2nd a finale luca lelli

LUCA LELLI 000907388-4

Luca Lelli

University of Greenwich

BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying

Course Leader: Dr Shaun Lundy

BUIL 1210 Principles of Law and Health & Safety Summative Assignment 1

Date: 11th January 2016


Introduction

This management report is based on the findings from the risk assessment (appendix 1) that

was carried out on the 2nd of November 2015.

The risk assessment follows an inspection of a residential building site called Wedlock Barn

estate. The Building Maintenance Ltd, a company specialized in social housing maintenance

services, manages this estate, which comprises of 52 blocks containing 1475 units. The

estate has a diverse population with a high percentage of residents over retirement age. On

the day of the health and safety risk assessment, there were five employees and two sub-

contractor companies. The team was made up of two carpenters, two plumbers and one

multi-trade technician. The Building Maintenance Ltd carries out day-to-day repairs and

general maintenance. The specialist sub-contractor companies manage larger and planned

major repairs, such as roofing replacements and structure works.

The risk assessment is an essential part of the planning stage; this tool helps to prioritise

objectives and to reduce the (actual and potential) risks with the control of the hazards (HSE,

2016). The risk assessment carried out at the Wedlock Barn estate highlighted the following

hazards within the tenanted social housing properties:

a) fire exposure

b) exposure to hazardous substances (i.e. asbestos, dust) in the working environment

c) slips, trips and falls in the working area

d) exposure to noise caused by machinery

e) manual handling of materials and equipment

f) contact with machinery

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The associated risks were identified and appropriate documentation maintained. They were

initially rated (with and without controls in place) and scored as low (1-3), medium (4-6), high

(8-12) and critical (15-25). Subsequently they were prioritized according to likelihood and

severity levels. The estimates were then combined to capture the overall risk severity (see

table 1 below). The method is repeatable and therefore the learning within the company will

be accelerated (Harpst, 2016).

Table 1. Risk Assessment: risk score/rating/likelihood/severity

Furthermore, control measures to manage the risks emerging from the assessment were

underlined. Finally, a management action plan was provided with timescale and achievement

date for the actions required by team members and by the manager. The main aim of the the

plan was to highlight the actions needed to move towards best practice. Straightforward and

inexpensive recommendations were conveyed.

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Main findingsAll jobs expose workers to hazards.

In this section a detailed description of the hazards and correlated risks identified at the

Wedlock Barn estate is given and the correlated legislations (see also appendix 5) are

mentioned:

b) Exposure to hazardous substances

a) Fire exposure

Following the inspection on site, there appears

to be serious concerns related to poor

awareness of fire exposure. Fire doors and/or

the self-closing mechanism were not always

present and emergency lighting would need a

more regular inspection. Also, many of the

extinguishers already provided must be secured

in place.

Breaches of the Health and Safety at Work etc

Act (HSW) 1974, of the Management of Health

and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSWR)

1999, of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety)

Order 2005 (RRFSO 2005) and of the

Construction (Design and Management)

Regulations (CDM) 2015 (chapter 19 reg. 36)

were identified. Therefore, a fire risk

assessment will have to be implemented

promptly and control measures will need to be

put in place to safeguard employers, employees

and contractors (Hughes, 2016). It is a legal

requirement to provide Fire Awareness annual

training to each worker and it is suggested that

a training plan is to be produced by the

manager.

Any breach of statutory duties can also be

prosecuted with criminal offence and fine (HSE,

2016).4


Although most of the woodworking machineries had a dust

extraction system and open windows allowed for adequate

ventilation, dust masks must be worn when the above

machineries are used.

In fact, workers exposed to wooden dust are more likely to

develop serious diseases such asthma and/or cancer. The

COSSH Regulations 2002 allow a “limit of dust in the air of 5

mg/m3 over an 8-hour working day” (HSE, 2016, p.408).

It can also be suggested that each worker should complete a

respiratory questionnaire on recruitment and annually thereafter

(see Health Surveillance – Respiratory Questionnaire in

appendix 2) (HSE, 2016) (RoSPA, 2016).

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In addition to this, specific training needs to be provided to all employees and contractors

who might be exposed to Asbestos Containing Material (ACM).

Poor awareness of hazardous substances (e.g. asbestos, dust) is a cause of great concern

and a written plan is required showing where the ACM is located and how it will need to be

handled/removed in a safe manner. The manager will have to arrange the removal of the

ACMs by licensed contractors and will have to consider suspending the current tasks if

deemed necessary. Indeed, ACMs were identified during this inspection and therefore an

ACM plan needs to be put into action and updated regularly as per Control of Asbestos

Regulations (CAR) 2012 (HSE, 2016). Furthermore, COSSH and Asbestos Awareness

trainings must be undertaken as to prevent illnesses to the workers and being it a legal

requirement (COSSH Regulations 2002).

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LUCA LELLI 000907388-4c) Slips, trips and falls while in the working area

The workers at the Wedlock Barn estate were instructed to utilise cordless tools when

possible and to put out cones to prevent any slip/trip/fall. However, it can be suggested that

the floor area of the site should be kept clean and tidy and that a clear up as you go policy

should be enforced (Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 as amended

in 2002 and 2013) (HSE, 2016). Constant and regular supervision carried out by the manager

will be necessary to ensure implementation of these measures. In fact, “every twenty-five

minutes someone breaks or fractures a bone due to slipping, tripping or falling at work”

(Hughes, 2016, p. 220). In case of accident, consequences will affect all the people involved:

the employees will lose their income and suffer injuries and the employer will deal with direct

and indirect costs. Finally, social security costs must be taken into consideration as well.

Planning, organizing, controlling, monitoring and reviewing are the key elements that can

reduce or even prevent these hazards.

d) Exposure to noise caused by machinery

A high percentage of the workers present on site received specific training (Noise Awareness

training) and information related to the exposure to noise caused by machineries. Additionally,

low noise tools have to be used when feasible and a machinery maintenance programme

needs to be implemented as soon as reasonably possible.

The purpose of the Noise at Work Regulations in 1999 and revised Control of Noise at Work

Regulations in 2005 is to control the noise level. In order to accomplish acceptable noise

level, the employee would be advised to complete a noise assessment and keep accurate

records of this evaluation (HSE, 2016). It would be also useful for the employees to complete

a daily exposure level spreadsheet (appendix 4) and to file it appropriately (HSE, 2016).

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e) Manual handling of materials and equipment

The Building Maintenance Ltd made sure that all its employees and the contractors attended

the Manual Handling Awareness training annually as per Manual Handling Operations

Regulations (MHOR) 1992. However, no one should be allowed to carry out any work without

wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as per PPE Regulations 2002 (HSE, 2016). In

this instance too, any faulty PPE and/or malfunctioning equipment will have to be promptly

reported.

f) Contact with machinery

All staff was trained to use the machineries (e.g. electric planer, circular saw) and only

employees and contractors who received more specific trainings were able to use special

equipment (as specified in the annual Hand and Power Tools Awareness training). However,

the manager is to ensure that guards on machineries are always provided and used and that

site activities are constantly and routinely supervised. Also, it will be necessary for all the

equipment to undergo formal inspection and testing. (Provision and Use of Work Equipment

Regulations (PUWER) 1998) (HSE, 2016).

Moreover, to avoid the risk of being

injured and develop musculoskeletal

disorders following manual handling

operations (e.g. back pain, lower and

upper limb disorders) the employer

should take in consideration whether

hiring mechanised/automated systems

(lifting equipment for lifting heavy

tools/materials) would be the most cost

effective option.

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On site all members of the team were wearing PPE suitable for the use of machineries (e.g.

safety helmets and boots, gloves, goggles) and this has to be considered an essential

requirement. In fact, even if PPE is the last resource of protection, employees and contractors

need to wear it during all the work activities within the building site. In addition to this all

workers should be responsible for the PPE provided to each of them, be trained to use it

correctly and report any fault straight away (PPE at Work Regulations 2002) (HSE, 2016).

Further considerations

It is fundamental that all the workers attend

the site safety induction training as to become aware and clearly understand the hazards

related to their job.

The HSW Act 1974 was introduced in 1974 (and amended in 2013) to encourage people to

work safely and responsibly. It is a legislation that deals with the health and safety of people

at work and with the protection of the public from work activities. Moreover, anyone with work

related to their roles (including self-employers/contractors) has a duty of care responsibility

(Hughes, 2016). Each worker needs to be also aware of the Construction Phase Plan (as per

CDM 2015) (appendix 6), necessary for all the building projects (HSE, 2016). Moreover, the

project needs to be organised and planned ahead as to ensure that the risks to health and

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safety are minimised. This will guarantee a provision of effective team work and an efficient

use of resources too.

Finally, a copy of the company health and safety policy (appendix 3) should be on the public

board displayed at the site, together with the certificate of the Employers’ Liability Insurance

(Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969) (HSE, 2016).

Conclusions

This report revealed that many of the significant hazards resulted from poor management

control and a lack of safety awareness.

The risk assessment reveals that there have been areas that need immediate attention and

action. Despite the fact that some of the fundamental trainings were provided and attended,

and that a good provision of PPE was observed, the minimum standard of safety required by

law was now achieved.

The main concerns observed were the non attendance of the majority of the workers of the

COSSH and of the Fire Awareness trainings. It must be reinforced that attendance of these is

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a legal requirement. Also it is advised that a Fire Risk Assessment is implemented

immediately. Moreover, a procedure must be provided to the workers as to allow them to

report faulty equipment: the maintenance of all machineries must be planned rigorously.

Furthermore, although the introduction of lifting equipment could be an expensive option (if

not appropriately considered), most of the other suggestions made are cost effective to the

company as they involve reorganisation and improvement of the existing site management

actions/plan.

Implementation of the following actions will allow the hazards to be controlled (see also

management action plan in appendix 1):

Constant and regular site supervisions

Review of the quality of supervisions

Regular site inspections

Periodic review of staff trainings

Action plan to be implemented/reviewed regularly

It is imperative to emphasise that the well being of the employees depends on good health

and safety management. Additionally, to avoid potential compensation claim or legal action

against the company, the issues assessed need to be tackled without delay. The company

should take steps forward and move to a proactive safety position (Hughes, 2016).

Finally, promotion of a positive safety culture (e.g. visible management and management

commitment, good communications) is essential to any company. Confidence in the efficacy

of control measures can have a great impact on safety outcomes and work force’s moral

(HSE, 2016).

References

Harpst, G. (2016). The Importance of A Repeatable Methodology for Strategy Execution. Retrieved December 2015, from Six Disciplines- Building Organizations That Execute: http://www.sixdisciplines.com/Resources/TheSixDisciplinesBlog/ArtMID/1492/ArticleID/16/The-Importance-of-A-Repeatable-Methodology-for-Strategy-Execution

HSE (2009, October). Construction Phase Plan (CDM 2015) What you need to know as a busy builder, V2.9. Retrieved December 2015, from Health and Safety Executive: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis80.pdf

HSE (2009, October). Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), V2.9. Retrieved December 2015, from Health and Safety Executive: http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/

HSE (2009, October). Controlling the risks in the workplace, V2.9. Retrieved December 2015, from Health and Safety Executive: http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/controlling-risks.htm

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HSE (2009, October). Exposure calculators and ready-reckoners, V2.9. Retrieved January 2016, from Health and Safety Executive: http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/calculator.htm

HSE (2009, October). General fire safety. Retrieved December 2015, from Health and Safety Executive: http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/generalfire.htm#risk

HSE (2009, October). Inadequate safety guards on machines, V2.9. Retrieved December 2015, from Health and Safety Executive: http://www.hse.gov.uk/fee-for-intervention/basic-safety-mistakes/guards.htm

HSE (2009, October). Managing and working with asbestos. Retrieved January 2016, from Health and Safety Executive: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l143.htm

HSE (2009, October). Personal protective equipment (PPE), V2.9. Retrieved December 2015, from Health and Safety Executive: http://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/ppe.htm

HSE (2009, October). The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended) (MHOR). Retrieved December 2016, from Health and Safety Executive: http://www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/ocs/300-399/313_5.htm

HSE (2009, October). Wood dust, V2.9. Retrieved December 2015, from Health and Safety Executive: http://www.hse.gov.uk/asthma/samplequest3.pdf

HSE (2009, October). Writing a health and safety policy, V2.9. Retrieved December 2015, from Health and Safety Executive: http://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/managing/writing.htm

Hughes , P., & Ferret, E. (2016). Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction (5th edition). Abington, Oxton: Routledge.

RoSPA (2016, January). Specialist Courses, V11. Retrieved January 2016 , from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents: http://www.rospa.com/safety-training/work/specialist/

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Task/Activity/Role/Location

The Building Maintenance Ltd is specialized in social housing maintenance service, attends and carries out the repairs of day-to-day nature within the tenanted social housing properties (Wedlock Barn estate).

Date of Assessment:

2nd November 2015 Approved by:

Dr Shaun Lundy

Assessed by: QS Luca Lelli Review Date:

6 monthly review is required

Appendix 1: Risk Assessment and Management Action Plan

HEALTH & SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT

Likelihood

Severity

Certain 5 10 15 20 25

Very Likely 4 8 12 16 20Likely 3 6 9 12 15Possible 2 4 6 8 10Highly Unlikely 1 2 3 4 5

Neg

ligib

le

Min

or In

jury

Maj

or In

jury

Fata

lity

Cat

astro

phic

Have all controls measures been implemented?

Is the overall risk acceptable?

X

X

Risk Score

Risk Rating

Action

15-25 Critical Do not allow work to progress without additional controls

8-12 High Consider stopping work and implement additional controls

4-6 Medium Consider additional controls to reduce the risk where possible

1-3 Low Risk is likely to be acceptable

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Significant Hazards

Risk Rating without controls in placeLxS=R

Who may be harmed and how?

Employee, Contractor, Resident, Visitors or

Public?

What controls do we have in place already?

Risk Rating with

control in place

(Residual)LxS=R

Is anything else is needed to reduce the risk to an

acceptable level?(Complete action plan)

Example:Contact with contaminated

Sharps

3x3=9 High Employees may come into contact with sharps whilst cleaning

Sharps awareness training, sharps kits have been provided and suitable PPE/gloves

1x3=3 Low No

a) Fire exposure

4x3=12 High

Employees/Tenants/contractors risk fatal injuries

due to burns and/or inhalation.

Employees use common sense and ask tenants to keep the entrance door closed but

not locked. 4x3=12High

-Fire risk assessment to be implemented.

-Fire awareness annual training.

-QI/Manager to produce training plan.

b) Exposure to hazardous substances (asbestos, dust) in the

working environment

3x4=12High

Contractors, employees and tenants may risk exposure to wooden dust and may

develop respiratory diseases i.e. asthmaAlso to consider link between exposure to

asbestos and mesothelioma.

-Most of the woodworking machineries have a dust extraction system.

-Local ventilation of the working area (open windows allow good ventilation).

3x4=12High

-All employees to use dust masks when using the

woodworking machineries (PPE).

-Employees to have access to the COSHH training.

-To instruct licenced/specialist contractors for

inspections/asbestos removals and/or consider suspending

current task

-Danger/asbestos signs to be used and regular checks of the

condition of asbestos containing materials to be implemented (contractors)

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Significant Hazards




Public?


Risk Rating with

control in place

(Residual)LxS=R



-To implement ACM plan.

c) Slips, trips and falls

while in the working area

4x2=8High

Employees/contractors/tenants can become injured

(bruising, fractures, sprains/strains)due to falls/trips

-Employees wear safety boots.-Employees use cordless tools wherever

possible and put out cones.3x2=6

Medium

- “Clear up as you go” policy to be enforced.

-Employees to keep others away from the work in

progress, keep floor areas clean and tidy.

-QI/Manager to supervise work place regularly.

d) Exposure to noise

caused by machinery

3x2=6Medium

Employees, contractors and tenants can develop

hearing damage, which can be temporary or long

lasting/permanent from exposure to the

machineries.

A high % of employees received training in risk of noise exposure and in how to reduce

this risk (Noise Awareness training).

2x2=4Medium

-To complete noise assessment.

-To attend training when not done.

-To use low noise tools where appropriate.

-Regular machineries maintenance program.

- To wear hearing protectors and be trained on how to use

them.

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Significant Hazards




Public?


Risk Rating with

control in place

(Residual)LxS=R



e) Manual handling of materials

and equipment

4x2=8Medium

Employees may handle heavy objects

(materials/equipment) therefore developing

musculoskeletal disorders (e.g. back pain, lower and

upper limb disorders, osteoarthritis).

Employees trained for manual handling techniques (Annual Manual Handling

awareness training).

1x3=3Low

-To instruct employees to wear gloves and safety boots at all

times (PPE)

-To implement use of lifting equipment when necessary

- Any issue with PPE/lifting equipment to be reported to the QI/Line Manager asap.

f) Contact with

machinery: e.g. circular saw, electric

planer

3x4=12 High

Contractors, employees and tenants may come into

contact with these sharp tools and cut/hurt

themselves while in the working area.

-Annual Hand and Power Tools awareness training (special equipment can only be used

if employees have received more specific training).

- Employees wear suitable PPE (e.g. safety shoes, gloves, goggles).

-Tenants/children are informed/warned regarding the potential risks and advised to

stay away from the work area.

1x3= 3Low

- Equipment tools to have evidence of formal inspection

and testing.-Supervision of the site

activities to be implemented.

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Management Action Plan

Action Number

Action Required Action by Whom Action by When

Date Achieved

1

-To instruct a competent/qualified person to undertake maintenance of equipment tools.

-To schedule maintenance of equipment tools (three monthly).-To provide the employees with a procedure that allows them to report faulty

equipment promptly.

Employer/Manager at staff meetings

(Every three months for equipment

testing)

02/12/2015

2

-To plan annual trainings for employees for COSHH, Asbestos Awareness, Health and Safety (PPE), Noise Awareness.

-To schedule pre inspection of workplace by licenced/specialist contractors.-To implement a ACM plan.

Employer/Manager At periodic staff

meetings; immediate

1 month

3

-To plan regular inspections on site to make sure:PPE used by the employees regularly, lifting equipment requested and

provided when necessary, any issue reported/recorded.

Manager

1 month 2 months

4

-To plan regular inspections to make sure workplace is kept tidy and clean at all times; anti-slip covers for communal areas.

-To make employees aware of location of the construction waste areas.

Manager Every six months at

employees’ meetings,

ongoing for individual meetings

02/04/2016

5-To do fire risk assessment ASAP and put control measures in place.

-To plan annual Fire Risk Awareness training for employees. Manager 07/12/2015.

Immediate 1 month

6 -To review plan Manager Ongoing 1 month

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Additional information - Identify any additional info relevant such as emergency procedures, first aid provision, external sources of guidance etc.

First Aid Kit to be supplied by the company to each employee.

External source of guidance: Health and Safety Executive (www.hse.gov.uk)

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Appendix 2: Health Surveillance – Respiratory Questionnaire

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Health and safety policy


Appendix 3: Health and Safety Policy

This is the statement of general policy and arrangements for:

(Name of company)

(Name of Employer/Senior manager)

has overall and final responsibility for health and safety

(Member of staff)

has day-to-day responsibility for ensuring this policy is put into practice

Statement of general policy Responsibility of: Name/Title

Action/Arrangements (What are you going to do?)

Prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health by managing the health and safety risks in the workplace

Provide clear instructions and information, and adequate training, to ensure employees are competent to do their work

Engage and consult with employees on day-to-day health and safety conditions

Implement emergency procedures – evacuation in case of fire or other significant incident. You can find help with your fire risk assessment at: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities

Maintain safe and healthy working conditions, provide and maintain plant, equipment and machinery, and ensure safe storage/use of substances

Signed: * (Employer) Date:

You should review your policy if you think it might no longer be valid, eg if circumstances change.

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https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities%20

https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities%20


If you have fewer than five employees, you don’t have to write down your policy.

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Health and safety law poster is displayed at (location)

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First-aid box is located:

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Accident book is located:

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Accidents and ill health at work reported under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor To get an interactive version of this template go to http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/risk-assessment-and-policy-template.doc Combined risk assessment and policy template published by the Health and Safety Executive 08/14

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http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/risk-assessment-and-policy-template.doc

http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor


Appendix 4: Daily Exposure level spreadsheet (Noise)

Exposure Calculator

Noise Level (LAeq dB)

Exposure duration (hours)

Exposure points (job/task)

Exposure points per hour

Job / task 1 Note: Exposure points can be used to prioritise noise control. The highest exposure points are given by the jobs, tasks, etc. which make the greatest contributions to daily noise exposure. Therefore, tackling these noise exposures will have the greatest effect on daily noise exposure.

Job / task 2Job / task 3

You can enter data in the white cells only

Job / task 4Job / task 5

Job / task 6Job / task 7Job / task 8

Total durationDaily noise exposure (LEP,d)

Instructions for exposure calculator

Enter the LAeq (in dB) and select the daily exposure duration (in hours) in the white areas for up to eight jobs or tasks carried out by a person during their working dayRounding noise levels to the nearest decibel and durations to the nearest 15 minutes (0.25 hours) is sufficiently precise.Exposure points will appear for each entry and the overall daily personal noise exposure (LEP,d) will be displayed.

The Lower Exposure Action Value (an LEP,d of 80 dB) is represented by 32 exposure points, the Upper Exposure Action Value (LEP,d of 85 dB) by 100 points.

Reference: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, Schedule 1 Part 127


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Contact with

machinery: circular

saw, electric planer

Provision and Use of

Work Equipment Regulations

1998

Personal Protective Equipment Regulations

2002

Exposure to hazardous substances

(i.e. asbestos, dust) in the

working environment

COSSH Regulations

2002

Control of Asbestos

Regulations (CAR) 2012

Exposure to noise

caused by machinery

Control of Noise at

Work Regulations

2005

Noise at Work

Regulations1999

Manual handling of materials

and equipment

Manual Handling

Operations Regulations

(MHOR) 1992

Personal Protective Equipment Regulations

2002

Slips, trips and falls in

the working

area

Workplace (Health,

Safety and Welfare)

Regulations 1992 as

amended in 2002 and

2013

Fire exposure

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO

2005)

Management of Health and

Safety at Work Regulations

(MHSWR) 1999

Health and Safety at Work etc Act (HSW)

1974

Construction (Design and

Management) Regulations (CDM) 2015

(chapter 19 reg. 36)

Appendix 5: Main legal requirements

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Appendix 6: Construction Phase Plan

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2nd a finale luca lelli

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