Health & Safety

Health and safety is a critical aspect of any SHC groundworks project. Here are some general health and safety rules that must be followed during a groundworks project:

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Workers must wear appropriate PPE, such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and safety boots, to protect against hazards.
2. Site Access and Egress: The site should be designed with safe access and egress routes, and these routes should be kept clear and free from obstructions.
3. Excavations and Trenches: Excavations and trenches should be shored or benched to prevent collapse, and workers should not enter an excavation or trench without the proper safety precautions, such as a safety harness and lifeline.
4. Equipment and Machinery: Equipment and machinery should be properly maintained and inspected, and only authorized personnel should operate them. Operators should be trained on the safe use of the equipment.
5. Utilities: Underground utilities, such as gas, water, and electricity, should be located and marked before any excavation work begins. Workers should not work near or tamper with these utilities.
6. Hazardous Materials: Hazardous materials, such as asbestos, should be identified and managed according to the appropriate regulations and guidelines.
7. Emergency Procedures: Emergency procedures should be in place and communicated to all workers, including evacuation procedures, first aid, and fire safety.
8. Environmental Protection: The project should comply with all environmental regulations and guidelines, and measures should be taken to prevent soil erosion and protect waterways.
9. Risk Assessments: Risk assessments should be carried out before any work begins to identify potential hazards and mitigate risks.
10. Training: All workers should receive appropriate training and instruction on health and safety procedures, as well as any specific hazards associated with the project.

Ensuring health and safety on a groundworks project involves implementing appropriate measures to protect workers, equipment, and the environment, such as wearing PPE, providing safe access and egress routes, properly maintaining equipment and machinery, identifying and managing hazardous materials, having emergency procedures in place, carrying out risk assessments, and providing appropriate training to workers.