According to recent statistics released by HSE, 144 workers were killed in 2017/2018 from a fatal injury – an increase of nine fatalities from 2016/2017. The construction industry ranked as having the greatest number of fatalities.
How can you minimise risk on site?
As a general rule, in a low risk workplace, an employee should be within 30 metres of a fire extinguisher. Your site should include fire extinguishers based on fire size, floor area and relevant to the nature of the potential fire.
In the event of an emergency, it is important to have all the correct first aid equipment on site in order to protect workers, should there be an injury. From first aid kits to defibrillators, your site should be equipped with the relevant first aid products in the case of an emergency.
No matter how small or large your site is, it is important to have the appropriate fire alarms in place to protect workers. Depending on the nature of the work being carried out and the risks on site, there are different types of fire alarms that may be suitable.
The dangers of spills on building sites can have drastic consequences to people and the environment. Ensure you manage the specific risks associated with oil, chemical, and general maintenance spills by having the right spill kits to hand.
Appropriate signage ensures workers are aware of fire hazards and other safety risks and can act swiftly in an emergency. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that ‘all workplaces must have adequate safety signs to point people towards fire-fighting equipment, emergency routes and emergency exits’.
From fire safety awareness training to emergency first aid at work, it is important that regular training is provided for workers to ensure they are prepared in an emergency and that they are up to speed on any health and safety regulation changes.
