The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provide guidelines regarding the safe running of construction sites, aiming to reduce risks to the public and to the employees of the construction industry. Accidents do unfortunately still occur on building sites due to the large number of hazards, from injuries from tools and machinery to stresses and strains from heavy lifting. However, if your employer has done everything within their power to reduce the accident risk, accidents are simply accidents. However, when you sustain an injury which was due to your employer’s negligence, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.
The HSE outlines a number of criteria which must be considered when running a safe construction site, namely these are as follows:
1. Manage hazards and risks: This is with reference to the Construction (construction design and management) Regulations 2007, stipulated by the government. The regulations are designed to protect both the workforce and the public. An employer must be in careful control of their site with an awareness of what work is being commenced and completed at any given point, they must also have a close working relationship with any external contractors. Monitoring the work should keep the risk of health and safety hazards to a minimum. Site access must be prevented to those not part of the construction team. This should eliminate risk to the public. However if you are working in someone’s home this may be a little more difficult (see point 3). Welfare facilities, e.g. Toilets, must be in available on site for your workforce to use.
2. Train your workforce: all employees must have a full site induction, which will include a overview of risk areas and procedures in place to reduce the risk factors. Site rules must be in place and be enforced. Also all construction workers must be informed of the procedure to be followed should there be an emergency.
3. Co-operate with client: With reference to point 1, if you are working in someone’s home the construction team must uphold a lively interaction with their client, letting them know which work is commencing, when it will commence and how long it will take to complete. Again, as with staff, the site manager must inform them of any risks to themselves. Should you be working for a business client, they will need a full risk assessment and be informed of how the construction team plans to manage hazards, they will be very aware that they do not wish to be held liable should an accident occur on their premises. They will also wish to look after their own staff whilst work is being carried out.
If you have had an accident on a building site, which you believe was due to the negligence of your employer, or another 3rd party, contact a specialist work accident solicitors today. They will be able to give you the help and advice you need regarding your claim. Call Freeman Harris solicitors today on 020 7231 7150 or fill in a free online enquiry to receive the legal advice you need, today.