## General Responsibilities in Health and Safety

Understanding your general responsibilities is fundamental to maintaining a safe workplace. Health and safety law in Great Britain places duties on everyone involved in a work activity, primarily employers and employees.

## The Law

The main piece of legislation governing workplace health and safety in Great Britain is the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA). This Act sets out the general duties that employers, employees, and others have. Complementing the HSWA are the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR), which elaborate on many of these duties, particularly regarding risk assessments.

## Employer's Responsibilities

Employers have a broad duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees and anyone else who might be affected by their work activities. This includes:

• Providing a safe place of work and a safe working environment.
• Ensuring safe plant and equipment (machinery, tools, etc.).
• Implementing safe systems of work (procedures for tasks).
• Providing adequate information, instruction, training, and supervision.
• Ensuring the provision of adequate welfare facilities (toilets, washing facilities, drinking water).
• Carrying out risk assessments to identify and control hazards.
• Consulting with employees or their representatives on health and safety matters.

## Employee's Responsibilities

Employees also have crucial duties under the HSWA:

• To take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
• To cooperate with their employer on health and safety matters.
• Not to intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided for health, safety, or welfare.
• To report any hazards, defects, accidents, incidents, or near misses to their employer or supervisor.

## Competent Person

Employers must appoint one or more competent persons to assist them in meeting their health and safety obligations. A competent person is someone with sufficient training, experience, knowledge, and other qualities to be able to properly undertake their role.

## Health and Welfare on Construction Sites

Health and welfare are fundamental to ensuring a safe and productive construction site. Employers have a legal and moral responsibility to provide a working environment that protects workers' physical and mental health. Workers also have duties to look after their own health and report any concerns.

Essential Welfare Facilities

Every construction site must provide suitable and sufficient welfare facilities for all workers. These include:

• Toilets and Washing Facilities: These must be clean, hygienic, and well-maintained. Toilets should be separate for men and women where possible, or lockable single-occupancy facilities. Washing facilities must have hot and cold (or warm) running water, soap, and means for drying hands (e.g., paper towels). These are vital for personal hygiene, especially after using toilets or handling hazardous substances.
• Drinking Water: An adequate supply of wholesome drinking water must be readily available and clearly marked. Cups should be provided unless it's a drinking fountain.
• Changing Rooms and Lockers: Where workers need to change into special work clothing (e.g., PPE) or where clothing might become contaminated, suitable changing rooms should be provided. Lockers or other secure storage should be available for personal belongings and work clothes.
• Rest Areas and Canteens: Heated rest areas with tables and chairs are necessary for workers to take breaks, eat meals, and warm up. These areas must be kept clean and tidy.
• First Aid: Adequate first-aid facilities and trained personnel must be available on site. A first-aid box should be clearly marked and easily accessible. The location of the first-aid point and contact details for first aiders should be clearly displayed.

Health Risks and Personal Responsibility

Beyond facilities, workers face various health risks and have personal responsibilities:

• Fatigue and Stress: Long hours and demanding work can lead to fatigue and stress. Taking regular breaks and reporting excessive workload is important.
• Drugs and Alcohol: Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol on site is extremely dangerous and strictly prohibited. It impairs judgment and coordination, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
• General Health: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (diet, exercise) helps workers cope with the demands of construction work.
• Reporting Concerns: Workers must report any health concerns, illnesses, or incidents (including near misses related to health) to their supervisor or first aider immediately. Early reporting can prevent worsening conditions or future incidents.

Employer and Employee Duties

Employers are responsible for providing and maintaining welfare facilities, assessing health risks, and implementing controls. Employees must use facilities properly, follow health and safety rules, and report any issues or concerns.

## Work at Height: Key Principles

Work at height is defined as any place where, if precautions are not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. This includes working on a ladder, a flat roof, a scaffold, or near an opening in a floor. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR) are the primary legislation governing this area in Great Britain.

## Hierarchy of Control for Work at Height

The regulations establish a clear hierarchy of control that must be followed to manage risks:

1. Avoid work at height where possible. Can the task be done from the ground? (e.g., using long-handled tools, ground-level assembly).

2. Prevent falls using the most suitable work equipment. Prioritise collective protective measures over personal ones.

• Collective protection: Scaffolding, guard rails, Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) with platforms, safety nets. These protect everyone in the area.
• Personal protection: Fall restraint (prevents reaching a fall hazard) or fall arrest systems (stops a fall once it occurs, e.g., harnesses and lanyards). These protect only the individual wearing them and require rescue plans.

3. Mitigate the distance and consequences of a fall where the risk cannot be eliminated. This includes using safety nets, airbags, or soft landing systems.

## Planning and Equipment

All work at height must be properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out by competent persons. A risk assessment must be conducted to identify hazards and determine the necessary precautions.

Common Equipment and Considerations:

• Ladders and Stepladders: Should only be used for light work of short duration (typically 30 minutes or less) and as a last resort. Ensure they are stable, secure, and used at the correct angle (1 in 4 for ladders). Maintain three points of contact at all times. Never work off the top two steps of a stepladder.
• Scaffolding: Must be erected, dismantled, or altered by competent persons. It requires regular inspections: before first use, every 7 days, after modification, or following adverse weather. Look for a green 'Scafftag' indicating it is safe to use.
• Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs): Operators must be trained (e.g., IPAF certification). Pre-use checks are essential. Ensure outriggers are fully extended and ground conditions are suitable. A harness and lanyard should be worn in boom-type MEWPs due to the risk of ejection.
• Tower Scaffolds: Must be erected on a firm, level base and be stable. Internal access is preferred.

## Fragile Surfaces and Roof Work

Special precautions are needed for fragile surfaces (e.g., old roof lights, fibre cement roofs). Use crawling boards, safety nets, or edge protection. Always assume a roof is fragile unless proven otherwise.

## Emergency Procedures

An emergency plan must be in place, especially when using fall arrest systems, to ensure prompt rescue of anyone who falls.

## Manual Handling: Key Principles

Manual handling involves any activity requiring a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, or move a load. This is a significant cause of injury in the workplace, particularly within construction.

## Risks and Injuries

The primary risks associated with poor manual handling are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These include injuries to the back, neck, shoulders, and limbs, such as sprains, strains, herniated discs, and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). These injuries can be debilitating and lead to long-term health problems and time off work.

## Legal Requirements

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) are the key legislation in Great Britain. They place duties on employers to:

• Avoid hazardous manual handling operations where reasonably practicable.
• Assess any unavoidable risks.
• Reduce the risk of injury to the lowest level reasonably practicable.

## Employer and Employee Responsibilities

Employers must:

• Conduct risk assessments for manual handling tasks.
• Provide suitable lifting equipment (e.g., trolleys, hoists, pallet trucks) where possible.
• Provide adequate training on safe manual handling techniques and the use of equipment.
• Ensure a safe working environment, free from obstacles.

Employees must:

• Follow training and safe systems of work.
• Use any equipment provided correctly and safely.
• Report any hazards, unsafe practices, or injuries immediately to their supervisor.
• Not take shortcuts or put themselves or others at risk.

## Assessing Manual Handling Risks (TILE)

A systematic approach to risk assessment is crucial. The TILE acronym helps identify key factors to consider:

• Task: Does it involve twisting, stooping, excessive reaching, long distances, or repetitive movements? Is team handling required?
• Individual: Does the person have the necessary capability, training, and health to perform the task safely?
• Load: Is it heavy, bulky, unstable, difficult to grasp, hot/cold, or sharp?
• Environment: Are there obstacles, slippery floors, poor lighting, restricted space, or extreme temperatures?

Consider the availability of mechanical aids and the need for team handling as part of the assessment.

## Safe Lifting Techniques

Before lifting, PLAN the lift. Clear the route, know the destination, and consider if help or equipment is needed.

When lifting:

• Get a firm grip and keep the load close to your body.
• Adopt a stable position with feet apart.
• Bend your knees, not your back. Keep your back straight.
• Lift smoothly using the power of your legs.
• Avoid twisting your body; turn your feet instead.
• Don't lift more than you can comfortably manage. If it feels too heavy, get help or use equipment.

## Conclusion

Always prioritise avoiding manual handling where possible. If unavoidable, assess the risks thoroughly and implement measures to reduce them, including proper training and the use of aids. Report all incidents and near misses to prevent future harm.

## What is PPE?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is any equipment designed to protect you against health and safety risks at work. This includes items like safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, and respiratory protective equipment (RPE). Its purpose is to reduce exposure to hazards when other control measures are insufficient.

## When is PPE Used?

PPE is the last resort in the hierarchy of control measures. Employers must first try to eliminate, substitute, use engineering controls, or implement administrative controls before relying on PPE. It should only be used when risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means.

## Employer Responsibilities

Employers must:

• Provide suitable PPE free of charge.
• Ensure PPE is correctly assessed for risks.
• Maintain PPE (clean, repair, replace).
• Provide training and instruction on its use, storage, and maintenance.
• Ensure different items of PPE are compatible.
• Display signs where PPE must be worn.

## Employee Responsibilities

You must:

• Wear provided PPE as instructed.
• Take reasonable care of it.
• Report any defects, damage, or loss immediately.
• Attend training.
• Never tamper with or misuse PPE.

## Common Types of PPE

• Head Protection: Hard hats (falling objects, impacts).
• Eye Protection: Safety glasses, goggles (debris, chemicals).
• Hearing Protection: Earplugs, earmuffs (excessive noise).
• Hand Protection: Gloves (cuts, chemicals, temperatures).
• Foot Protection: Safety boots (falling objects, punctures).
• Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE): Dust masks, respirators (dust, fumes, gases).
• High-Visibility Clothing: Vests, jackets (visibility near vehicles).
• Fall Protection: Safety harnesses (falls from height).

## Important Considerations

All PPE must be CE marked, indicating it meets European safety standards. It must be suitable for the specific task, environment, and individual wearer. Ill-fitting or incorrect PPE can be ineffective or create new hazards.

## Emergency Procedures

Knowing your site's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is crucial. This plan details what to do in various emergencies. Always know the location of your designated assembly points and the quickest, safest evacuation routes. Keep all escape routes clear.

If you discover an emergency, your first action is usually to raise the alarm using the nearest alarm point. Familiarise yourself with the sound of the alarm. Once the alarm is raised, follow the EAP, evacuate calmly to your assembly point, and await further instructions.

For fire safety, remember RACE:

• Rescue anyone in immediate danger, if safe to do so.
• Alarm: Raise the alarm immediately.
• Confine the fire by closing doors and windows, if safe.
• Extinguish (if trained and safe to do so with the correct extinguisher) or Evacuate.

Never tackle a fire if it's too large, you're not trained, or your escape route is blocked. Know the different types of fire extinguishers (e.g., water, foam, CO2, powder) and their appropriate uses.

In any serious emergency, once the alarm is raised and people are safe, emergency services (e.g., 999) should be called by a designated person. Be ready to provide clear information: your exact location, the nature of the emergency, and the number of casualties.

## First Aid

It is vital to know who your designated First Aiders are on site and where the First Aid points and First Aid kits are located. These resources provide immediate care.

All accidents, however minor, and any near misses or dangerous occurrences, must be reported to your supervisor and recorded in the accident book. This helps identify hazards and prevent future incidents. Serious incidents may need to be reported under RIDDOR.

When dealing with a casualty, remember the basic principles of DR ABC:

• Danger: First, check for any danger to yourself, the casualty, or others. Do not put yourself at risk.
• Response: Check if the casualty is conscious and responsive.
• Airway: Ensure their airway is open and clear.
• Breathing: Check if they are breathing normally.
• Circulation: Look for severe bleeding.

Always call for professional medical help (First Aider or 999) for serious injuries. Keep the casualty warm and comfortable, and do not move them unnecessarily. For minor injuries, administer basic first aid as trained (e.g., clean and cover cuts, cool burns). Know the location of any Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) on site.

## Hazardous Substances (COSHH)

Hazardous substances are materials that can cause harm to health or safety. In the UK, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations cover most of these. It's crucial to understand the risks and how to control them to prevent injury or illness.

Types of Harm

Hazardous substances can cause various types of harm:

• Health effects:
• Acute: Immediate effects, e.g., skin burns, dizziness, nausea, headaches.
• Chronic: Long-term effects from repeated exposure, e.g., asthma, dermatitis, cancer, lung damage.
• Safety risks: Fire, explosion, corrosion of materials, asphyxiation (lack of oxygen).

How Substances Enter the Body

Substances can enter your body in several ways:

• Inhalation: Breathing in dusts, fumes, gases, or vapours. This is the most common route in many workplaces.
• Ingestion: Swallowing substances, often accidentally, e.g., from contaminated hands or food/drink in work areas.
• Skin Absorption: Substances passing through the skin and into the bloodstream, e.g., solvents, oils, some chemicals.
• Injection: Through a puncture wound, e.g., from a high-pressure jet, contaminated sharp object, or needle.

Identifying Hazardous Substances

Always look for information to identify hazards:

• Product Labels: These display hazard pictograms (e.g., skull and crossbones, flame, exclamation mark) and hazard statements (e.g., "Harmful if swallowed", "Causes skin irritation").
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Detailed documents providing comprehensive information on hazards, safe handling, storage, emergency procedures, and first aid. Your employer must provide these for all hazardous substances used.
• COSHH Assessment: A specific risk assessment for hazardous substances, outlining the risks and the necessary control measures that must be followed.

Control Measures (Hierarchy of Control)

Your employer must follow the hierarchy of control to minimise risks from hazardous substances:

1. Elimination: Remove the hazardous substance entirely (e.g., don't use it).

2. Substitution: Replace it with a safer alternative (e.g., water-based paint instead of solvent-based).

3. Engineering Controls: Use equipment to reduce exposure, e.g., Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV), enclosure of processes, automation.

4. Administrative Controls: Safe working practices, e.g., reduced exposure time, good housekeeping, clear procedures, training, supervision.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Last resort, e.g., gloves, respirators, eye protection, protective clothing. PPE only protects the wearer and must be correctly used, maintained, stored, and fit for purpose.

Safe Practices

• Always follow COSHH assessments and safe working procedures.
• Never mix chemicals unless specifically instructed to do so.
• Ensure good ventilation in work areas.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling substances and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
• Report spills, leaks, or incidents involving hazardous substances immediately.
• Know emergency procedures for spills or exposure.

## Accident Prevention and Reporting

Understanding and implementing effective accident prevention and reporting measures is crucial for a safe working environment and is a key part of the CITB Health and Safety Awareness exam.

## Accident Prevention

Accident prevention is about proactively managing risks to stop incidents from happening. Key elements include:

• Risk Assessment: This is the cornerstone of prevention. It involves:

1. Identifying hazards (anything with the potential to cause harm).

2. Identifying who might be harmed and how.

3. Evaluating the risks (the likelihood of harm occurring and its severity).

4. Recording your findings.

5. Reviewing and updating the assessment regularly.

• Hierarchy of Controls: This is a systematic approach to controlling risks, prioritising the most effective methods:

1. Eliminate the hazard completely.

2. Substitute the hazard with a safer alternative.

3. Engineering Controls: Isolate people from the hazard (e.g., guards, ventilation).

4. Administrative Controls: Change the way people work (e.g., safe systems of work, training, supervision, permits to work).

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide equipment to protect individuals (e.g., hard hats, safety boots). This is the last resort.

• Safe Systems of Work: Detailed procedures for carrying out tasks safely, especially for high-risk activities.
• Training and Competence: Ensuring all workers are adequately trained and competent for their tasks.
• Good Housekeeping: Keeping the workplace tidy and free from obstructions to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
• Maintenance: Regularly inspecting and maintaining equipment to ensure it is safe to use.

## Accident Reporting

Reporting accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences is vital for learning from mistakes and preventing recurrence.

• Why Report?
• To investigate causes and implement corrective actions.
• To comply with legal requirements (e.g., RIDDOR).
• To provide data for insurance claims.
• To identify trends and improve safety management.
• What to Report?
• Accidents: Any unplanned event resulting in injury or ill-health.
• Near Misses: An event that did not cause harm, but had the potential to do so. Reporting these is crucial for proactive prevention.
• Dangerous Occurrences: Specific, reportable near-miss events (e.g., collapse of scaffolding).
• Occupational Diseases: Certain diseases linked to work activities.
• RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations):
• Requires employers and those in control of work premises to report certain serious workplace accidents, occupational diseases, and dangerous occurrences to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
• Examples include: fatalities, specified major injuries (e.g., fractures, amputations), injuries causing incapacitation for more than 7 consecutive days, and specific dangerous occurrences.
• How to Report: Minor incidents should be recorded in the company's accident book. More serious incidents, falling under RIDDOR, must be reported to the HSE via their online system.