If you run or are involved in a construction site, you’ll probably have come across a Construction Safety Audit. These are essential to maintain the high levels of health and safety awareness demanded by the government. Most issues raised by a Construction Safety Audit are quite simple things that can be easily resolved. Here are some of the most common problems overlooked by a these inspection.
Site security is hugely important, as any unauthorised visitors to your site will almost certainly create damage or get themselves harmed. Warning signs aren’t simply for construction site workers. They must be displayed in the most obvious places, or ones that would deter any would-be trouble makers. Ladders must be lowered, and immediate access to higher levels of the site must be taken away. Usually, break-ins to construction sites take place in the dark. Therefore, any open holes must be covered, and drop offs protected.
Storage of materials is similarly essential, and as well as general orderliness, a number of smaller considerations should be taken into account. Any Construction Safety Audit will require that your waste disposal is managed correctly and spills cleaned as soon as is practicable. Bear in mind, many spillages on construction sites will be of a flammable nature, and must be dealt with immediately.
Which brings us to Fire Extinguishers. Any Construction Safety Audit will require fire extinguishers to be properly placed, maintained and checked. Combustible materials should also be confined to the appropriate section of the site, and properly labelled. In the unfortunate event of a fire, the fire department number should be properly and regularly signposted throughout the site.
Many construction sites will have a confined space. If you have a Construction Safety Audit, you will be assessed on how effectively you implement Health and Safety in this situation. Remember you have a requirement to obtain and show the correct permits in many cases. You will also be aware of the necessity of a standby person. This person must have the appropriate training, and must be taking the appropriate precautions.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) rules MUST be observed at all times, especially during a Construction Safety Audit. This means you will have to show that employees are trained in use of PPE, as well as being accomplished and certified. Every instance where PPE can be used, it should be used. Similarly, correct on-site sanitation and drinking water must be provided by any site. Failure to adhere to these rules will result in a Construction Safety Audit going badly for the entire site.
You needn’t worry too much about your Construction Safety Audit if you fulfil all the requirements set by the governement, but even the most comprehensive audit cannot prevent 100 per cent of accidents. Remember that these rules are here to help you, not hinder your work in any way. If you have any concerns about the safety of your site, contact your site manager in the first instance. Remember, one mistake, if considered severe enough, can close any site, which means you and your workmates will cannot work on the site.
