Commitment to our customers is fundamental at BK Nolte Contracts and is at the core of all our business activity. That’s why we insist that all BKNC construction site personnel carry correct PPE and are 100% CSCS carded.
Every year many construction site workers are killed or injured as a result of their work; others suffer ill health, such as musculoskeletal disorders, dermatitis or asbestosis.
Not only this, a whopping 1.7 million working days are lost each year in the construction sector due to work-related injury and illness. However, the industry’s performance has shown a steady and long-term improvement and continues to do so.
The key to achieving healthy and safe working conditions is to ensure that health and safety issues are planned, organised, controlled, monitored and reviewed.
Everyone controlling site work has health and safety responsibilities. Checking that working conditions are healthy and safe before work begins and ensuring that the proposed work is not going to put others at risk requires planning and organisation.
This applies equally to a firm running and managing a small job, or to a subcontractor working at a large site controlled by someone else. Planning has to consider changes to the site as it develops – from welfare arrangements at the set-up, through to snagging work and the dismantling of site huts and hoardings at the end of the contract. The basic requirements apply to all jobs.
Making the workplace safe includes providing instructions, procedures, training and supervision to encourage people to work safely and responsibly.
Even where engineering controls and safe systems of work have been applied, some hazards might still remain and this is where personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed in order to reduce the risk.
Employers have duties concerning the provision and use of PPE at work. PPE is equipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks at work. It can include items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. It also includes respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
And let’s remember, it isn’t all down to the employer. Employees have a duty of care too….
