Copyright © CITA Construction Industry Trade Alliance - UK Building Association. Established 1995
BUILDING TRADE ASSOCIATION
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRADE ALLIANCE
CITA is a UK Trade Association for the Construction & Building Industry
Tel: 0845 250 4390 Fax: 0845 250 4391
Looking after the Welfare of Construction Workers
Looking After The Welfare Of Construction Workers
Access on site
- Can everyone get to their place of work safely – and work there safely ?
- Are access routes in good condition and clearly signposted ?
- Are edges which people could fall from provided with double guard rails or other suitable edge protection ?
- Are holes protected with clearly marked and fixed covers to prevent falls ?
- Is the site tidy, and are materials stored safely ?
- Is lighting good enough ?
Employing
When you employ or control people doing work for you, do you make sure that:
■ they are trained, competent and fit to do the job safely and without putting their own or others’ health and safety at risk?
■ they are properly supervised and given clear instructions?
■ they have access to washing and toilet facilities?
■ they have the right tools, equipment, plant and protective clothing?
■ you talk about health and safety issues with them (or their representatives)?
■ you have made arrangements for employees’ health surveillance where required?
Note: If a person working under your control and direction is treated as Self employed for tax and national insurance purposes, they may nevertheless be your employee for health and safety purposes. Whether they are employed or self employed.
Subcontracting
When you subcontract work to others, do you:
■ check the health and safety performance of the people you plan to use?
■ give them the health and safety information they need for the work?
■ talk about the work with them before they start?
■ make sure that you have provided everything you agreed (eg safe scaffolds, the right plant, access to welfare, etc) ?
■ check their performance and remedy shortcomings?
Welfare
■ Are toilets readily available and are they kept clean and properly lit?
■ Are there washbasins, hot and cold (or warm) running water, soap and towels?
■ Are the washbasins large enough to wash up to the elbow and are they kept clean?
■ Is there somewhere to change, dry and store clothing?
■ Are drinking water and cups provided?
■ Is there a place where workers can sit, make hot drinks and prepare food?
■ Can everyone who needs to use them get to the welfare facilities easily and safely?
■ Are welfare facilities kept warm and well ventilated?
This article use information obtained from HSE Health and Safety Leaflet and is reproduced under the terms of the Open Government Licence.
