TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................................ 2 1.
2.
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 3 1.1
Aims and Objective..............................................................................................3
1.2
Methodology........................................................................................................4
1.3
Company Description..........................................................................................4
1.4
Legal Environment...............................................................................................6
REVIEW OF HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM...................................8 2.1
Description.......................................................................................................... 8
2.2
Gap Analysis of Company Health & Safety Management System.....................10
3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION...............................................................................................15
4.
3.1
Physical Hazards...............................................................................................15
3.2
Health Hazards..................................................................................................18
3.4
Selection of Significant Hazard..........................................................................21
RISK ASSESSMENT....................................................................................................21 4.1
The process and methodology of risk assessment............................................21
4.2
Legal References..............................................................................................23
4.3
Risk Assessment – Work at height - Scaffolding................................................24
4.4
Risk Assessment – Noise due to Construction Machineries & Equipments.......27
5.
CONCLUSIONS............................................................................................................ 29
6.
RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................................................29
7.
ACTION PLAN.............................................................................................................. 33
8.
7.1
Management System.........................................................................................33
7.2
Hazards and Risk..............................................................................................36
REFERENCES/ BIBILIOGRAPHY...............................................................................44
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Occupational safety and health is beneficial for business as well as being a legal and social obligation. Companies appreciate that preventing people from being harmed or made ill through work, is also an essential part of a successful business. Every company can enjoy significant benefits by investing in health and Safety. Simple improvements can increase competitiveness, profitability and the motivation of employees. The implementation of a health and management system provides an effective framework to prevent or minimize accidents and ill health. This study was intended to assist in the decision-making, planning and implementation of the construction projects, by minimizing the risks to employees and everyone associated with the activities. Thereby, improving the cost effectiveness, reducing the indirect costs due to business interruptions and improve employee relationship and public faith/ trust. The study was carried out in accordance with the Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1974 and the derived statutes and ACoPs. The health & safety Management system of the company is modeled on HSG 65 with few elements not considered which could have direct implications on the health and safety programmes. Detailed gap analyses are conducted to identify the drawbacks and are prioritized according to the criticality of the gap. Important gaps are summarized as:1. Lack of visible leadership from the top management which could lead to collapse of the whole management system and lack of key person responsible to develop, implement and monitor the management system. 2. Lack of competent persons to handle Health& Safety affairs and Inadequate training and resources to manage risks at site. All relevant hazards arising from the company activities have been identified. Two most significant hazards has been selected and a detailed risk assessment was carried out to identify residual risks and recommend mitigation measures to conform to the principles of As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP). Recommendations are made by reference to best industry practice, economic, technical and health & Safety considerations. HSE assurance is provided by identifying and managing risks, according to the principles of risk tolerance, risk reduction and continuous performance improvement. The ALARP control principle is achieved when additional measures which could be taken to reduce the residual risk are no longer deemed to be practical or cost-effective – i.e. ensuring that risks that cannot be eliminated are reduced to ALARP. This study is applying the ALARP principle to ensure that risks to life, asset, reputation and the environment are reduced and controlled to optimum levels. Critical ALARP controls for identified hazards can be summarized as:1. Proper design and planning of load bearing scaffolds and selection and provision of training for competent trained scaffolders who should engage in erection, dismantling, modification and inspection of scaffolds. 2. Introducing low noise purchasing policy, re-designing the layout of site, monitoring of noise levels frequently and reduce exposure of persons by proper job rotation and scheduling. 3. Training, instruction and supervision to all affected personnel. All recommendations are followed with an action plan with assigned responsible persons and target dates to complete. Approximate costing has been projected in the action plan. This action plan will be updated to reflect that all actions are closed and the risks have been reduced to and As Low as Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) principle. 2
1.
INTRODUCTION
Most people would agree that poor working conditions of any type have the potential to affect worker’s health and safety. It would also be agreed that our aim should be to eliminate or at least minimize the risk of accident or injury; and to protect workers from the ill-health caused by their working conditions. There is no doubt that construction is one of the most dangerous industries in Europe (1) . Every year dozens of people die on site; several thousands get injured or develop work-related health problems. Construction projects are complex and always unique, where risks can arise from a number of different sources – some controllable, some not. Assessing sources of risk at the earliest opportunity enables controllable risk factors to be allocated to the areas of responsibility so that those responsible can take appropriate measures to eliminate or minimize them. The risk factors and sources can be broadly due to failure in managing the risks and a system not directed and committed to control by inadequate design, planning, coordination, communication and measurement, unrealistic expectations, poorly defined method of work, delay in decision making, not having a common goal, requiring the project to be constructed too quickly and defect free, yet at minimal cost, incompetence of staff and the external factors that influence the site activities and those which were not identified and not in control of. Therefore, improving health and safety on construction sites plays a key role in company’s daily work and is an ongoing process. The employers need to comply with the existing health and safety regulations, and the workers need to know their rights. Every worker also needs to have a good grasp of major workplace dangers so they can contribute to a better protection. This case study provides an assessment of the company’s health & safety management system including risk management and existing control. This study is a demonstration of how company can achieve health & safety objectives and how the statutes and standards can be met in a methodical and auditable manner. The completed case study provides a primary reference document for improvement on all information relevant to the safety and health of personnel, and resources for the company. 1.1
Aims and Objective
It is important to develop safer working methods that also allow work to be done quicker and with fewer people, reduced rates of accidents, incidents and ill health — with examples of sickness absence being halved, and maximising levels of recruitment, motivation and retention of skilled staff and also achieving significant financial savings for good performers and penalties for poor performers. Therefore, the primary objective of this Health & Safety case study is to demonstrate to company top management that essential significant measuring of their management system is undertaken and gaps are identified along with the associated risks and ensure that additional controls are identified, in place, or planned to be put in place such that the risks arising from the construction activities are both tolerable and As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).
(1) The State of Occupational Safety and Health in the European Union — Pilot study, 2000. European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, ISBN 92-828-9272-7.
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1.3
Company Description
The company is a medium sized limited liability contracting company registered in 2006 in Emirates of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a joint venture between UAE based contracting company and a company of United Kingdom that was established in 2005. Company employs locally 200 manpower expertise in all aspects of contracting including civil engineering, water pipeline construction, mechanical and electrical installations, and services to the electromechanical industry including testing, maintenance and operational work which fully supported by computer aided design facilities computerized project monitoring, accounting, and cost control systems. The clients for the current jobs are leading Real Estate Development Company of UAE. The main projects currently undertaken are as follows. 1. Construction of 10 residential and commercial buildings of up to three levels each in one plot. 2. Water pipeline networks within the area and associated activities. 3. Operation & maintenance of water networks and pumping stations The company has been certified for conforming to ISO: 9001: 2000 standards and has a HSE Management system developed based on OSHAS 18000 guidelines and HSG 65. The company is headed by a board of directors and the branch is being managed by General Manager- Middle East Operations. The GM, Middle East is functionally responsible for all aspects related to the company’s operations in UAE and reports to the Managing Director based in Dartford (UK) office. The branch company is organized into a Projects department, Tendering department, Quantity surveying, Procurement department and Human resources/ Administration department. Each project is managed by the Project Manager who has a team of Project Engineers, designers, site engineers, foremen and leader men. One HSE Engineer has been appointed to manage and monitor the implementation of the Health & Safety management system during the company operations. The majorities of labor forces are from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and mostly are unskilled. Company holds major equipment and earth moving plants like excavators, bull dozers, land scrapers, back hoes, piling rigs etc, lifting equipments like mobile cranes of various capacities and machineries like generators, compressors etc. A typical project is executed in the following phases:1. Site mobilization and establishment 2. Surveying, testing and soil investigations 3. Substructure/ Excavations & re-inforcements 4. Piling and foundations 5. Structural steel erection 6. Concrete frame construction 7. Pre-cast floors and panels 8. External claddings and roofing 9. Finishes – Plastering/ screeding & floor finishing 10. Carpentry and joinery 11. Services – plumping and mechanical The projects are administered from the site offices which are located at the site of construction and have administrative staffs including cleaners, office boys etc. Site office also has office space for the client and consultant representatives. All staffs and workers are of age above 21 years and company does not employ female staff on project sites. The normal working hours for the company is from 0700 hours to 1900 hours and workers are rotated not to exceed more than 8 hours a day, 6 days a week. Night work if required does not exceed beyond 2200 hours. 4
The site offices are marked and fenced with proper access controls/ security gates. Electricity and water supply are provided by the utility distribution company. Besides, that the company has a number of generators installed as standby. A workshop is established within the site premises to carry out carpentry, welding, steel fixing/ cutting jobs. A vehicle maintenance area is earmarked away from the construction area within the site premises for cleaning, general servicing etc. There is a canteen managed by a sub contractor which caters for the workers/ staff food. Adequate number of toilets and drinking water facility is established by the company. First aiders and first aid box is available to cater for minor injuries. The nearest hospital and civil defense facilities are 2 kms away from the site location.
1.4
Legal Environment
United Arab Emirates has primarily two key regulation issued as a federal decree, The Ministerial Order 32 (1982) and UAE Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (Federal Law No. 8/1980), which broadly covers the main responsibilities of employers and employees on health & safety affairs. There are no interpretations or associated ACoPs and guidelines available. Abu Dhabi municipality is the public authority who regulates the health & safety on all development activities in the emirates. Abu Dhabi Municipality Health & Safety guidelines are based on the UK standards and it covers all activities on a construction site. UAE Ministry of Health Regulations regulate all health related affairs in the country. By the virtue of the company operating as a branch of United Kingdom (UK), the UK regulations are also applicable on all its operations. The Legal system in UAE is similar to UK law and is divided into two branches, the criminal and the civil. A single safety violation could lead both to civil and a criminal law action. In general, the company is also vicariously liable for the damages caused by employees while they are acting in the course of their employment and as a reasonable employee would act. All issues concerned with rights and duties of individuals will be dealt under civil laws. Criminal law characterizes certain kind of wrongdoing as offences against the state, not necessarily violating the rights of individuals, and punishable by the state. Unlike UK there are no separate court systems for Civil and Criminal cases in UAE. The enforcement authority in health and safety matters is the Health and Safety section of UAE Labor department or the local authority i.e., Abu Dhabi Municipality acting on its behalf. Therefore, the most important piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in the workplace is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSW 1974). It specifies the general duties placed on employers and employees. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007) is the key regulations for the construction sector. The regulations are made under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) Managing health and safety in construction. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 helps to ensure they follow the CDM 2007. Following the guidance given in the ACoP ensures that the duty holder comply with the minimum accepted standards. The ACoP also includes a copy of the original CDM 2007 regulations. The other main source of legal rules relating to health and safety in the construction industry are the following regulations and are currently in force:-
5
1. The Construction (Head protection) regulations 1989 - is designed to provide protection, so far as is reasonably practicable, against foreseeable risks of injury to the head to which the workers are exposed in a construction atmosphere. 2. The Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996- These Regulations impose requirements with respect to the health, safety and welfare of persons at work carrying out "construction work". The arrangements in the regulation cover all activities on a construction site. 3. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (in association with The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) and associated ACoPs and guidelines: Simple guide to PUWER 98 INDG 291; Safe Use of Ladders & Step Ladders: An employer’s guide. – Applicable to all lifting equipment and operations as well as access equipments and other machineries and tools used during a construction activities. 4. The Working at Heights Regulations 2005 and associated ACoP INDG 401- For all activities where a person could be injuring falling, even if it is at or below ground level. Also includes moving around at a place of work, but not travel to or from a place of work. 5. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002- Applicable for activities involving handling hazardous substances like paints, solvents, cement etc during the construction works. 6. The Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996. - Consultation with employees who are not represented by safety representatives under the 1977 Regulations. Hence, the company shall consult those employees in good time on matters relating to their health and safety at work and. 7. Employers’ Liability Compulsory Insurance Act 1969 – and associated guidelines, A Guide for Employers HSE 40(rev1) - Company is required by the law to insure against liability for injury or disease to their employees arising out of their employment. 8. Social Security Act (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979 9. Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) - Reporting of fatalities, serious injuries and dangerous occurrences. In addition, there are a number of relevant regulations that were passed in order to comply with EC directives on type examination certificates of approval and European Union (EU) directives. These include: 1. Construction Plant and Equipment (Harmonisation of Noise Emission Standards) Regulations 1988 (as amended) 2. Falling Object Protective Structure for Construction Plant (EC Requirements) Regulations 1988 3. Roll-over Protective Structures for Construction Plant (EC Requirements) Regulations 1988 4. Construction Sites Directive (92/57/EEC) 5. Working Time Directive (93/104/EEC)
6
2.
REVIEW OF HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
2.1
Description
The Company operates a HSE Management System in accordance with the United Kingdom Health and Safety Executive guidance document HSG65 “Successful Health and Safety Management” and also embraces the principle of OHSAS 18001“Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems”. The Health & Safety Management System of the company remains structured in 3 parts. Part 1 the Policy Document/ statement of intent, states how the company top management implement their HS&E Policy and are widely displayed on company notice boards. It gives others an overview of their management system. Part 2 contains Company Procedures, guidance notes and key standard forms - the ‘how to’ of the system. Supporting documents such as checklists and generic forms are referenced from here. It broadly covers the following:1. 2. 3. 4.
Organizing Planning and Implementation Performance measurement Audit and review
Part 3 comprises supporting documentation and guidance and includes some generic documentation, toolbox talks, Hazard checklists and safety Standards for common operations and tasks. The HS&E Management System, (Part 2), contains the following sections: Section 1: Manual Structure & Information – This introduction also includes useful contacts, abbreviations, and information sources. Section 2: Health& Safety Responsibilities gives details of specific Health & Safety responsibilities for key appointments, various departments & company employees. Section 3: CDM, Contract start, commissioning & handover gives guidance on the CDM duties of clients, designers, planning supervisors, principal contractors and sub contractors. Guidance is provided for producing the health & safety file and post contract works. Section 4: Risk Assessment – There is guidance of a general risk assessment and for unusual activities at design phases. It also covers the production and the issue of work permits. Section 5: Procedures for inspection & audit gives guidance on those inspections that must be carried out as required by the law and by the company. This includes the safety programmes and monthly checks. Guidance on disciplinary procedures is also in this section for use during the projects.
7
Section 6: Incident reporting & investigation describes how accidents and incidents are managed and reported. It also gives guidance in accident investigation, compiling information and dealing with insurance claims. Section 7: Performance indicators – This section provides guidance on active and reactive performance measurements and completing monthly Health & safety reports. Section 8: Welfare & site establishment details the minimum standards for all welfare facilities whether in a fixed location or site location. Section 9: Fire & Emergency plans provide guidance on planning for fire and emergency in permanent establishments, temporary accommodations or on site. Section 10: Occupational health gives guidance on controlling risks to health from many sources in the work place including vibration, COSHH materials. Section 11: Plant & tools gives guidance on controlling risks through procurement, operator competence, use and maintenance, including statutory inspections. Section 12: Filing, review and provide guidance in general on continual improvement, learning from experience.
8
9
2.2
Gap Analysis of Company Health & Safety Management System Management System Section Written policy/ statement of intent which is signed dated and communicated to all employees Health & Safety of employees considered as an important business objective by top management Top management committed to continuous improvement. A named senior manager is appointed for overall responsibility for implementing health and safety policy Policy encourages involvement of employees and safety representatives in the health & safety effort. Includes a commitment to ensuring that all employees are competent to do their jobs safely without risks to health Responsibilities clearly defined to all personnel including managers, supervisors and team leaders. All personnel including manager, supervisor and team leaders accept their responsibilities and have adequate time and resources and competence to fulfill them All personnel including managers, supervisors and team leaders fully aware of what to do and how they will be held accountable for health & Safety. Identification of people responsible for particular health and safety jobs including those requiring special expertise (e.g. H& S Advisors) Assessment of experience, knowledge and skills needed to carry out all tasks safely
Compliance (Yes/No) Part Yes
Gap/ Comments Statement of intent (Policy document) is not dated and is not communicated to all.
Priority* P2
Yes Yes No
No person by name is appointed to take overall responsibility for health and safety affairs.
P1
Yes Yes Part Yes No
Responsibilities of top management is not defined No defined budget has been allocated for health and safety programmes
P2
P3
Yes No No
10
Adequate Health and safety persons are not identified/ recruited. Employee training requirements are not communicated to the employee and
P1 P1
Management System Section
Compliance (Yes/No)
Gap/ Comments
Priority*
appropriate supervisors System for ensuring adequate instruction and training for all employees including managers, supervisors and temporary staff. Identification of specific training, skills and experience assessment system for people doing hazardous work Arrangements for gaining access to specialist advice and help when needed System for ensuring competence needs and are met while recruiting, promote or transfer people or when people are assigned health & Safety responsibilities (re-organize). Consultation with employees and employee safety representative on all issues that affect Health & Safety at work. Active health and safety committee chaired by director/ senior manager and employees from all divisions are represented. Involvement of workforce in preparing health and safety improvement plans, reviewing performance, undertaking risk assessments, preparing safetyrelated rules and procedures, investigating incidents and problem solving. Arrangements for cooperating and coordinating with contractors and employment agencies whose employees work at site on health and safety matters.
Including health and safety on the agenda of regular management meetings and briefings. Availability of information on hazards, risks and control measures and safe system of work in place
No
No clear training budget/ facility allocated
P2
No
No competency based training is identified (No training matrix developed)
P1
Health & Safety competency assessments are not administered as part of recruitment/ promotion process
P3
Yes No No No
Part Yes
Yes
No Yes 11
Health & Safety committee has not been formed and meetings are not held as per planned. Meetings are held seldom and senior managers do not attend Employee involvement only in incident investigations. No system of addressing employee suggestions available
P2 P1
P1
Sub-contractors are given a copy of company Health & Safety plan and require their plan to be in line with the company requirements. Health & Safety is discussed only in safety meetings
P1
Management System Section which can be easily accessed in the relevant work area. All levels of managements are approachable on health and safety issues and encourage staff to discuss health and safety matters. Top management, managers and team leaders communicate their commitment to health and safety through self example. System for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and how to control them and safe system of work. Planning and scheduling health and safety improvement measures and prioritizing their implementation based on the nature and risk rating. Arrangements for measurable, realistic and time bound health and safety targets agreed with managers and supervisors. Procurement (premises, plant, equipment and raw materials) and supply procedures take account of health and safety at the appropriate stage before implementation of the activity. Take account of health and safety during design processes, equipment procedures, work systems and tasks. Health and safety rules and procedures (Part 2) in place covering day to day work activities, foreseeable abnormal situations and maintenance work. Emergency response procedures Welfare arrangements (living, canteen, toilets,
Compliance (Yes/No)
Gap/ Comments
Priority*
Yes Yes Part Yes Part Yes
Only generic hazard assessment has been carried out. Each applicable job has not been evaluated using a risk assessment system. No hazard registry
P1
Yes No
Objectives and targets are not reviewed and updated annually and no action plan is maintained to achieve the targets
P2
Yes Yes Yes
Part Yes Yes 12
Procedure is in place but no testing/evaluation of the emergency plan is conducted at correct intervals (at least annually)
P1
Management System Section washing/ changing facilities, rest etc) including medical facilities and health management/ monitoring programme Introducing KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to measure the performance in Health & Safety Arrangement for documenting and communicating the inspection, monitoring and incident investigation reports. Arrangement for monitoring performance of health and safety plan and to measure the targets and objectives set. Availability of pro active monitoring involving testing, inspecting and consultation methods to ensure that controls are working properly and the rules and procedures are followed and all the standards set are met. Arrangement for reactive monitoring like investigating accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous situations Identifying reasons for substandard performances in health and safety. Arrangements for dealing with situations that have created risk with priority being given where the risks are greatest. Arrangements for analyzing the causes of potentially serious events to identify the root causes including shortcomings in safety management system System for regular audits of safety management system by competent independent auditors (internal/ external)
Compliance (Yes/No)
Gap/ Comments
Priority*
Yes Yes Part Yes
Targets are not reviewed
P3
Inadequate number of trained and competent auditors
P2
Yes
Yes Yes
Yes
Yes
Part Yes
13
Management System Section
Compliance (Yes/No)
Use audit reports and inspection reports information to review the operation of safety management system and safety performance.
Yes
Review of objectives set to check if they are met in the agreed timescales. Analyze audit reports and information used to identify future improvement targets and to identify particular causes of accident, ill health or poor control of risk to target for future risk reduction effort. Benchmarking the performance of the safety management system against other similar business group or self monitor improvement over time.
No No
Gap/ Comments
Objectives not reviewed Objectives are not reviewed and new targets are not set
Priority*
P2 P2
Yes
* Priorities Justification P1 - High priority since the non-compliance could lead to an immediate lose or enforcement actions. The action requires to be taken within 1-3 weeks P2 - No immediate impact, but if not complied health & safety cannot be managed efficiently. The action needs to be taken within 1 month P3 - No immediate impact. Action needs to be taken for an over all effective management & measurement of health & safety management system and avoid non compliances from external auditors and enforcement authorities. Action needs to be closed within 3 months.
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3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION S.No
Hazards
Activity/ Relevance
Likely Implications *
Priority **
3.1 Physical Hazards 1
Vehicle movement Struck/ crushed by moving vehicles
Maneuvering vehicles, plant and equipments working in close vicinity to people, visitors/ public. Working near traffic areas and poor ground conditions.
Fatalities, serious personnel injuries, property damages, productivity loses.
P1
2
Excavation collapseburied/ crushed/ trapped/ suffocation
While carrying out sub structure and foundation works.
Fatalities, asphyxiation and serious injuries to personnel
P2
3
Striking existing underground services
Due to excavations that are done to lay foundations, substructures and services like electrical cables, water connections and drainage connections.
4
Unstable structures
Due to excavations in near vicinity with insufficiently supported sides
5
Intrusive occurrences - suffocating / drowning
Like groundwater, flooding, sewage, smoke, gas leakage etc while doing excavations
Asphyxiation, serious health effects, death due to suffocation and inhalation of toxic gases, collapse of trenches.
P3
6
Slips trips and falls
Uneven, slippery surfaces, trailing cables from electrical equipment/ temporary electrical connections, open floors and excavations, use of stairs or contaminated ladders.
Serious injuries leading like cuts, bone fractures and death if affected from a height or onto sharp surfaces.
P1
7
Working at height exposed to unprotected edges/ scaffolds
Working on fragile roof, ladder, working/ erecting scaffold/ working near unprotected excavation edges. Presence of floor openings. Unprotected hoists, loading/ unloading from trucks, emergency rescues at height etc.
Possible fall of personnel and material leading to fatalities and serious injuries.
P1
15
Fire and explosions, electrocution, multiple fatalities and serious injuries, disruption of services, public discomfort, property damage etc Collapse of nearby buildings and structures, serious multiple injuries and fatalities
P3
P3
S.No
Hazards
8
Falling objects
9
Electrocution
10
Fire and explosion
11
Impact, crushing
12
Plant and machinery Operations and instability
13 14 15 16
Moving objects/ trapping Contact with overhead lines Contact with rotating parts and static machinery Collapse of structure
Activity/ Relevance Collapse of sides of deep excavations, breaking of edges, inadequate working platforms, lifting equipment failures, unsecured load on scaffold platforms and passenger hoists etc. Striking existing electrical services during excavation. Temporary electrical connections. Use of electrical equipments like grinders, lightings etc. Working in damp conditions. Portable electrical equipments like heaters, kettles and ovens might be used in office kitchen. Fire/ explosion could arise from striking existing services, faulty electrics or overloading of joints, bulk storage of easily burnt waste materials and flammable materials like diesel, solvents/thinners etc, smoking of personnel and arson. Lifting, lowering and moving of loads by cranes or machineries (concrete pumps, vibrators etc) or due to materials falling from height and moving plant contacts. Presence of heavy lifting cranes, excavators, piling equipment and their movement on the site and possible running into excavations and working on slopes and on a soft standing ground. Placing of steel work. Closure of joints, base plate packing etc. Movement and working of high boom lifting equipments like crane/ MEWPs. Use of circular saws and grinders. Gear mechanisms of equipment. Temporary works and during scaffold erections, overloading of platforms, presence of excavations close to structure. 16
Likely Implications *
Priority **
Fatalities and serious injuries to personnel especially on head. Equipment damages by falling on/ to the ground
P1
Multiple fatalities, burns, ventricular fibrillation. Secondary falls leading to death.
P2
Death multiple fatalities and injuries, serious property damage and environmental damages.
P2
Serious injuries like contusions, fractures etc.
P2
Toppling of equipments, falling of loads onto persons causing serious injuries leading to death. Equipment damage Crushing and trapping of limbs causing serious injuries like fractures. Electrocution, serious burns and deaths. Entanglement of clothes leading to injuries, cuts and bruises, friction burns etc. Falling on/of people leading to multiple injuries and death. Equipment/ property damages.
P2
P2 P3 P3 P2
S.No
17
18
19
Hazards
Activity/ Relevance
Movement of components and accessories, unloading materials from vehicles like blocks and bricks, compressed gas cylinders, testing equipments etc. Also while erecting scaffolds and manual excavations. Presence of loose used shuttering materials for Stepping on nails casting, broken glass pieces and sharp objects on and sharp objects site due to improper housekeeping. Workers not wearing safety shoes. Hazardous surfaces - Presence of hot surfaces, projecting parts of Burn, Puncture, equipment, sharp edges and ends of machineries/ stabbing materials. Unguarded protruding bars Manual handling MSD (Musculo skeletal disorders)
Likely Implications *
Priority **
Strains, back pains leading to chronic musculo- skeletal disorders, load dropping over the feet leading to fractures and personnel injuries.
P1
Injection wounds, punctures, cuts and possible contact with contaminated blood leading to serious health effects like hepatitis and AIDS
P2
Burns, cuts, punctures and wounds
P2
20
Mechanical equipment-Failure
Possibility of failure of motors and short circuits in mechanical equipments like circular saws, grinders, cutters, generators, compressors etc.
Electrocution, fire and injuries due to overrun and breaking up of the equipment/ part of the equipment, eye injuries due to compressors.
P2
21
Use of damaged and improper hand tools and power tools
Breaking/ malfunctioning of hammers, chisels etc and power tools like drillers, jack hammers
Eye injury, injury to hand/ limbs and body
P2
Presence of pipe chambers, service holes, manholes, deep excavations etc.
Death due to asphyxiation/ suffocation, MSDs, fire and explosion, serious multiple injuries and property damage. Difficulty in rescue operations.
P2
22
Entering confined spaces
17
S.No
Hazard
Activity/ Relevance
Likely Implications*
Priority **
3.2 Health Hazards
1
Chemical hazards (Inhalation/ Ingestion/ Contact with hazardous/ harmful substances)
2
Dust
3
Noise
4
Vibration
5
Ergonomic- Bad working positions
6
Stress or fear
7
Temperature - Heat exhaustion
Sparks and inhalation of fumes from welding, paints, cement handling, lime and mortar mixing, chemical grouts and additives. Contact with asbestos is also possible while demolishing some existing buildings or doing modification works. During maintenance works and cleaning and dosing works. During the demolition, grinding, blasting, cutting bricks, wood cutting and during vehicle movement on dry sand. Presence of heavy equipment working, vehicle movement, generators, compressors etc. Use of heavy equipments and hand tools like excavators, loaders, drilling/piling equipment, compactors & pneumatic tools, breakers, compressors , generators, traffic movement. Inadequate working space. Improper work station design and DSE for office workers and for workers involved in manual handling and repetitive jobs like loading and unloading. Working in confined spaces Long hours of work especially at night amidst noise, dust etc. Pressures from supervisors and due to poor health conditions and inadequate welfare arrangements and domestic issues. Lack of job security. Lone working by equipment operators. Confined space working especially hot works. Requirements to work in open, humid and hot and dusty conditions
18
Chemical burns, cement burns, eye injuries, acute dermatitis, chronic asthmas, lungs disorders and can lead to cancer.
P2
Lungs disorders, coughing/ choking, eye injuries and possible cancer.
P1
Hearing loss, tinnitus, complaints from neighbors, environment pollution
P1
Vibration induced illnesses (VWF, HAVS etc)
P1
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), Stress, loss of vision,
P3
Lack of productivity, suicidal tendencies, possible ignoring hazards and causing serious injuries to self and others. Leads to violent behavior.
P3
Heat cramps, sun burns, dizziness, unconsciousness and possible death.
P1
S.No
Hazard
Activity/ Relevance
Likely Implications*
Priority **
8
Hygiene and health Biological hazards (bacterial, viral, fungal)
Inadequate number of toilets, drinking/ eating facilities. Toilets not regularly cleaned and eating and resting in presence of waste and decomposing and microbiological materials.
Gastro intestinal disorders, nausea, diarrhea, legionnaires, weils diseases
P3
9
Collecting waste
Lot of demolition debris (could include asbestos); concrete/construction and other wastes from canteen and first aid clinic are prevalent on site.
Health disorders like asbestosis, hepatitis/ AIDS, cut and puncture injuries during collection and segregation of wastes.
P2
10
Exposure to Radiation (ionizing/ non-ionizing)
X ray testing of welding and joints of components are held on site (pipe joints for ex). Laser/ infra red and radio frequencies equipment used for level reading and surveying. UV radiation from welding.
Radiation sicknesses and serious damages to body cells and tissues including serious skin and eye injuries.
P2
During night working without adequate lightings or due to failure of lightings. Due to poor site layout, high vision obstructing machineries, structures, buildings, people and material movers/vehicles.
Slips, trips and falls leading to serious injuries, stress, overlooking risks, hitting against equipment and vehicles leading to serious injuries and accidents while driving and operating equipment.
P2
Slips and falls, loss of control of lifting equipment, falling of materials causing serious personnel injuries and damages to equipment and facilities.
P2
3.3 Other Hazards
1
Poor lighting/ Visibility
2
Adverse weather conditions
3
Unfamiliarity with site risks
Ropes and equipment becoming unstable tangled or twisted in the wind. Slippery walking surfaces. Possibility of strong winds affecting the lifting activities and high working platforms and work requiring high reaches like use of a MEWP. Visitors and suppliers could visit the construction site without being properly inducted.
4
Tress passers/ children/ Public
Presence of inhabited area, public and road. Possibility of trespassing including children
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Serious injuries by contacting existing risks on site. Serious injuries up to fatality by contacting risks leading to legal litigations. Arson by nuisance makers causing fire and serious property damages.
P2
P3
S.No 5
6
7
Hazard
Activity/ Relevance
Poor communication
Multi lingual workforce not having a common language. Signals not tied up with the riggers, banks men and the equipment operators like cranes.
First Aid & Welfare
Immediate facility for treatment, cleaning of wound, allergies and dermatitis might be required while working with harmful substances and conditions. Requirement of rest areas required especially during summer.
Violence and threatening behavior
Presence of other contractors and public with differing opinions and requirements and also due to workers under intoxication. Poor management by immediate supervisors.
* Priority and Justifications P1
The likelihood and severity of this hazard to take effect is very high
P2
The likelihood and severity of this hazard to take effect is medium
P3
The likelihood and severity of this hazard to take effect is low
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Likely Implications* Instructions not conveyed correctly, leading to negative impact of operations causing serious personnel and property damages. Not administering acute injury conditions leading to chronic/ aggravating the injury or conditions. Heat exhaustion, dehydration, stress etc due to lack of rest. Serious physical injuries and legal litigations and affects morale.
Priority ** P2
P3
P3
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3.4 Selection of Significant Hazard Physical Hazard: Work at height - Scaffolding Falls from height/ scaffolding platforms are the most common cause of fatal injury and the second most common cause of major injury to employees in a construction industry. The previous company incident / accident record shows that there have been more cases related to working at height than any other hazards during the construction activity. Working on a scaffolding is undertaken on a daily basis and the likelihood of an incident happening is very high. The control presently company has in place is not adequate and it could further lead to major accidents. Health Hazard: Noise due to Construction Machineries & Equipments Noise and vibration are among the most widespread and underestimated of health hazards. Hearing loss caused by exposure to noise at work continues to be a significant occupational disease. There are many noisy tasks in construction. This means that workers may be exposed not only to the noise that their work is making, but also to the ambient, or background, noise of other tasks on site. A construction site is crammed with all kinds of heavy equipments, machineries (static and mobile), construction vehicles in a limited site boundary which emanate a colossal amount of noise. To worsen the scenario workers work in close proximities to these machineries. Besides the machineries, activities like drilling, demolition, breaking, piling etc also release lot of noise which affects the persons in and near the construction area badly. The severity and likelihood of hearing damage is very high in such an atmosphere and the company has not identified noise as a significant hazard and there are inadequate controls and health monitoring in place.
4.
RISK ASSESSMENT
4.1
The process and methodology of risk assessment.
To do this risk assessment the guidelines in HSE’s Five Steps to Risk Assessment, HSE INDG 163(rev 2) 06/06 , INDG 362 Noise at work - Guidance for employers on the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and INDG 401 - The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (as amended) A brief guide, has been followed. Step 1: Identifying Hazards: by checking for any available documented risk assessments and by walking around the workplace, asking employees and their representatives, manufacturer’s instructions or data sheets, previous health and accident records and visiting HSE website in construction industry area. Referring to applicable legislations like Control of Noise at Work regulations 2005 and The Work at Height Regulations (2005). Step 2: Who might be harmed and how? : by identifying and noting down the groups of people who would be affected like physically handicapped/ special need workers; temporary workers, contractors, cleaners, visitors, members of the public including children; young workers/ trainees; neighboring contractors and analyzing how the hazard could harm them. Step 3: (a)
Assess the potential severity of any loss based on the hazard realizing its full potential if the hazardous event occurs. Ratings between 1 and 5 are chosen: 1. Fatal / Permanent disability 22
2. 3. 4. 5.
Serious injury / illness Moderate injury / Illness Minor injury / Illness Slight injury (No lost time). First Aid Case.
(b)
Assess the Likelihood of the Hazard realizing its potential if no control measures are put in place using the following ratings: 1. Certain or imminent to happen 2. Very Likely 3. Likely 4. May Happen 5. Unlikely
(c)
Risk Rating is done based on the probability of the hazard resulting in loss is given as a numerical figure between 1 and 5. The rating is calculated by multiplying the severity factor with the likelihood factor, giving a value to each on a scale of 1 to 25.
Severity
The risk rating is further divided into Low, Medium and high in terms of its loss potential and is divided into low, medium, and high in terms of action time required avoiding the loss.
1 2 3 4 5
1 1 2 3 4 5
Likelihood 2 3 2 3 4 6 6 9 8 12 10 15
4 4 8 12 16 20
5 5 10 15 20 25
20 – 25: Low Risk Personnel with competency and skills to perform the job have the authority to proceed after verbally discussing the job requirements with anyone performing the work with them. May be acceptable; however, review task to see if risk can be reduced further. 4 – 16: Medium Risk Job shall only proceed with appropriate authorization after consultation with HS&E personnel and assessment team. Where possible, the job shall be redefined to take account of the hazards involved or the risk shall be reduced further prior starting the job. If applicable, a Permit-to-Work shall be obtained 1– 3: High Risk The job must not proceed until it has been redefined or further control measures put in place to reduce risk. The controls shall be re-assessed for adequacy prior to starting the job. Step 4 (a): Checking existing controls and precautions: by listing down the control procedures. They may include method statements, permit systems, training and instruction or use of personal protective equipment etc. to undertake the task safely. Cross referring to the legislations and standards to assess the controls.
23
Step 4 (b): Assessing what further controls/ actions needs to be in place to reduce risks to a level of ‘so far as reasonably practicable’. This residual risk is calculated on the reduced Likelihood and Severity ratings, which are a direct consequence of the control measure being put in place. Step 5: Review - Due to possible addition of new machines, personnel, substances or procedures which could lead to new hazards, the risk assessments would be reviewed and will take account of new hazards. In addition to that, periodically review will be done to ensure that the precautions are still working effectively. 7 4.2
Legal References 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Sec 3. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996, Schedule 1-5. The Work at Height Regulations (2005), Sec 6-7 Noise at Work Regulations 1989
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4.3
Risk Assessment – Work at height - Scaffolding
Hazards Working at height ScaffoldingFall of persons/ materials
Effects (Who/How) Workers -at height Workers working under the area Emergency Rescuers
Contractors
Risk Rating High Medium
Low
High
Inspection/ Maintenance People
Medium
Cleaners
High
Public - due to material falling/ structure collapsing
Medium
Existing Controls
Additional Controls
(1) Scaffolds are erected on a firm base with sole plates and base plates. Adequate longitudinal and diagonal bracings are provided and ties are adequately fitted where applicable.
(1) Construct scaffolds to comply with Construction (Working Places) Regulations and British Standards BS EN 12811.
(2) Gangways/ exposed edges are protected by top rails. All working platforms are provided with top rail, mid rail and toe boards. Loose materials to be tied back near leading edge. (3) Ladders/ step ladders/ roof ladders, proper temporary working platforms/scaffoldings are used for working above ground. (4) Guardrails and toeboards are removed for
25
Review
12-09-08 or when location is changed (2) Design drawings to be produced for load- and new bearing scaffolds and non-standard structures. equipment Consider any additional plant, equipment, and materials or sheeting that could impose additional persons loadings over and above the standard scaffold arrive, design loads. whichever is earlier. (3) Where scaffolding is to be installed on footpaths or public areas, consent to be taken from Local Authority (Abu Dhabi Traffic department) or adjacent property owners. Therefore permissions must be sought prior to work commencing. (4) Use MEWPs (Mobile elevated working platforms) and mobile access platforms for temporary works. (5) Eliminate protruding edges- if not possible warning signs and banners must be put in place to warn employees. (6) All scaffold planks and kick-boards to be well secured to scaffold structure to prevent displacement.
Hazards
Effects (Who/How) Trespassers/ Vandals
Risk Rating Low
Existing Controls
Additional Controls
access and are replaced after access has been gained. Unused ladder gaps have boards fitted to close them off.
(7) Use outriggers/ guy ropes to support the scaffold.
(5) Suitable signs (Hazard falling objects / Work at height) and barriers are positioned directly below works to warn of overhead operations.
(9) No access for persons to walk directly under the scaffolding. A flagman to be employed to warn the passers by/ public.
(6) Area underneath the working area is cordoned and marked with safety warning tapes. (7) Scaffoldings are erected by carpenters and fitters following manufacturer’s instructions supervised by the line supervisor. (8) Scaffolding inspection is done by the supervisor every month and inspection record is maintained in the office. (9) Ladders are removed 26
(8) Ties removed for any purpose to be replaced or alternative ties fitted, at once.
(10) Full edge protection & passive restraint such as nets and airbags. to be provided. (11)Ladder to extent 1 m or 5 rungs above the landing. (12) Appoint competent person to inspect all the height access equipment (scaffolds, ladders etc and supervise its erection and approval for work. Use only registered scaffolders under the direction of a Temporary Works Co-coordinator (13) Traffic movements will be restricted around scaffold bases. Excavations adjacent to scaffold bases will be monitored to ensure the stability of the structure is not affected. (14) All scaffolding must be inspected before it is first used in that position; Where conditions may cause deterioration of the structure; Within a 7 day period (Minimum weekly inspection) or as specified by the Temporary Work Coordinator or the designer
Review
Hazards
Effects (Who/How)
Risk Rating
Existing Controls or covered to prevent unauthorized access when work is not in progress. (10) All scaffolds more than 2m height from floor levels is protected against fall of material by closing the edges by the means of toe-boards. (11) Induction training includes the precautions to be taken for working at height. (12) Weather is forecasted prior to commencing the activity at high and avoid if any advance warning available through meteorological departments. (13) Safety belts are provided for workers with single lanyard. Hard hats are worn by everyone.
27
Additional Controls (15) Scafftags to be fixed signed and marked green on a daily basis by the line supervisor using the equipment. (16) Waste materials to be transferred through material lowering devices/ a waste chute attached to the main standards. (17) Work will be monitored to ensure that additional precautions and equipment is taken into use if edge protection is removed and no unauthorized alterations are made on access equipments. (18) Training/toolbox talks and instructions to be provided to all operatives and supervisory staff involved in the use of suspension equipment such as lines and harnesses, and how to inspect and assess PPE of this type before use. (19) Maintain good housekeeping Look for and remove nuts, washers, cords, rope & tools Keep loose parts and pieces in secure containers or non hazardous area. Clean up and properly dispose of left over materials. (21) Where edge protection is removed for access, or is not reasonably practicable, personal suspension equipment (safety harness) with two lanyard and provision for securing/ hooking to be used by operatives working at or near the edge.
Review
4.4
Risk Assessment – Noise due to Construction Machineries & Equipments
Hazards
Noise due to Construction machineries/ equipmentInduced hearing loss, tinnitus.
Effects (Who/How)
Risk Rating
Workers using power tools, operating heavy machineries, riggers etc. Workers in near vicinity.
High
Site office staffs including expectant mothers. Maintenance personnel/ inspectors Subcontractors/ suppliers Visitors
Medium Low
High
Medium
Existing Controls
(1) Signpost by adequate hearing protection warning sign (Hearing protection zones) near the noisy work area/ equipment. (2) Breaker mufflers are fitted on generators and other machineries (3) Proper and regular maintenance of machinery and equipment to be carried out and results are maintained.
Additional Controls
(1) Establish action and limit value of 85 dB (A)/ peak sound pressure of 140 dB (c) at the ear measured on a daily or weekly basis. (2) Select and choose less noisy equipment by introducing low- noise purchasing policy for machinery and equipment. (3) Keep the compressor/ generators and other static machineries covered (4) Static machineries to be mounted on antivibration mounts & erect enclosures around machines to reduce the amount of noise emitted into the workplace or environment (5) Screen the noise source with a barrier, soil heap or locate behind partly completed buildings.
(4) Provision of ear plugs (6) Identify noisy work areas and limit the workers in and around the area by adjusting work schedules
Low
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Review 12-09-2008 or when location is changed and new equipment and persons arrive, whichever is earlier
Hazards
Effects (Who/How) Public
Risk Rating
Existing Controls
Additional Controls
Low (7) Provide sound proof rest facilities/ safe havens at the site (8) Modify the paths of pedestrians so as to avoid passing through the noisy activity areas. (9) Audiometry test to be conducted on all vulnerable workers/ operators and results to be conveyed and kept as records. Encourage employees to seek medical advice if hearing damage is suspected. (10) Training to be conducted on the likely noise exposure and risk to hearing; where and how to obtain hearing protectors; how to report defects in hearing protectors and noise control equipment and employee's duties. (11) Provide ear defenders/ muffs to all personnel who are entering the hearing protection zone.
29
Review
5.
CONCLUSIONS
This Health & Safety case study provides assurance that drawbacks and gaps in the Health & Safety management system and hazards to personnel and assets have been identified and assessed and controls have been recommended where considered necessary. Also documented is the process of identification of potential risk reduction measures and whether their adoption met ALARP (As Low as Reasonably Practicable) criteria. The actions and the time frame to close those actions raised during HSE Studies have been included in the action plan. A future update/ close-out to this case have to be documented on the review date. It is concluded that this case study demonstrates:1. The company’s management system broadly covers the requirement of HSG 65 and OSHAS 18000 guidelines. 2. There was evidence of less participation from the top management or a lack of visible leadership in implementing the HSE Programs. 3. Objectives and targets for Health & safety are not being reviewed periodically. 4. Resources are not adequately planned for Health & Safety programmes by the company. 5. Employee consultations in Health & Safety affairs are not visibly practiced by the company. 6. Training and competency of staffs are inadequate. 7. Company does not have suitable arrangements for risk management. 8. Performance measurement and auditing are not being conducted regularly. 9. All the significant hazards and effects & controls have been identified, prioritized, assessed and additional controls have been recommended to manage the residual hazards. 10. The adequacy of controls for most of the hazards has been reviewed to identify whether the risks have been reduced to a level that is tolerable and ALARP and it was found inadequate. 11. The risks associated with working at height and noise has been evaluated and measures taken to reduce them to a level that is As Low as Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).
6.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Management System The significant gaps/ drawbacks in the existing management system has been demonstrated in sec 2.2 (gap analysis) and detailed action plan with target date and responsible person is demonstrated in the action plan. Main recommendations according to their priorities to improve the existing management systems are:1. Review the statement of intent/ Policy with a current date and name of the person signing it. The most tangible way to assess the top management’s attitude towards is 30
2.
3. 4. 5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
evident only if the policy statement is effective and covers in brief the intention of the top management and the approach towards health & safety issues. Policy statement is the first document that any person would see and thus benefit by improving the public image. It may not be practically possible at times for the top management to address critical issues that needs quick decisions. Hence, appointing a competent Health & Safety management representative is required, who should be the focal point to address any issues on behalf of the top management besides his normal duties. Some critical activities require specialist who are adequately trained and experienced in that field. Therefore, appointing adequate health & safety advisors or specialist is required who can perform exclusive health & safety jobs. A platform is essential for coordinating or presenting key issues that needs consensus and conveyed to all departments the quickest and easiest way. Therefore, timely and scheduled meetings need to be conducted to discuss safety related issues. Companies that ask employees for their views on health and safety issues can cut down on accidents. By including workers’ ideas and involving them in enforcing health and safety rules, companies can create a positive attitude towards maintaining good practice and make significant improvements collective participation of all in suggestions can yield more improvement options. The best way to identify all hazards and risks is to breaking down all critical jobs and describe the method use to conduct those activities and critically assess the risks involved. This requires a system of method statements and risk assessments for all critical jobs. Health & Safety programmes include provision of adequate training, personal protective equipments, reward programmes etc. Hence, allocating a budget for health & safety on all projects are essential and same must be incorporated while assessing the project values and putting forward bid proposals for new contracts. All health & safety programmes needs to be measured and only by assigning a SMART (Simple, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound) objective one can measure the performance. Only measuring gets the activity done. Hence, objectives and targets need to be clearly identified and periodically reviewed, in any case not later than yearly. The management system needs to be continuously reviewed and measured so as to incorporate any changes in the company’s organization, equipment or processes. Therefore, internal audits are required to be conducted on an annual basis.
These actions benefits the company by improving the organizational capability in handling health & Safety issues more effectively, reduction of injuries and cost reduction, business interruption protection, reliability and productivity improvement, public image/ trust improvement, improve the employee relations and help the management take pro-active actions to reduce risks pertaining to workers and thus reduction in direct/ indirect costs. This will also avoid business interruption due to injuries, investigations and enforcement actions and also timely rectification of issues to avoid injuries and asset damages helping cost reductions. Some of other noticeable benefits are to win and retain contracts; avoid loss of key staffs; availability and affordability of insurance. Physical Hazard – Working on Scaffolding During the course of hazard reviews, all significant hazards have been identified and prioritized based on the criticality of the hazards and the risk ratings i.e. Priority P1 has the highest risk rating which is obtained by multiplying the severity and likelihood of the hazard being affected, P2 is medium risk rating and P3 is low risk rating. The methodology is detailed in section 4.
31
Working at height- on scaffolding has been identified as the most significant Physical hazard in the company’s activity due to its risk rating being very high and previous incident records showing high numbers of injuries due to injuries related to scaffold workings. All existing controls were assessed and additional controls are recommended according to the hierarchies of control and level of protection that control gives in avoiding risk:1. It is critical to design all load bearing scaffolds properly according to the British construction standards and follow the sequence of erections. 2. Before erecting scaffolds on pathways/ roads or next to property owners, it is essential to seek permission or no objection certificates. This will avoid unnecessary business interruptions due to stoppage of work by local authorities or public. 3. Erection of temporary scaffolds/ ladders costs more time and exposes the workers to hazard during erection, ascending /descending and inspection of the same. Therefore, MEWPs or mobile access platforms should be considered for temporary works not exceeding few hours. Work can be done quicker with fewer people. 4. Most of the injuries from scaffolds occur due to fall of persons and materials. A partial restraint is required to arrest falling from height and reduce the impact of the injuries. 5. Where working at height is not avoidable above pedestrian/vehicle route, it is required to warn and protect by providing adequate warning signs and appointing flagmen. 6. Most of the falls from ladders occur due to improper positioning of ladder at the landing level, where the top of the ladder is shorter than the landing level. Therefore, it is required to ensure that ladders are extended at least 1 m or 5 rungs above the landing level. 7. It is necessary to warn workers/ people the worthiness of the access equipment they use. A scafftag system which is signed and inspected regularly should be put on all access equipments/ scaffoldings. Green tag for serviceable and red for unserviceable. This would reduce the incidents of structure collapse, reducing injuries, cost reduction, avoid business interruption etc. 8. A dedicated trained and competent team is required to manage the erection, dismantling, modifying, testing and inspection of all access platforms including scaffoldings and ladders, so that a common best industry standard is followed through out the site. Therefore, appointment of a scaffolding supervisor and trained scaffolders are required. Inspections to be carried out not less than once in 7 days and before its first use. 9. There is a requirement of continuously monitoring the scaffold structures for any unauthorized modifications, removal of critical components etc so as to maintain the integrity of the structure. Adequate number of inspectors must be appointed to carry out this task. 10. Requirement of people and workers be aware of the hazards present at height and the proper use of the personal protection equipment like safety harnesses must be included in the training and tools box talks. 11. It is essential to have a hooking or a securing point while using safety harnesses for which lanyards with adequate strength and provision for securing them need to be considered to ensure that at all point of time the person working at height is securely hooked to a static point. Most importantly while moving on a top working platform. Health Hazards – Noise due to construction equipments & machineries Noise has been considered as the most significant health hazard in a construction atmosphere as there are a lot of close interactions between heavy machineries, equipments, plants, vehicles and persons and it is a continuous process. It is practically not possible to isolate or eliminate fully such noisy activities. Taking into consideration of this fact, the following 32
improvement actions are recommended based on the hierarchies of controls to reduce the impact of noise emissions:1. Establish the maximum exposure limit of 85 dB (A) or peak pressure of 140 dB(C) at the ear for all affected areas so that the measurements can be taken and levels exceeding can be identified and controlled. 2. Technology is advancing and there is a requirement of possibly sourcing suppliers for purchasing less noisy equipments and accordingly revise the purchasing policy and strategies and so that we can control the noise emission at the source itself. 3. In order to identify people vulnerable to induced hearing loss, audiometric tests must be conducted on a regular basis and accordingly classify them for noisy and less noisy jobs. The same needs to be done at the time of recruitment, to assess if the loss of hearing is due to occupational reasons. Likewise, exposure to noise must be limited to persons by proper job rotation, giving breaks and providing soundproof havens. 4. There is a requirement of re-routing the pedestrian walkways to ensure that they are avoiding the noisy activities and equipments so that their exposure to noise can be kept to minimum. Likewise, there is a need to re-design the vehicle routes to ensure that they avoid the public interfaces and buildings so that the noise due to transport and vehicle cause fewer nuisances to public and reduce complaints and enforcement actions. 5. Vibration of air particles and equipments is a prime cause of noise. Hence, there is a need to mount all static machineries on vibration proof mounts and kept covered or enclosed. 6. All operatives and staffs needs to be aware of symptoms of hearing loss, the hazards of noises and the right use and maintenance of personal protective equipments like ear muffs. Training and tools box talks must include these topics. Ear muffs are better ear defenders than ear plugs. Everyone should be provided with ear muffs while entering ‘Hearing protection zones’. By ensuring that the above mentioned controls are put in place, the company can reduce the injuries and accidents significantly and thus save on both direct and indirect costs. Improve productivity by avoiding business interruptions, enforcement actions; improve the public image and trust. Improve employee relations and will also help optimization of resources.
33
7.
ACTION PLAN
7.1
Management System
Recommendations 1
Action(s)
Time Scale
Responsibilities
Cost £
Success Criteria**
Update the policy statement/ statement of intent Appointing management system representative
Revise the policy statement with a valid signature of General Manager/ Director with date.
1 Week
General Manager
100 £
Appoint a person in senior management by name to take overall responsibility for health and safety affairs of the company.
2 Weeks
General Manager
3
Clearly define health and safety responsibilities of all.
Define the top management responsibilities in health and safety affairs.
2 Weeks
General Manager
4
Provide sufficient resources to manage safety
Define/ ear mark a budget for health and safety programmes.
1 Month
General Manager
5
Identify people with specific health and safety role
Recruit 5 H&S Officers and 5 H&S assistants for the units under construction.
3 months
HR Manager
1000 £ Appointment letter and internal memo announcing the new position & responsibilities 100 £ Revised HSE management system with responsibilities of top management included. 200 £ Inclusion of Health & Safety while budgeting/ costing for new contracts. Benchmark a % to be spent on health & Safety on all projects. 2000 £ Appointment letter and CVs
2
34
Signed and dated statement of intent
Review Date 12-03-08
19-03-05
19-03-05
12-04-08
12-06-08
Recommendations 6
7
8
Assess the experience, knowledge and skills and provide adequate training after identifying specific training skills required.
Consult employees and employee safety representatives on all issues of health & Safety
Control subcontractors/ all persons entering/ working in company premises
Time Scale
Responsibilities
Cost £
Success Criteria**
Develop a competency based training matrix.
1 month
Manager
100 £
Communicate training requirements to the employees and the supervisors.
1 Month
Manager
300 £
Training matrix. Training attendance register. Employee training schedules and certificates of completion.
Allocate separate training budgets and establish training rooms. Include health & Safety competency assessments during the recruitment/ transfers/ promotions of employees. Establish a health and safety committee.
3 Months
Manager
12-06-08
3 Months
Manager
1 month
Manager
3 months
Manager
3000 £ Physical observation of the training room. 300 £ Revised format of performance appraisals with inclusion of H&S performance criterion. 100 £ HSE suggestion boxes on all locations including rest areas/ labor camps. Invitation letters for committee 3000 £ meetings. Minutes of meetings and agenda items.
1 week
Manager
300 £
12-03-08
Action(s)
Meetings to be held at least half yearly. Employee suggestion box to be placed around all the company facilities. Company health & safety plan to be given to all contractors.
35
Interviewing subcontractors. Reviewing their HSE plans. Acknowledgement letter from contractor on receipt.
Review Date 12-04-08
12-04-08
12-06-08
12-04-08
12-06-08
Recommendations
Action(s)
Time Scale
Responsibilities
Cost £
Success Criteria**
Review Date
Induction training to be conducted to all visitors including temporary contractors and record to be maintained along with a written acknowledgement to comply with company requirements.
1 Week/ Ongoing
Manager/ Supervisor/ H&S Advisor
100 £
Inspection of induction registers and induction markings on the helmets with date. Interviewing visitors.
Communicate health and safety issues at all possible forums Introduce a system for task risk assessments and method statements before commencing any critical activities
Health and safety to be discussed as the first agenda on all meetings held.
1 Week/ Ongoing
All
500 £
Minutes of meetings, agenda items.
19-04-08
Method statements and task risk assessments to be prepared by the construction team and reviewed by the health & safety specialist and same to be conveyed to all operatives.
1 month
Managers/ Supervisors/ Line Management
500 £
Random checks on the method statements and task risk assessments records. Hazard registry for all projects separately.
19-04-08
11
Review objectives and targets at least annually
Update/ review the objectives and targets and prepare action plans to achieve them.
1 Month
Manager
300 £
19-04-08
12
Evaluation of emergency response procedure
Conduct emergency response drills on all facilities/ sites and repeat the drill at least quarterly.
2 Weeks
Manager/ Supervisor/ Line Management
Revision of HSE Plan and memo announcing the health & Safety target for the current year. 1000 £ Emergency drill report. Photographs and update of equipment inspection records.
9
10
Maintain a hazard registry.
36
02-04-08
Recommendations 13
7.2
Regular internal audits to be conducted.
Action(s)
Time Scale
Responsibilities
Cost £
Success Criteria**
Review Date
More staffs to be sent of internal audit trainings and be certified as internal auditors. An audit team to be formed.
3 months
General Manager/ Managers
2000 £ Training report on internal auditor course.
19-06-08
An annual audit plan to be prepared.
1 Month
Manager
300 £
Audit plan for the year with the names of audit team and audit protocols
19-04-08
Time Scale
Responsibilities
Cost £
Success Criteria**
2 Weeks
Manager/ Design Manager
2000 £
Hazards and Risk
7.2.1 Working on Scaffolding
Recommendations 1
Design all scaffolds in use
Action(s) Produce design drawings for load bearing scaffolds and nonstandard structures. Consider any additional plant, equipment, material or sheeting that could impose additional loadings over and above the standard scaffold design loads.
37
Design/ scaffold erection drawings and schedules.
Review Date 02-04-08
Recommendations
Action(s)
Responsibilities
Cost £
Success Criteria**
1 Month
Manager
1000 £
No objection letters; letter to public authorities.
19-04-08
3 Months
Manager
30000£
Local purchase orders. Physical inspection on site. Method statements of temporary works requiring access to height Appointment letter/ transfer letters and time sheets.
19-06-08
Inspection on site. Check list of fall arrest equipment purchased. Audit safety of stores. Inspect method statements. Inspection reports of scaffolding. Physical observation. Inclusion in the inspection checklist
19-04-08
2
Obtain consent from public authorities.
3
Avoid using scaffolds/ ladders for temporary height access
4
Warn public/ passers by and restrict traffic movements at the base of the scaffolding. Provision of passive restraints for material falls/ persons
Eliminate protruding edges. Employ a flag man, warning signs and barriers near the scaffold platform where vehicles are likely to pass and restrict traffic movements. Provide safety nets and air bags
1 Week
Supervisor
500 £
1 month
Manager
10000£
Securing the working platform
All scaffold planks and kickboards/ toe boards to be well secured and tightened to scaffold structure to prevent displacement
Immediate (within 2 days)
Supervisor/ Line Management
500 £
5
6
Consent to be obtained from local authorities before erecting scaffolding on footpath or public areas or adjacent to property owners. Use MEWPs (Mobile elevated working platforms) and mobile access platforms for temporary works.
Review Date
Time Scale
38
26-03-08
13-03-08
Recommendations 7
Secure the scaffold structure to existing structure
8
Proper erection and use of ladders
9
Competent persons only to erect, alter or inspect access equipments/ scaffolds
10
Inspect the scaffold regularly
Time Scale
Responsibilities
Cost £
Outriggers/ guy ropes to be tied to the scaffold and secure it against existing structure. Ties removed for any purpose to be fixed back or alternate ties to be used. All ladders to extent 1m or 5 rungs above the landing platform
Immediate (within 2 days)
Supervisor/ Line Management
500 £
Inspection reports and photographs
13-03-08
Immediate (within 2 days)
Supervisor/ Line Management
1000 £
13-03-08
Appoint a competent person trained in CITB procedures in erecting, handling, inspecting and maintained all access equipment.
1 Month
Manager
2000 £
ladder inspection records, photographs/ reduced number of incidents due to collapse of ladder/ fall from ladder Appointment letter. Training register and scaffolder training certificate. Erection & inspection checklists.
Persons erecting scaffolds to undergo a third party training and be certified as a scaffolder
3 months
Manager
3000 £
Inspect scaffold training certificates and list of appointed scaffolders.
19-06-08
The appointed competent person to inspect the scaffolding before it is first used; where conditions may cause deterioration of the structure and within a 7 day period are as specified by the temporary
1 Month
Manager/ Supervisor
1000 £
Inspection reports and photographs
19-04-08
39
Success Criteria**
Review Date
Action(s)
19-04-08
Recommendations
Action(s)
Review Date
Time Scale
Responsibilities
Cost £
Success Criteria**
Inspection on site. Unused scaffoldings marked as red. Green tags are signed off on a daily basis before work commences. Inspection of site. Check method statements. Check local purchase orders. Dust emission records. Inspection records and daily scaffold checklists.
02-04-08
Training records, training registers. Personal interviews. Demonstration of use of PPEs.
19-04-08
works coordinator.
11
Provide evidence of worthiness of access equipment/ scaffolds
Use scaff tag system signed and marked green and inspected by the competent person not less than 7 days.
2 weeks
Supervisor/ Line Management
1000 £
12
Arrest debris/ materials from falling
Debris guards/ debris netting and fans to be provided for high rise scaffolds and those close to public areas
1 Month
Manager
1000 £
13
Monitor misuse of scaffolds and access equipments
Appoint inspectors to randomly check if edge protection is removed and no unauthorized alterations are made.
Immediate (within 2 days)
Supervisor
2000 £
14
All operatives to be trained especially the persons erecting scaffolds
Provide training/ tools box to all operatives and supervisory staff involved in the use of suspension equipment such as lines and harnesses, and how to inspect and assess PPE before use.
1 Month
Manager
3000 £
40
19-04-08
13-03-08
Recommendations
Action(s)
Time Scale
Responsibilities
Cost £
15
Ensure good housekeeping
Task a housekeeping team to look for removed nuts, washers and to clean up grease, oil, paint etc and to dispose all left over materials on a daily basis.
Immediate (within 2 days)
Supervisor/ Line management
500 £
15
Provide suitable personal fall arrest systems.
Provide safety harnesses with 2 lanyards and provisions for securing/ hooking.
Immediate (within 2 days)
Manager
4000 £
Success Criteria** Inspect housekeeping records and checklists. Inspect records of fall due to slips/ trips. Visual observation while doing the activity. Check purchase orders for safety harnesses. Review method statements.
Review Date 13-03-08
13-03-08
7.2.2 Noise from Construction Equipment/ Machineries
RECOMMENDATIONS 1
Establish noise exposure limits
ACTION(S) Measure the exposure limit value not exceeding 85 dB (A)/ peak sound pressure of 140 dB (C) at the ear for all affected persons.
TIME SCALE
RESPONSIBILITIES
COST* £
2 weeks
Manager
1000 £
41
SUCCESS CRITERIA** Record of noise monitoring and establishment of first action level and peak action level.
REVIEW DATE/ FORMAT 13-03-08
RECOMMENDATIONS
ACTION(S)
TIME SCALE
RESPONSIBILITIES
COST* £
SUCCESS CRITERIA**
REVIEW DATE/ FORMAT 19-06-08
2
Purchase less noisy equipment
Revise the purchasing policy and introduce a low- noise purchasing strategies for all construction related equipment
3 Months
General Manager/ Managing Director
1000 £
Revised procedure for purchasing and list of suppliers and certificates from manufacturers on low noise qualities.
7
Isolate the noisy equipment/ machineries
Keep the compressor/ generator and all static machineries covered with sound proof material. Screen the noise source with a barrier, soil heap or locate behind partly completed buildings.
1 month
Manager/ Supervisor
5000 £
Physical observation and maintenance records. Purchase orders of sound proof covers.
19-04-08
9
Reduce noise due to vibration of machineries
All static machineries to be mounted on anti-vibration mounts.
1 month
Manager
3000 £
19-04-08
3
Health surveillance
Conduct audiometry test on all vulnerable workers/ operators and results to be conveyed and kept as records.
1 month
Manager
3000 £
4
Encourage participation from employees
Encourage employees to seek medical advice if hearing damage is suspected.
1 month
Supervisor/ Line management
500 £
Physical observation. Maintenance records and local purchase orders. Audiometry records for all staffs clearly categorized separately for people with defects and healthy. Health records/ medical reports Check record of referels to clinic/ hospitals for hearing complaints.
42
19-04-08
19-04-08
RECOMMENDATIONS
ACTION(S)
TIME SCALE
RESPONSIBILITIES
COST* £
SUCCESS CRITERIA**
REVIEW DATE/ FORMAT 13-03-08
5
Reduce duration of exposure to workers
Identify noisy areas and limit the workers in and around the area by adjusting the work schedules
Immediate (within 2 days)
Supervisor/ Line management
1000 £
Check time sheets/ work schedules for all workers.
6
Redesign the pedestrian routes
Modify/ re-design the pedestrian routes to avoid passing through noisy activity areas/ equipments.
2 Weeks
Manager
1000 £
25-03-08
10
Provision of safe havens
Provide sound proof rest facilities/ safe havens on site
2 month
Manager
20000 £
New signmarked pedestrian routes with barricades and hazard warning signs. Physical observation and noise monitoring records.
8
Reduce public interfaces
2 weeks
Manager
2000 £
Training
2 weeks
Manager/ Supervisor/ Line Management
5000 £
Inspect vehicle routes and interview drivers regarding the knowledge of new route. Checking training matrix, employee training records, training registers and personal interview.
25-03-08
11
12
Provision of personnel hearing protection devices.
Access roads to site to be repositioned such that equipments and machinery movements cause minimum disturbances to residential buildings/ publics. Training on the likely noise exposure and risk to hearing; where and how to obtain hearing protectors; how to report defects in hearing protectors and noise control equipment and employees duties. Provide ear defenders/ muffs to all personnel who are entering the hearing protection zones.
1 Month
Manager
3000 £
Inspect stores. Check the purchase orders and personal interviews with workers.
19-04-08
11-05-08
25-03-08
* Costs: Calculated based on the assumed man-hours spend by the responsible persons and the equipment, material and training costs. Man-hours are calculated based on the following assumptions:43
RECOMMENDATIONS
ACTION(S)
Top Management (GM/ MD) :
500 £ per hour
Managers
250 £ per hour
TIME SCALE
RESPONSIBILITIES
COST* £
Supervisor/ Line management Workers/ Labors
SUCCESS CRITERIA**
REVIEW DATE/ FORMAT
100 £ per hour 50 £ per hour
** Success criteria can be generally attributed to reduced number of injuries, dangerous occurrences, non conformances and enforcement actions
44
8.
REFERENCES/ BIBILIOGRAPHY
1) NEBOSH 2006, Guide to the NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, Leicester. 2) CRONER 2006, The Law of Health and Safety at Work. by Norman Selwyn, Surrey 3) IOSH 2007, Health and Safety: hazardous agents. By Dr Chris Hartley, Leicester. 4) Health and Safety Executive, 1998, Five Steps to Risk Assessment: Case Studies., HSG183, HSE Books, Sudbury 5) Health and Safety Executive, 2006, Successful health and safety management. HSG65, HSE Books, Sudbury 6) RMS 2006, Workplace and Work Equipment. A study book for the NEBOSH National Diploma, Sturbridge. 7) Health and Safety Executive, 1996, Slips and Trips: Guidance for Employers on Identifying Hazards and Controlling Risks. HSG155, HSE Books, Sudbury. 8) Health and Safety Executive, 1995, Sound Solutions. HSG138, HSE Books, Sudbury 9) Health and Safety Executive, 1999, Health Surveillance at Work. HSE HSG61, HSE Books, Sudbury. 10) Health and Safety Executive, 2006, Health and Safety in Construction. HSG150, HSE Books, Sudbury. 11) Health and Safety Executive, 1996, The Costs Of Accidents at Work. HSG96, HSE Books, Sudbury 12) Health and Safety Executive, 1998, Reducing Noise at Work. Guidance on the Noise at Work Regulations 1989, L108, HSE Books, Sudbury. 13) British Standards Institution, 2004, Temporary works equipment Part 1: Scaffolds performance requirements and general design. BS EN 12811-1: 1994, BSI, London. 14) British Standards Institution, 1994a, Hearing Protectors: Recommendation for the Selection, Use, Care and Maintenance. BS EN 458: 1994, BSI, London. 15) Fact sheet, 258, ‘Occupational and community noise’, World Health Organisation, revised 2001. 16) Health and Safety Executive, nk, INDG275: Managing Health and Safety, Five Steps to success. HSE Publications, Sudbury. 17) Construction (Design and Management) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (SI 2000 No. 2380) 18) Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1966 (SI 1966 No. 95) 45
19) Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (SI 1999 No. 3242) 20) Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1988 (SI 1998 No. 2306) 21) Work at Height Regulations 2005 (SI 2005 No. 735) 22) Noise at Work Regulations 1989 (SI 1989/1790) 23) Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/2306) (as amended by SI 1999/ 860 and SI 1999/2001) 24) Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/3073) (as amended by the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1994 (SI 1994/ 2063) 25) Abu Dhabi Municipality (2002), Code of Construction. Abu Dhabi:nk 26) HSE The Health and Safety Executive, http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction.html (Accessed 2 March 2008) 27) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.europa.eu.html (Accessed 3 March 2008)
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