The construction industry has one of the highest rates of accidents and injuries in the UK, and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 are in place to ensure that health and safety are planned, managed and monitored prior to works starting and throughout the construction phase. But who is responsible for health and safety on a construction site?
The Principal Contractor is the person or organisation who is carrying out the majority of the work on a construction site and is responsible for ensuring the health and safety of workers and members of the public whilst construction are taking place.
They are responsible for ensuring that relevant documentation is produced detailing how they will manage health and safety on-site, ensuring workers are inducted onto the site and reviewing processes and procedures throughout the construction, amongst other things!
Contractors have a responsibility to assess the processes and procedures that they are responsible for and work with the Principal Contractor to ensure that they are being carried out in the safest possible way whilst working alongside other contractors that may be on site.
Workers also have a responsibility to take steps to ensure not only their own health and safety but that of others around them. They should follow all site rules and any procedures laid down at induction and report any concerns they have on health and safety to the Principal Contractor.
So ultimately, everyone has a responsibility for health and safety on a construction site, and everyone must work together to ensure that accidents and incidents do not occur. Safety at work doesn't happen unless all parties buy into it.
Here at Hewitt&Carr Services, we can help to guide you through the CDM Regulations and provide you with relevant and timely information. Give us a call today to discuss your requirements.
Tel: 01538 711777 Email: hello@hc-services.uk
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