Health & Safety

The construction sector is a major employer accounting for around 6% of the workforce, but its practices account for 27% of all workplace deaths. The economic cost of construction industry injuries and illnesses is estimated by the HSE to have costed the UK £0.9 billion in 2013/14.

The Construction (Design and Management) regulations 2015 aims to improve health and safety in construction by helping those who work in the industry to sensibly plan the work so that the risks involved are managed, coordinated and communicated from start to finish.

Gotelee Orchard-Lisle are committed to their duty-holder status under CDM 2015, and all staff have undertaken CPD training to ensure that the roles undertaken by architects on construction projects and the subsequent duties ascribed are fully understood.

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Key Elements of Health & Safety

Lead by Example

As the leader of the project, the client sets the culture of safety on the project. Having control over the way the project is procured, appointment of consultants and contractors, contractual control and control of budget, time and resources means that they have major influence over how the project is managed. Setting a good safety culture from the start is critical.

Clear Briefing

Early consideration of project health and safety is paramount to ensure smooth running. A brief that sets realistic timeframes, a realistic budget and clear management expectations is more likely to result in a smooth, successful project.

Appointing the right people with the right skills at the right time

Fundamental to a project’s success, those appointed must have the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their work in a way that secures health and safety. Ensuring that the right people are appointed early in the project ensures enough time is secured to carry out their duties and to plan and manage the project properly.

Cooperation, Communication and Coordination

Creating a team of engaged consultants who cooperate and coordinate their work helps to make sure everyone understands the risks and measures to control those risks, and ensures time and resources is given to plan, manage, monitor and coordinate the project phases.

Consultation and Engagement

Workplaces where staff are consulted and engaged in decisions about health and safety are safer and healthier. Consultation is a two-way process – it involves giving information to workers, listening to them and taking into account their ideas before making decisions.

Prevention

Acknowledging and applying the general principles of prevention will help to manage risks associated with a project. These are:
(a) Avoid risks where possible
(b) Evaluate those risks that cannot be avoided
(c) Put in place proportionate measures to control risks at source