The sector accounts for a quarter of all fatal injuries to workers in the UK, while many fires, sometimes deliberately started, break out on sites each year.
So no job in the field is more vital then than protecting the 2.2 million people employed in the industry.
Bradley Markham, Bull Products
Bradley Markham, director at Bull Products, has compiled a checklist for construction site managers and health and safety professionals to adhere to.
Bull Products is a manufacturer of life-saving fire protection equipment designed for the needs of the sector. Established in 2001, the Hereford-based company develops fire protection equipment like fire alarms, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, hose reels and dry risers, and trolleys and stands. It also manufactures fall arrest, first aid, spill control, site safety and signage equipment and accessories.
Bull Products is exhibiting at FIREX International 2019, Europe’s leading fire safety event, taking place 18-20 June 2019 at ExCeL London (stand FX310). Book your free ticket now.
It’s imperative at the outset of any project to identify all potential risks. A full risk assessment will help you make all employees aware of any potential hazards and how to avoid them.
A risk assessment should examine:
The risk assessment will clarify exactly which products your site requires to protect workers in the event of fire or accidents. From fire extinguishers and alarm systems to first aid equipment and spill kits, having the right equipment could make the difference between life and death.
If you’re unsure of which fire extinguisher to have on site, you’re not alone. A recent survey we conducted revealed that more than 38% of workers are using the wrong type of fire extinguisher for electrical fires, with more than 10% intending to use a foam extinguisher to put out an electrical fire. Bull’s mission is to help you make sure your site is compliant.
Extinguishers should be appropriate to the nature of a fire:
Workers should play a pivotal role in mitigating health and safety risks so training is a vital part of avoiding accidents and injuries.
All employees should be familiar with the following:
Access to first aid can help an injured person make a quicker recovery and even save lives. If your employees become ill or fall injured at work, you are legally required to provide appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to administer first aid.
The minimum provision for all sites is:
First-aid arrangements should cover shifts, night and weekend working so managers may need to appoint or train several people to ensure adequate cover.
Falls, which account for 50% of fatalities, are the most common cause of death in the construction industry. Precautions must be taken to prevent or reduce the risk of injury before any work is undertaken at height.
The Health and Safety Executive advises site managers to ask themselves:
Download the Fire Safety in 2023 eBook, keeping you up to date with the biggest news and prosecution stories from around the industry. Chapters include important updates such as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and an overview of the new British Standard for the digital management of fire safety information.
Plus, we explore the growing risks of lithium-ion battery fires and hear from experts in disability evacuation and social housing.
