viewing points for the public to
observe the construction work safely has been shown
to reduce the incidents of site trespass.
Whilst storage is an important factor for site security,
it is also needed for health and safety reasons. Cement,
which is a hazardous substance, must be securely
stored in a dry store. Gas cylinders, fuel and other flam-
mable substances must be stored in a separate flame-
proof store (more details of these requirements are given
in Chapter 15).
10.4.4 Environmental considerations
The public must also be protected from environmen-
tal hazards resulting from the work, such as excessive
dust, noise and mud on the public highway. Excessive
dust may be controlled by damping down haul roads
regularly, the sheeting of lorry loads and imposing speed
limits on roads close to the site. During road repair oper-
ations, dust should be prevented from entering surface
drains and precautions taken to prevent or restrict the
effects of fuel spillage.
Noise levels may be reduced by the regular mainte-
nance of equipment and the erection of noise barriers.
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 Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction
Other controls include the use of quieter equipment and
restricting the use of noisy machinery to late morning or
early afternoon.
Regular road sweeping will reduce mud on sur-
rounding roads. The problem will also be alleviated by
washing vehicle wheels before they leave the site.
For any of these measures to be successful, the site
workforce must be informed of the procedures at induc-
tion and by posters and signs around the site.
10.4.5 Arrangements with the client and/or
occupier of the premises
Such arrangements will include site rules (see Appendix
10.1 for an example) for the protection of members of
the public, visitors and other employees. They should
also cover issues such as shared facilities (e.g. first-aid
arrangements and the use of catering facilities) and the
need for full co-operation from the occupier and his staff
in the observation of health and safety rules.
When the construction work involves a public high-
way, measures should be introduced to ensure the safe
passage of vehicles and pedestrians. This will involve
the erection of warning signs, the use of cones with
lead-in and exit tapers and an indication of a safety zone
between the cones and the work area. Pedestrian safety
will require the use of barriers and lighting and traffic
may need to be controlled using traffic lights or stop/go
boards. Certain neighbours, such as schools, hospitals
or factories, may also need to be informed of the timing
of some aspects of the work.
10.4.6 Arrangements for site induction
Properly organized and prepared site inductions for
all site workers are very important. As mentioned in
Chapter 9, site induction training is seen by the HSE
as an essential element in the drive to reduce accidents
on construction sites. Induction training in general was
covered in Chapter 4 (4.8.1) and the issues raised there
should be included in an induction event on a construc-
tion site. However, the following additional topics should
also be covered:
➤ senior management commitment to health and
safety
➤ site health and safety policy
➤ the outline of the project
➤ the managerial and consultation arrangements on
site including the identity of their supervisor
➤ site health and safety plans
➤ site welfare facilities
➤ any site-specific health and safety risks, for example
in relation to access, transport, site contamination,
hazardous substances and manual handling
180
➤ those site method statements which are relevant to
the workers at the induction
➤ the findings of any relevant risk assessments
➤ details of any hazardous operations, such as work at
height, site vehicular movement and confined space
working
➤ control measures on the site, including:
➤ any site rules
➤ any permit-to-work systems
➤ traffic routes
➤ security arrangements
➤ hearing protection zones
➤ arrangements for PPE, including what is needed,
where to find it and how to use it
➤ manual handling procedures and precautions
➤ arrangements for housekeeping and materials
storage
➤ facilities available, including welfare facilities
➤ emergency procedures, including fire precau-
tions, the action to take in the event of a fire,
escape routes, assembly points, responsible
people and the safe use of any firefighting
equipment.
➤ arrangements for first aid
➤ arrangements for reporting accidents and other
incidents
➤ details of any planned training, such as ‘toolbox’
talks
➤ arrangements for consulting and involving workers
in health and safety, including the identity and role
of any:
➤ appointed trade union representatives
➤ representatives of employee safety
➤ safety committees.
➤ information about the individual’s responsibilities for
health and safety.
The quality of the information presented at the site meet-
ing will determine the effectiveness of the induction train-
ing. Some use should be made of videos or DVDs in the
presentation and the opportunity for interactive discus-
sion given. A copy of the site rules, health and safety pol-
icy and a simple organizational chart should be issued to
each worker at the induction meeting.
10.5 Provision of welfare facilities
The HSE have been concerned for some time at the
poor standard of welfare facilities on many construction
sites. Welfare arrangements include the provision of san-
itary conveniences and washing facilities, drinking water,
accommodation for clothing, facilities for changing
clothing and facilities for rest and eating meals. First-aid
provision is also a welfare issue and is covered in
 Construction site issues – hazards and control
Chapter 6. However, the scale of first-aid provision will
be related to the size and complexity of the project, the
number of workers on site at any given time and the
proximity of emergency hospital facilities.
Sanitary and washing facilities (including show-
ers if necessary) with an adequate supply of drinking
water should be provided for everybody working on the
site. Accommodation will be required for the chang-
ing and storage of clothes and rest facilities for break
times. There should be adequate first-aid provision (an
accident book) and protective clothing against adverse
weather conditions. Welfare issues are covered by the
CDM 2007 and its AC.P.
Detailed guidance is also available in HSG 150
Health and Safety in Construction. Welfare requirements
are also covered in the work place (Health Safety and
Welfare) Regulations and its AC.P.
Figure 10.5 Welfare – washing facilities: washbasin large
enough for people to wash their forearms.
Sanitary conveniences and washing facili-
ties must be provided together and in proportion
to the size of the workforce. The Approved Code of
Practice of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)
Regulations provides two tables offering guidance on the
requisite number of water closets, wash stations and uri-
nals for varying sizes of workforce (approximately one of
each for every 25 employees). Special provision should be
made for disabled workers and there should normally
be separate facilities for men and women. There should
be adequate protection from the weather and only as
a last resort should public conveniences be used. A
good supply of warm water, soap and towels must be
provided as close to the sanitary facilities as possible.
Hand dryers are permitted but there are concerns about
their effectiveness in drying hands completely and thus
removing all bacteria. In the case of temporary or remote
work sites, sufficient chemical closets and sufficient
washing water in containers must be provided.
All such facilities should be well ventilated and lit
and cleaned regularly.
Drinking water must be readily accessible to all
the workforce. The supply of drinking water must be
adequate and wholesome. Normally mains water is used
and should be marked as ‘drinking water’ if water not
fit for drinking is also available. On some sites, particu-
larly during the early stages of construction, it may be
necessary to provide bottled water or water in tanks. In
this event, the water should be changed regularly and
protected from contamination. Cups or mugs should
be available near the tap unless a drinking fountain is
provided.
Accommodation for clothing and facilities for
changing clothing must be provided which is clean,
warm, dry, well ventilated and secure. Where workers are
required to wear special or protective clothing, arrange-
ments should be such that the workers’ own clothing
is not contaminated by any hazardous substances. On
smaller sites, the site office may be suitable for the stor-
age of clothing, provided that it can be kept secure and
used as a rest facility.
Facilities for rest and eating meals must be pro-
vided so that workers may sit down during break times
in areas where they do not need to wear PPE. It should
be possible for workers to make hot drinks and prepare
food. Separate rooms should be provided for smok-
ers and non-smokers. Facilities should also be pro-
vided for pregnant women and nursing mothers to rest.
Arrangements must be in place to ensure that food is
not contaminated by hazardous substances. Many fires
have been caused by placing clothes on an electric
heater. Damp clothes should not be positioned in con-
tact with the heater. There should be adequate ventila-
tion around the heater. If possible, the heater should be
fitted with a high temperature cut-out device.
The location of the welfare facilities on the site is
important. They should be located adjacent to each other
and as close to the main working area as possible. It is
likely that as the work progresses, the welfare facilities
will need to be moved. It may be appropriate to use facili-
ties in neighbouring premises. However, all such arrange-
ments must be agreed in advance with the relevant
181
 Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction
Figure 10.6 A wide range of portable welfare facilities like these are available. It may be possible when refurbishing
buildings to use the facilities already on site.
neighbour. Reliance on public conveniences should be
avoided due to their unreliability and lack of hot water
for washing (normally).
Welfare arrangements for transient sites will be dif-
ferent to those for fixed sites. Transient sites include
sites where the construction work is of short dura-
tion (up to 1 week in many cases), such as road works
and emergency work. In these cases, welfare facilities
(toilets, hand-washing basins, rest and eating arrange-
ments) may be provided by a suitably equipped vehi-
cle or by siting fixed installations at intervals along the
length of the job.
HSE have produced two useful information leaflets
on the provision of welfare facilities at fixed construction
sites (CIS No. 18 (rev 1)) and transient construction sites
(CIS No. 46).
10.6 Practice NEBOSH questions for
Chapter 10
1. (a) Describe how a person new to a construction
site could be made aware of the requirements to
wear head protection.
(b) Outline the requirements of the Construction
(Head Protection) Regulations 1989.
2. Outline a system for the management and disposal
of waste from a construction site.
3. Major refurbishment work, including the installation
of new supports and joists for the first floor, is to be
carried out on a two-storey Victorian building.
182
Identify the main hazards that may be
encountered in carrying out this work and outline the
precautions that should be taken to control them.
4. Extensive maintenance work is to be carried out
on a piecemeal basis in a working warehouse. List
SIXTEEN items that should be covered in a site
induction briefing for the maintenance contractor’s
employees.
5. Site preparation work involves the removal of topsoil
from land known to be contaminated with heavy
metals. Outline the precautions required in relation
to the transportation from site and disposal of the
contaminated soil.
6. The preparation of a site requires the complete
removal of some trees and the de-branching of
others. An overhead power line crosses the site and
buried cables may be present.
Describe a safe system of work for:
(a) cutting the timber using chainsaws
(b) removing tree roots by means of a wheeled
excavator.
7. Site preparation work involves the removal of topsoil
from land known to be contaminated with heavy
metals. Outline the specific requirements for this
work in relation to:
(a) Personal protective equipment and practices
(b) welfare facilities.
8. Residents living close to a large construction site
have complained about excessive noise levels
 Construction site issues – hazards and control
from the site, dust on their property and mud on
residential streets.
(a) Outline the actions that could be taken to
mitigate such nuisances.
(b) Describe the means by which site management
could make contractors and operatives aware
of any new procedures adopted.
9. Outline EIGHT precautions that should be considered
to prevent accidents to children who might be
tempted to gain access to a construction site.
10. Identify ways of minimizing the risk of accidents to
children who might be tempted to gain access to a
construction site.
11. Outline the issues that should be considered to
ensure the health and safety of security personnel
used on a construction site out of normal working
hours.
12. Explain, with reference to practical examples,
the legal requirements relating to the provision of
welfare and first-aid facilities on construction sites.
13. Outline the requirements of the Construction
(Design and Management) Regulations relating to
sanitary and washing facilities on construction sites.
14. Outline the requirements of the Workplace (Health,
Safety and Welfare) Regulations relating to the
provision of welfare facilities.
15. A project involves the construction of an in situ
concrete structure, including the installation of
drains, on a brownfield site. Up to 60 people are
likely to be involved in the work at any one time.
Identify the welfare facilities that should be
provided for such work.
16. A project involves shallow excavations in land
previously used as a landfill site.
Outline the welfare facilities that should be
provided for such work.
183
Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction
Appendix 10.1 – A typical set of site rules
1. All contractors are required to comply with the
guidance contained in the publication HSG150
Health and Safety in Construction as the basis
upon which their construction activities are
organized, planned and implemented. A copy will
be provided on site for reference by contractors
and employees.
2. Contractors must ensure that their employees are
made aware of these site rules and fire, first-aid
and emergency procedures.
3. Any person who is in doubt about safe working
practices and procedures must contact their
supervisor.
4. Any person becoming aware of any unsafe act,
condition or faulty piece of equipment which they
cannot put right themselves, must where possible
warn others, isolate the hazard and immediately
inform the person in charge. Where necessary,
work should be stopped and, if appropriate the
area evacuated.
5. All persons must report to the site manager when
initially arriving on site.
6. Sub-contractors must advise the site manager of
any employees under the age of 18 and provide a
copy of their assessment of the risks specific to
young persons.
7. Young persons on ‘work experience’ will not be
permitted on site without the prior agreement of
the site manager.
8. No person who is known to be under the
influence of alcohol or illegal substances will be
permitted to work.
9. The site manager has the authority to stop
work if he is not satisfied with the provisions or
arrangements made for health and safety whether
in respect of unsafe practices, faulty plant and
equipment or the conduct of employees.
184
10. All plant and equipment brought onto site must
be in good condition and properly maintained.
11. Operators of plant and equipment must
produce ‘certificates of competence or training
achievement’ when requested or a letter from
their employer confirming competence and
authorization to operate the plant/equipment.
12. Plant and machinery must be immobilized and
secured when the site is unattended.
13. The site manager must be advised before any
‘hot work’ is undertaken and an appropriate hot
work permit form completed.
14. Entrance gates/fencing must be secured and
locked when the site is unattended.
15. Contractors must supply details of risk
assessment and method statements as required
by the site manager.
16. Only 110 V electrical tools and equipment are to
be used on site.
17. Hard hats must be worn in the designated areas.
18. Safety footwear must be worn at all times.
19. Debris and waste must be cleared away regularly,
and dust (and noise) kept to a minimum. There
must be no burning on site.
20. All accidents and incidents must be reported
immediately to the site manager and entered in
the accident book.
21. The statutory reporting of injuries is the
responsibility of the individual employer of
contracted workers. The site manager is to be
provided with a copy of Form F2508.
22. Sub-contractors and employees must co-operate
with the site manager in the investigation of any
incident or accident.