Safety and health in construction are crucial aspects that must be addressed seriously and with commitment in any project. Creating a solid and effective safety and health plan is essential to ensure worker protection and minimize occupational risks in the workplace.
When should the safety and health plan be developed in construction projects?
Depending on the country and region, different legal regulations establish the obligation to develop a safety and health plan before starting any construction work Nowadays, online platforms for information management and construction site planning provide a comprehensive solution to implement an effective safety and health plan.
In this article, we will guide you through the 3 essential steps you need to follow to develop a safety and health plan in construction projects. These steps, based on European regulations, will help you comply with legal requirements and promote a safety culture in your construction project.
1. Construction Risk Analysis
Risk analysis is the first fundamental step in creating a safety and health plan for your construction project It involves identifying, evaluating and documenting the potential risks in the work environment. The main objective of this is to evaluate and minimize in advance any hazards that could cause injuries or harm to workers.
During the risk analysis process, it is essential to consider a wide range of factors. From the specific activities to be carried out in the project to the equipment, materials, and environmental conditions, all aspects must be thoroughly evaluated. Additionally, it is crucial to consider relevant regulations and requirements, as this type of analysis is required to commence construction works.
Some of the common risks that must be analyzed in the context of a construction project include falls from heights, exposure to toxic or hazardous substances, electrical hazards, machinery accidents, earth moving, and ergonomic risks. Each activity and work area may present specific risks, so it is essential to conduct an individualized assessment to fully identify and understand the hazards associated with your project.
2. Preventive Measures in Construction
Once the risk analysis has been conducted, it is important to implement appropriate preventive measures to control and minimize the identified hazards. Preventive measures are specific actions and procedures designed to eliminate or reduce risks in the work field.
Preventive measures may vary depending on the nature of the risks and the characteristics of the construction work, but some common measures include:
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE): Ensure that workers properly use helmets, gloves, safety goggles, and other appropriate protective elements to prevent injuries.
- Define safety controls and protocols: Implement clear and specific procedures for each activity, such as handling loads, using tools and machinery, and accessing work areas.
- Installation of safety barriers and signage: Place guardrails, fences, and safety tapes to delimit hazardous areas and warn workers about potential risks.
- Implementation of safe work procedures: Establish protocols for carrying out tasks safely, including proper material handling, use of ladders and scaffolding, and prevention of falls from heights.
It is important to promote awareness and compliance with these measures among workers through adequate communication and training of the personnel involved in the construction project.
3. Emergency and Evacuation Plan for Construction
This type of plan in construction works refers to the measures and procedures established to deal with emergency situations and ensure an effective response to unexpected events. Its main objective is to protect the lives of workers, minimize risks, and ensure the continuity of operations in case of incidents such as fires, explosions, landslides, major accidents, or evacuations.
The roles and responsibilities of the people involved in emergency situations should be clearly defined, designating members of the evacuation and first aid teams. Some common examples of these roles are:
- Emergency manager: This person is in charge of making key decisions during an emergency situation. They oversee and coordinate all actions and emergency management.
- Evacuation team: They should guide and supervise the safe evacuation of workers. They are responsible for ensuring that all areas are vacated and that all workers are evacuated in an orderly manner.
- First Aid Team: Their responsibility is to assess and provide initial care to affected workers until professional medical help arrives.
- Communications Manager: They must ensure that emergency calls are made correctly, keep the staff informed, and coordinate with external emergency services.
- Firefighting Brigade: If a firefighting brigade is available, they will be responsible for combating and controlling fires until the arrival of the fire department.
The emergency plan should provide clear instructions on the steps to be taken in case of emergencies, including evacuation procedures, safe meeting points, and internal and external communication methods.
Additionally, detailed information about the location and use of first aid equipment, fire extinguishers, and other safety devices should be previously distributed.
How to Implement a Successful Safety and Health Plan
Among the key factors for the implementation of a successful safety and health plan is training. Providing workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their work safely ensures that they are aware of applicable regulations, as well as the proper use of equipment and machinery. Training also covers topics such as risk identification and control, emergency response, and the promotion of a safety culture.
On the other hand, supervision and continuous improvement are fundamental elements to ensure the effectiveness of the safety and health plan. Supervision involves constant monitoring of activities on the construction site, ensuring compliance with established protocols and preventive measures. It also involves correcting any identified deviations or non-compliance issues.
Working with digital solutions such as an ERP software for work progress tracking and construction planning can be of great help for managing and monitoring all safety and health plan activities. These solutions allow for real-time tracking, generate detailed reports, and facilitate decision-making, thus contributing to the effective and successful implementation of the plan.
Remember that the safety and health of workers are priorities, and through the proper development and implementation of a safety and health plan, along with the use of appropriate technological tools, we can build in a safer way and ensure the well-being of all those involved in a construction project.
