02-04-2014

Protecting the Public During Construction Projects

As well as looking out for the welfare of their workers, all construction businesses have a responsibility to protect members of the public when they are working on a job.

When referring to small construction projects, there may be less security, they may be in more residential or built-up areas, or there may be contract workers who also need to abide by the rules.

Construction sites are required by law to ensure any work is done in a manner that ensures citizens are not put at risk. The client or project coordinator has to assess boundaries and access, as well as how any land surrounding the construction site is used. These aspects can then be used to establish measures to ensure unauthorised individuals cannot gain access to the site.

 

Speedy has a range of Health, Safety & Environment training courses available to workers, supervisors, and site management which go through how to reduce risks to workers and the public

 

What are the risks to the public from a small construction site?

The HSE state that the public commonly suffers injuries from construction sites due to:

  • Tools and materials falling outside the boundary.
  • Falling into trenches.
  • Being struck by moving vehicles.

 

Mismanagement of materials

Contractors will need to ensure equipment is stored and utilised correctly as materials and tools falling outside of the boundaries of the site can be one of the main causes of injuries to the public.

This is especially relevant when working from height, so if there are any towers or scaffolding around the fence boundaries, special care needs to be taken to avoid dropping tools such as hammers, screwdrivers and other handheld tools. Toe boards, netting and brick guards are a great idea to put in place.

Scaffolding also needs to be managed well during erection and dismantling.

Tools should also be stored correctly overnight, locked away and out of sight.

 

Moving vehicles

Moving vehicles can cause incidents. Any vehicles leaving or coming onto a site will have to come from public access roads, and across footpaths and roads to reach the entry gate. In particularly residential or built-up areas, this can create hazards, especially if children or the elderly are in the area.

Signs, barriers and markers will all have to be in place on-site and off-site. You should also ensure any drivers have the relevant qualifications and training to drive vehicles off-site, and drive carefully and considerately.

 

Trespassing

Children in particular can be at risk of trespassing on building sites as many will view the areas as exciting places to explore. Although there has been a decline in the number of young people killed or injured on construction sites, there has been an increase in the number of cases of tresspassing in general.

Construction companies and site managers must take steps to limit access to the public, including tresspassers. Signs, fences, and security systems are all key.

General trespassers or those breaking into the site can be at risk of safety hazards. While trespassing is illegal, if your site is not secure and then found not to have been a safe place for workers, you could get into trouble. The results could be financially damaging.

Landowners have a duty of care to anyone on their site, whether they are there with permission or unauthorised. The Occupiers Liability Act 1984 identifies that if a site owner hasn't taken the necessary steps to limit access, you could be prosecuted.

 

Site boundaries

To prevent people from accessing a construction site without authorisation, there are certain things small construction companies should consider. The first is how densely the surrounding area is populated, as well as the nature of the project and whether it is likely to attract interest from members of the public.

By erecting a two-metre-high fence around the site, small businesses can help to tackle some of these issues. They must also ensure authorised personnel are aware of the rules and who has permission to enter the premises.

You may wish to limit access points, meaning they can be better controlled. Fencing needs to be maintained, and can't be attractive to children; you may wish to stick to plain hoarding as opposed to decorative. Site boundaries also inform the public where they can and cannot walk, and where the dangers are.

Construction areas must be adequately secured at the end of the day, while any excavations and pits need to be protected with barriers.

Work out:

  • The volume and type of site visitors.
  • The type of construction work.
  • The population of the area (how many, local businesses etc).
  • Location of the building (and nearby buildings).
  • Existing boundaries.

 

Noise & Dust

Two by-products in the construction industry, that can't be helped but can cause distress to the public and local residents.

You should follow local noise guidance carefully, and be courteous. Don't use loud machinery for prolonged periods if it can be helped, or out of general working hours.

Dust can usually be controlled by water in construction environments. You may need to erect hoarding or sheets to prevent dust leaving your site edge.

 

Vulnerable people

The elderly, children and those with certain disabilities will need particular attention. Work taking place around schools, hospitals, residential areas and other businesses will have to be particularly thought out.

You must do all you can to keep the public out of danger, which may involve going above and beyond. Signs giving people the opportunity to read about a manhole in 100 yards isn't good for anyone unlikely to read or who can't read, so you will still need to erect barriers, and other protective guards.

You also need to ensure all paths and roads are clear at all times. Ensure stored goods can't topple or roll over, and that there is enough space for wheelchairs, buggies, walking frames and groups of schoolchildren to walk safely around the site if you've had to close footpaths or roads.

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