Posted: 20th September 2023
By their very nature, construction sites are risky places to work. Reflecting this, 40% of people in the construction industry think an accident is “inevitable” on their sites.
To deliver effective health and safety, the Health and Safety Executive says that leadership is essential. It highlights three essential principles:
With that in mind, what could and should a site safety checklist for glazing contractors cover?
Here are 10 areas to consider. For each item, assess how they apply to your business and the practices you can implement to ensure risks are dealt with sensibly, responsibly and proportionately.
Requiring workers to wear appropriate PPE such as safety glasses, gloves, hard hats, steel-toed boots and cut-resistant gloves will help to protect them from injury.
Using items such as glass cutters, suction cups and glazing tools help to minimise the risks of working with glass. Remember the importance of maintaining these tools so they are robust and reliable.
When glazing at height, consider the safety protocols needed to minimise the risk of falls, as well as any additional equipment that might be required to keep workers safe.
Encourage workers to maintain a tidy, organised worksite that’s free of clutter. This will reduce trip hazards – and may help to speed up installation because everything will have a designated space.
Ensure workers are clear about proper lifting techniques that will minimise back strains and other injuries. Consider too whether additional lifting equipment is needed for heavier items.
The notorious British weather means workers will sometimes need to work in adverse conditions. Understand the additional measures that will be needed to protect workers in poor conditions, especially the wind and rain when moving glazed units will be trickier.
Regular hand washing will minimise the risk of irritation and contamination from minute pieces of glass. Assess too if there are any risks with any of the other materials used on site, such as adhesives or sealants, and how you can mitigate those risks.
Miscommunication or misunderstandings can cause accidents, so clear communication between workers is key. As well as the way workers communicate with each other, consider the way you communicate the health and safety checklist. Use clear language, images and practical examples to keep things clear and easy to understand.
On commercial sites, it’s likely that workers will be working alongside other contractors. Consider how you will work safely with these other trades and any additional safety measures you might have to put in place.
Make sure there is a well-stocked first aid kit on site at all times and that workers are trained in basic first aid so they can take prompt action if needed.
Finally, remember that health and safety checklists are live documents. Make sure you keep yours up-to-date with the latest safety regulations and industry standards.
Regular refresher training will also be important to ensure health and safety remains a key priority for everyone in your team.
When you take leadership on health and safety, you are helping to meet your legal obligations as a business. More importantly, you are protecting your team.
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