CONSTRUCTION SAFETY

OVERVIEW 1

APPENDIX A : SUMMARY OF HONG KONG SAFETY LEGISLATION RELATED

TO CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES 5

APPENDIX B : KEY ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE CONSTRUCTION SAFETY

PROGRAM 14

APPENDIX C : CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY PLANNING CHECK LIST 19

APPENDIX D : CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY CHECKLIST 25

OVERVIEW

The Problem

• High accident rate – Among every 1000 workers, more than 200 workers are injured each
year.
• High fatality rate – 47 people in 1999 were killed in the construction industry. In 1993, 80
people were killed.
• Accident rate is the highest among developed countries.

The legal liabilities in construction safety

∗ Statutory liability – The safety ordinances and regulations.

∗ Civil liabilities – Financial compensation paid to victims or their family members.

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The Accident Prone Characteristics of Construction Industry

• The competitive environment – the tendering system

• The subcontracting system – difficulties in control

• Multi-parties involvement – Client, architects, consulting engineers, quantity surveyors --

contractors have no say during the design stage but are held liable for safety on site.
• Time pressure (especially in the private sector) – time is money

• High turnover rate of construction workers – training and control difficult

• Education background of construction workers are relatively low

• Ever-changing work environment in construction sites

• A lot of work activities are carried out at high level above ground – falling hazard

• Construction works are carried out at the outdoor – affected by weather conditions

• Most work activities are strenuous in nature

Typical Hazards in Construction Industry

• Fall from height

• Falling objects

• Stepping on or striking against object

• Hazards associated with operation of machinery, transport and earth moving equipment such as
concrete mixing plants, trucks, bulldozers, excavators etc.

• Hazards associated with lifting of materials, both mechanical and manual.

• Electrical hazards

• Fire hazards

• Chemical hazards

• Collapse of earth – during excavation, slope cutting

The Legal Requirements

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• Factory & Industrial Undertakings Ordinance and Regulations

• Dangerous Goods Ordinance and Regulations

• Electricity Ordinance

• Builders’ Lifts and Tower Working Platforms (Safety) Ordinance

Concerned Authorities and Organizations in Construction Industry

• Labour Department

• Clients in government – Housing Authority, Works Bureau, Buildings Department

• Occupational Safety & Health Council (OSHC)

• the Safety Professionals

• Hong Kong Occupational Safety & Health Association (HKOSHA)

• Society of Registered Safety Officers (SRSO)
• Hong Kong Institution of Engineers Safety Specialist Group
• Hong Kong Industrial Safety Association (HKISA)

• The construction professionals

• Architects

• Consulting Engineers

• Quantity Surveyors

• Clerk of Works

• Construction Industrial Training Authority

• Hong Kong Construction Association

Safety Initiatives by Authorities and Concerned Organizations

• Housing Authority -- The Performance Assessment Scoring System (PASS) System

• Works Bureau – Requirements on safety plan, safety audit and safety incentives (Pay for safety -
- 2% of contract sum for safety)

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• Buildings Department – Site Supervision Plan

• HKCA/CITA

− The Green Card system (requirement on safety training for workers)

− The Trade Test requirement (the requirement for employing a percentage of workers who
have passed the trade tests)

• Labour Department – Proposal on the enforcement of safety management practice in

construction industry

The Safety Management System Elements

• safety policy

• organization

• safety plan

• risk management approach

• control measures -- safety procedures

• safety training

• safety committee

• safety audits

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 APPENDIX A : SUMMARY OF HONG KONG SAFETY
LEGISLATION RELATED TO CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

GENERAL

Construction safety is mainly governed by the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance and
its subsidiary regulations. However, the following ordinances are also relevant:

• the Dangerous Goods Ordinance

• the Electricity Ordinance

• the Fire Services Ordinance

FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE

The Ordinance

1. This Ordinance controls safety and health at work relating to industrial undertakings (including
construction sites) . It empowers Commissioner for Labour to make and amend safety
regulations.

2. The particular provisions to note are as follows :

a) Section 6A, under which a proprietor (i.e., the contractor and/or the subcontractors) has the
duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety and health at work of all persons
employed by him in the construction site. His duty extends to but not limited to the following
matters :

• provision and maintenance of plant and system of work;

• use, handling, storage and transportation of articles and substances;
• provision of information, instruction, training and supervision;
• provision and maintenance of entrances and exits to all parts of the site; and
• housekeeping,

b) Section 6B, under which a person employed has to :

• take reasonable care for the safety and health of himself and of other - persons who may be
affected by his act or omissions at work; and

• cooperate with the management to comply with safety requirements.

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The Subsidiary Regulations

The following subsidiary regulations of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings ordinance are
relevant to construction works :

a) Factories and Industrial Undertakings Regulations

b) Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Confined Spaces) Regulations

c) Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Blasting by Abrasives) special Regulations

d) Factories and industrial Undertakings (Notification of Occupational Diseases) Regulations

e) Quarries (Safety) Regulations

f) Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Woodworking Machinery) Regulations

g) Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations

h) Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Cargo Handling) Regulations

i) Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Abrasive Wheels) Regulations

j) Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Work in Compressed Air) Regulations

k) Factories and Industrial Undertakings Protection of Eyes) Regulations

l) Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Spraying of Flammable Liquids) Regulations

m) Factories and Industrial Undertakings(Cartridge-Operated Fixing Tools) Regulations

n) Factories and industrial Undertakings (Electricity) Regulations

o) Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Asbestos) special Regulations

p) Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Safety Officers and Safety Supervisors) Regulations

q) Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Carcinogenic Substances) Regulations

r) Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Dangerous Substances) Regulations

s) Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gear) Regulations

t) Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Suspended Working Platform) Regulations

u) Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Safety Management) Regulations

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Enforcement of the ordinance and Subsidiary Regulations

1. The Labour Department is responsible for the enforcement of safety legislation on construction
sites.
2. The Quarries (Safety) Regulations are administered by the Mines Division of Civil Engineering
Department. Factory Inspectors will also conduct investigations into serious accidents and make
recommendation on the prevention of similar accidents at sites.

Summary of Subsidiary Regulations

Factories and Industrial Undertakings Regulations

The Factories and Industrial Undertakings Regulations require :

i. the proprietors of mines, quarries and industrial undertakings involving tunnelling

operations to maintain a register of persons employed to work underground and not to
permit any person to commence to work underground unless he has been medically
examined by a medical practitioner;

ii. the proprietors of industrial undertakings to report accidents resulting in death, serious
bodily injury or incapacity for more than 3 days;

iii. the proprietor of an industrial undertaking to report in writing dangerous occurrences to

the Labour Department within 24 hours of its occurrence whether any personal injury
has been caused or not; and

iv. the proprietor of an industrial undertaking to protect the hearing of any person employed
if he is likely to be exposed continuously for 8 hours to a sound level of 90 dB(A) or its
equivalent or higher,

Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Confined Spaces) Regulations

The Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Confined Spaces) Regulations prescribe the necessary
precautions which must be taken to safeguard persons entering or remaining in confined spaces in
which the atmosphere may either contain toxic fumes or gases or otherwise be deficient in oxygen
content. Unless such confined spaces have been certified safe for entry, no person should be
allowed to enter or remain in the confined spaces without wearing breathing apparatus of an
approved type, Where practicable, the person must also wear a safety belt attached to a lifeline the
free end of which must be held by another person outside the confined space so that the person in
the confined space may be pulled to safety in case of emergency.

Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Blasting by Abrasives) Special Regulations

Except under certain conditions and with the written approval of the Commissioner for Labour, no
person is permitted to use sand or materials containing free silica as an abrasive in any blasting
process.
Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Notification of Occupational Diseases) Regulations

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Under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Notification of Occupational Diseases)
Regulations, all medical practitioners upon discovery of an occupational disease must notify the
Director of Health who shall in turn inform the Commissioner for Labour,

Quarry (Safety) Regulations

i. Quarry means any works or system of works the principal purpose of which is to
extract from the earth any granite, porphyry or limestone for commercial purposes.

ii. A quarry has to be bounded by suitable fence with warning notices along its
boundary, No work should be carried out except under the supervision of an
approved supervisor or a deputy supervisor.

iii. Safety equipment has to be provided and used.

Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Woodworking Machinery) Regulations

There is a high risk of accident from the use of unguarded woodworking machinery. The Factories
and Industrial Undertakings (Woodworking Machinery) Regulations impose certain duties on
proprietors with regard to the standard of machine fencing, lighting, ventilation and cleanliness in
industrial undertakings, At the same time, the Regulations also place an obligation on workers to use
guards and other safety devices provided for them by proprietors.

Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations

The Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations impose obligations on contractors and other persons
engaged in various types of construction work to ensure satisfactory standards of safety, health and
welfare on site. The requirements include periodical testing and thorough examination of lifting
equipment of various descriptions, their safe use and operation; secure f fencing of machinery and
openings in floors and excavations; safety measures in relation to scaffolds, working platforms and
ladders; provision of suitable safety helmets for workers and suitable lighting in certain workplaces;
provision of first aid equipment and trained first-aiders; precautions against danger from live electric
cable and against persons and objects falling. They also require contractors to notify the
commissioner for Labour of the commencement and termination of work and to furnish some
particulars of the work,

Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Cargo Handling) Regulations

The main purpose of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Cargo Handling) Regulations is to
ensure the safety of workers employed in industrial undertakings involving cargo handling, These
Regulations also stipulate requirements for the provision of first-aid facilities, rescue from drowning,
lighting of work areas and maintenance and safe operation of fork-lift trucks,

Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Abrasive Wheels) Regulations

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The Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Abrasive Wheels) Regulations deal with safety in the use
of abrasive wheels. The Regulations cover the maximum permissible speeds of abrasive wheels and
spindles, the exhibition of notices indicating those speeds, the proper mounting of these wheels by
competent persons and the provision of guards, protection flanges and machine controls. These
Regulations also deal with selection of suitable wheels, tidiness of floors and the responsibilities of
employees working with such wheels.

Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Work in compressed Air) Regulations

The Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Work in Compressed Air) Regulations impose
requirements to ensure the health, safety and welfare of person employed in construction work
carried out in compressed air environment. Contractors undertaking construction works in
compressed air are required to provide adequate and suitable equipment such as medical locks and
manlocks for the compression and decompression of persons employed in compressed air and to
appoint competent persons to supervise the operations. Decompression of persons must be done
properly in accordance with scheduled decompression tables, Persons employed in compressed air
are to be medically examined periodically for fitness for such employment and a contractor shall
appoint a medical practitioner to supervise all medical matters which may arise in connection with
work in compressed air. The Regulations also impose certain duties and obligations on competent
persons supervising the compression and decompression operations and persons engaged in
compressed air.

Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Spraying of Flammable Liquids) Regulations

Fire hazard is created when volatile and flammable substances used in spraying are mixed with air in
a finely divided state. Many of these substances also give rise to health hazard because of their
toxicity. The Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Spraying of Flammable Liquids) Regulations
impose requirements to safeguard persons employed in an industrial undertaking in which any
flammable liquid spraying process is carried out. These include the requirements for provision of
spraying room or area and adequate ventilation; use of safe electrical equipment and prohibition of
smoking and use of naked f lames to guard against outbreak of fire; all flammable liquid to be
properly stored and any spraying room or area to be kept in a clean state, A worker engaged in
such a process is also required to ensure that the safety provisions so made available under the law
are properly used and to report immediately any defect in any of them to the proprietor,

Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Cartridge-operated Fixing Tools) Regulations

The Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Cartridge-operated Fixing Tools) Regulations control the
use of cartridge operated fixing tools in all industrial undertakings including construction sites. The
Regulations impose obligations on a contractor carrying out construction work, as well as an
operator of a fixing tool, to observe certain safety requirements. A contractor must ensure that only
tools approved by the Commissioner for Labour are used and the tool together with its cartridges,
pins and ancillary equipment must be properly stored. A tool may be used only by a person of 18
years of age or above and holding a certificate of competency approved by the Commissioner for
Labour.

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Factories and Industrial (Protection of Eyes) Regulations Undertakings

The Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Protection of Eyes) Regulations impose requirements on
the protection of eyes of persons employed in certain industrial processes which are likely to cause
eye injury. These processes are specified in the Schedule to the Regulations. Under the Regulations
employers are required to provide their employees with eye protectors, portable shields or fixed
shields, as the case may require, of such a specification as the Commissioner for Labour may, by
notice in the Gazette, declare to be an approved specification. The employees must make full and
proper use of the eye protecting equipment so provided and to report immediately to- the employer
any loss, destruction, damage or defect of such equipment.

Factories and Industrial (Electricity) Regulations Undertakings

Misuse and mishandling of electricity often cause accidents resulting in death or serious bodily injury
and other damages, The Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Electricity) Regulations lay down
basic safety requirements to guard against hazards associated with the distribution and use of
electricity in industrial undertakings, These requirements include correct construction, proper
installation, protection and maintenance of any part of an electrical system,, posting of appropriate
warning notices, provision and maintenance of protective equipment for use by workers and
prohibition of misuse or interference with any apparatus or equipment so provided,

Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Asbestos) Special Regulations

Workers employed in an asbestos process are exposed to a serious health hazard if adequate
precautions are not taken. The Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Asbestos) Special
Regulations lay down the necessary safety requirements to protect these workers, These include the
requirements for the provision of efficient exhaust ventilation, protective clothing and approved
respiratory protective equipment and to keep the premises and plant clean. Notification of the
process has to be made to the Commissioner for Labour. Regular medical examinations of workers
are required. Spraying of asbestos and the use of crocidolite and amosite in an industrial
undertaking are prohibited by these Regulations,

Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Safety Officers and Safety Supervisors) Regulations

The Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Safety Officers and Supervisors) Regulations require the
employment of safety officers and safety supervisors in designated industries, The intention is for the
more hazardous industries to be designated, At present, the construction industry is the only industry
designated because it is the most hazardous industry, Under these Regulations a principal contractor
or a specialist contractor must employ one registered safety officer on a full-time basis when the total
number of persons employed by him in construction sites is 200 or more. He must also employ one
safety supervisor in each site with 20 or more persons under his employment, The responsibilities of
the proprietor and the duties of safety- officers and safety supervisors are specified.

Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Carcinogenic Substances) Regulations

Some chemicals are shown or suspected to be human carcinogens. The Factories and Industrial
Undertakings (Carcinogenic Substances) Regulations aim to control the presence and use of

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carcinogenic substances in industrial undertakings and to safeguard the health of persons employed
in industrial undertakings in any manufacture, process and work involving carcinogenic substances.

Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Dangerous Substances) Regulations

Chemical substances are widely use in industrial process or operation. By nature many chemical
substances are dangerous because of their flammability, toxicity or corrosity. Improper use,
handling or labelling of these substances is very likely to expose workers to the risk associated with
them. These Regulations standardize risk symbols and require proper labelling of dangerous
substances that correspond to their associated hazards, It also impose duties on proprietors and
workers to take all reasonable safety measures where any of the 231 substances listed in the
Regulations are used.

Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Suspended Working Platform) Regulations

This set of regulations mainly stipulates specific requirements on the safe operation of gondolas and
other similar working platforms which were previously governed by the general requirements of the
F&IU ( Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gears) Regulations. The requirements include inspection,
testing and examination of suspended working platforms, certification of workers, and other specific
safety precautions etc.

Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gear) Regulations

This Regulation concerns with the operation of lifting appliances and lifting gear in construction sites.
Lifting appliances refer to appliances such as cranes, winches, pulley blocks etc. whereas lifting gear
refers to slings, chains, and other accessories used in lifting operations. The Regulation sets forth
requirements on the safe use of those equipment and the requirements on their testing, examinations
and inspections periodically by competent persons and examiners.

Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Safety Management) Regulations

This Regulation requires employers or proprietors to implement appropriate safety management

system in their organizations. It also requires that the management system be audited at appropriate
interval by safety auditors.

OTHER RELEVANT ORDINANCES

A) BUILDERS’ LIFTS AND TOWER WORKING PLATFORMS (SAFETY)

ORDINANCE

This Ordinance mainly concerns with the design, construction, installation and maintenance in safe
working order of builders’ lifts and tower working platforms, on matters related to examination
and testing of such lifts and platforms, and other related matters.

B) DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE

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The Ordinance

This Ordinance provides legislative control for dangerous goods of categories 1 to 10, both on land
and at sea. In particular, Section 6 specifies the requirement of a licence for manufacturing, storing,
conveying or using any dangerous goods. Except for category I Dangerous goods (i.e. .explosives),
for which the controlling authority is the Commissioner of Mine, the Director of Fire Services is the
controlling authority for category 2 (except LPG) to 10 on land, whilst the Director of Marine is the
controlling authority for dangerous goods at sea.

Subsidiary Legislation

The Dangerous Goods (Application and Exemption) Regulations

The Schedule in these Regulations stipulates the substances and articles to which the Dangerous
Goods Ordinance shall apply.

The Dangerous Goods (General) Regulations

These Regulations provide control on manufacture, storage, conveyance, package and labelling of
each of the 10 categories of dangerous goods. (Control on conveyance on land of dangerous goods
only applies to category 1, 2 and 5). These Regulations also set out penalties for contravention of
the provisions.

Part II of these Regulations deals with dangerous goods in Category 1 (i.e., explosives) , It stipulates
that a licence is required to convey, store, manufacture or use explosives. The Commissioner of
Mines may impose conditions when issuing the licences. The licensee of a blasting site must employ
a shotfirer who possesses a valid Mine Blasting Certificate to handle the explosives. The
Regulations prescribe the necessary precautions to ensure the safe loading of explosives into the drill
holes and to prevent any fragments from being projected in a dangerous manner when firing a blast.
If any shot fails to fire the shotfirer has to comply with the Regulations in order to deal with the
misfired shot safely,

The Dangerous Goods (shipping) Regulations

These Regulations provide control on movement of dangerous goods by sea and the Director of
Marine is the controlling authority.

C) ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE

The Ordinance

This Ordinance requires the registration of electrical workers, contractors and generating facilities;
specifies safety requirements for electricity supply, electrical wiring and electrical products; and
provide powers for electricity suppliers and the Government on the aspects of electrical accidents
and enforcement of the ordinance.

The Electricity (Wiring) Regulations

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These Regulations lay down general requirements for the design, construction, installation, wiring and
protection of fixed electrical installations.

D) FIRE SERVICES ORDINANCE

This ordinance sets out requirements on prevention of fire hazard; regulation on the registration of
fire service installation contractors; control of the sale,, supply, installation, repair, maintenance and
inspection of fire service installations or equipment. In particular, Section 2 provides the
interpretation of fire hazards; Section 7(c) provides the duty to give advice on fire protection
measures and fire hazards as occasion requires; Section 9(l) gives the abatement power of f ire
hazards, it also sets out the penalties for contravention of the provisions.

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 APPENDIX B : Key Elements of an Effective Construction Safety
Program

Hazards on construction sites can be controlled and accidents can be prevented through the
implementation of basic safety practices and an effective construction safety program. The essential
elements for an effective safety are outlined below.

Safety Policy

As with any program, effective safety programs must have a clear and definitive objective. A safety
policy provides an organization with a concise understanding of management expectations. The
Safety Policy can serve the following purposes:

• Establish standards.
• Free management from repetitive decisions on common problems.
• Make more time available to focus on exceptional or unusual cases.

A safety policy can be a statement as simple as o work is so important that it need be done
without due consideration for safety,” or “ Employees shall not undertake any task for which they
do not feel they have the training or equipment to conduct safely.”

Constructability Reviews

Safety should begin during the conceptual stage of a project. Project management, design
engineers, safety representatives and contractors each should evaluate the project to ensure that it
can be built and subsequently operated safely. Examples of considerations from Constructability
review may be:

• Installation of a stairway early in the work-assembly sequence of a building modification to

provide safe access for other trades to upper floors.

• Addition of roof tie-off points in a new building for the safety or personnel during installation and
for later use by maintenance personnel.

In addition to providing a safer facility for all involved, such considerations have the potential to
improve construction work flow and efficiency.

Selection of Contractor / Subcontractors

Selection of contractors / Subcontractors based on their past safety performance improves the
probability that the chosen contractors / subcontractors will follow good safety procedures. Past
experience is, with few exceptions, an indicator of future performance.

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Hazard Identification / Safety Plan

This is a critical step in accident prevention. In many cases, injuries occur because employees do
not recognize hazards, have not been advised of potential hazards, or are not trained in proper
procedures for dealing with those hazards. Hazard identification is a process whereby each stage of
the work is evaluated to identify hazards that could potentially injure employees.

Hazard identification should be completed by the designers and contractor during the original
constructability review. Subsequently, the contractor / subcontractors selected to perform specific
work should be required to completed the hazard identification process in their activities and submit
a safety plan before being they are allowed to start work.

Assignment of Safety Responsibilities

Safety is everybody responsibility. The responsibilities in implementing the measures stipulated in

the safety plan must be clearly assigned to the appropriate personnel including the project managers,
safety advisors, site foremen, subcontractors’ representatives, workers etc. to assure that safety
does not all through the cracks”. The project in charge should have the overall safety
responsibility on site safety with the assistance from the safety advisors (safety officers). Site safety
committee should be established with the participation from all levels of the site team and
representatives from subcontractors to ensure that the safety plan is being implemented properly and
risks are under control.

Pre-bid Meeting

Management expectations of the safe conduct of site activities should be made clear at the first
meeting with prospective bidders. The prebid meeting provides an opportunity to explain the safety-
clause requirements detailed in the invitation-for-bid documentation. Thus bidders are given ample
notice to consider any additional costs. This provide a basis for fair competition for the competing
bidders regarding safety compliance and minimizes the potential for future claims with regard to
compliance expectations.

Contractor Program Assessment

Approval of the contractor safety plan / program must be given before authorization is granted to
begin on-site activities. The purpose of the evaluation is to assure that the contractor safety plan/
program is in compliance with project objectives and that it is at least as rigorous as the site-safety
requirements established by the owner/contract manager. The evaluation also should verify that all
contractor generated hazards are addressed in the safety program / plan.

Work-release Meeting

This is the last opportunity to ensure that subcontractors have all their permits and program
requirements in place before they begin work. Often the individuals who come to perform the

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contracted work were not involved in the pre-bid meeting, contract negotiations, etc., and may
never have heard the owner/general contractor safety requirements.
Site Orientations / Induction Training

Safety-awareness and hazard-communication training must be conducted before any one employee
is permitted to being work on an unfamiliar site. Orientations provide a forum for the
owner/managing contractor to convey its commitment to provide a safe working environment for all
individuals on the job site. There also is an opportunity to remind everyone of their responsibility to
give due consideration to safety while planning and conducting their work. This is the time to
reinforce their responsibility not to expose others on the job site to risks or hazards.

The following topics should be included in orientations:

• Unusual hazards on the job site

• Personal protective equipment requirements
• Emergency evacuation procedures
• Immediate reporting of incidents
• Site rules and regulations

For larger projects, a site-specific handbook that summarizes the safety program and site-specific
rules may be justified. The handbook should be used to reinforce the elements covered during the
orientation. It is not an adequate substitute for a site-specific orientation/ induction training.

The orientation is an opportunity to meet legal responsibilities of advising personnel of hazards

present on a site. Appropriate certification systems should be adopted to identify those workers
who have attended the training.

Site Safety Meetings

Progress Meeting

Safety should be incorporated into the construction schedule and work-progress meetings. An
effective approach is to address safety at the beginning of each meeting. The discussion can be a
review of safety issues, recent injuries, equipment damage or the results of safety inspections. This
reinforces the importance placed on safety by the organization funding the work.

Other subjects that should be covered periodically are:

• Incident statistics
• Identification of outstanding performance
• Safety objectives
• Housekeeping standards
• Unusual activities on-site
• New requirements

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Safety Committee Meetings

If a safety committee has been established on site, members of the safety committee should meet
according to the schedule to discuss on safety issues. The meeting should not be used to discuss any
other issues, such as for bargaining employee welfare or salary adjustment.

Toolbox Talks

These talks should be a contractual requirement. The contract document should require contractors
who will be on site for two or more weeks to conduct safety meetings with their employees.
Toolbox talks should last no less than five minutes. Copies of recent on -site incident reports or
other topical items can be offered to the contractors, should supervisors and subcontractors need
ideas for discussion topics. A record should be kept of the topics addressed and the attendance at
each meeting.

Site Safety Inspections

Hazard-identification inspections should be conducted on a regularly scheduled basis and should

include participation by all site contractors. Regular inspections provide the opportunity for prompt
feedback to individuals who might be working unsafely. Imminent hazardous conditions must be
corrected immediately or work suspended until they are corrected.

Findings, both positive and negative, made during inspections should be documented and problems
corrected as soon as possible. These observations are suitable topics for owner/managing-
contractor meetings. The efforts in inspections can give a clear message to the work force that
management is concerned about job safety and that safety is managed with the same concern as the
schedule and production.

Injury/damage Reports and Investigation

All injuries and major equipment / property damage must be reported and investigated immediately.
This includes potentially serious near-miss incidents. Analysis of this information provides the basis
for avoiding a recurrence. Information extracted from the analysis of incidents should be shared at
toolbox safety talks.

Incident investigations protect the employee as well as the employer. The investigation provides
documentation should there be a complication at some future date. This could protect the employer
against claims for incidents that may not have occurred on the job or serve to support an injured
employee who experiences complications at some future date. If all incidents are diligently reported
and investigated, a legal claim for an occurrence that was not reported would have little support.

Housekeeping

Perhaps the most important result of a successful safety program is a site with good housekeeping.
Nothing can give a clearer psychological message to individuals working on-site than orderliness in
project work areas.

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Slips, trips and falls are the leading causes of incidents on work sites. Litter and debris conceal
tripping hazards and increase the possibility of other injuries. As a general rule, a site with poor
housekeeping practices also has a poor safety record. However, as with any other objective, there
must be regular reinforcement of the importance of this aspect of a safety program.

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APPENDIX C : CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY PLANNING CHECK
LIST

Items Major Considerations Specific Legal

Requirements
SAFETY & HEALTH ORGANIZATION
Safety Plan • Has the Safety Plan for the project been reviewed and • F&IU (Safety
appropriate safety arrangements been established? Management) Reg.
• Has every subcontractor established appropriate • CSSR
safety arrangements to match the contractor Safety • F&IU (Abrasive
Plan? Wheels) Reg.
• F&IU(Suspended
Working Platform)
Reg.
• F&IU(Cartridge-
operated Fixing Tools)
Reg.
• F&IU(Lifting
Appliances & Lifting
Gears) Reg.

Safety • Are safety responsibilities assigned to specific • F&IU (Safety

Responsibility personnel and is everyone aware of his/her Management) Reg.
responsibility? • F&IU(Safety Officers
• Has a safety officer/ safety supervisors been appointed & Safety Supervisors)
for the site and their duties clearly defined? Reg.

Training • Have arrangements for induction training been • F&IU (Safety

established for new workers coming on site? Management) Reg.
• Is special training needed for personnel, such as crane • General Duties
operators, gondola workers etc.?
• Are persons employed for certain special operations
are competent?

Rules & • Have appropriate emergency procedures been • F&IU (Safety

Procedures established and adequately promulgated on site? Management) Reg.
• Have appropriate safety procedures established for
specific operations, such as work in confined spaces,
work over water etc.?

Report of • Are supervisors and site staff aware of the • F&IU (Safety
Accidents / requirements and arrangements for reporting Management) Reg.
Incidents accidents/ incidents? • F&IU Reg. 17-20

Liaison & • Are formal and clear lines of communication • F&IU (Safety

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Communi- established with the client, architect, other contractors Management) Reg.
cations and subcontractors?
Have appropriate Safety Committees set up?
Welfare • Have adequate shelters, toilets, drinking water, • CSSR
Facilities washing facilities etc. been provided?

First Aid • Are there adequate first-aiders provided on site? • CSSR

Facilities • Are there adequate first aid equipment, e.g. first aid
boxes, on site?

PREPARATION & SITE ARRANGEMENTS

Notification • Have notification been given to the Factory • CSSR
Inspectorate Division of Labour Department on
commencement of construction work?

Site Layout • Have consideration been given to storage of materials

needed at different stages during construction so that • CSSR
good housekeeping can be maintained on site at all
times?

Site Access • Is there sufficient safe access and storage for plant and • CSSR
materials?
• Is it clear of overhead power lines?
• Are there other height or width restrictions on access
roads?

Signs • Have all necessary notices / sign boards been erected

to inform workers and public of relevant hazards?

Protecting • Have adequate hoarding, fencing, gantries, fans etc. • Buildings Ordinance
Public been erected?

Lighting • Have adequate lighting arrangement been made for • CSSR

working in dark areas and working during dark hours?

HEALTH MATTERS
Hazardous • Are workers likely to come into contact with • F&IU(Dangerous
substances hazardous substances such as chemicals, lead, Substances)Reg.
asbestos etc.?
• Have suitable precautions been introduced? • F&IU(Carcinogenic
• Are other workers who are not involved in working Substances)Reg.
with hazardous substances kept clear of such work
areas? • Dangerous Goods
• Are adequate warning provided for hazardous Ordinance
substances?

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Hazardous • Are there any unsafe atmospheres in any area, e.g. • F&IU(Confined
atmosphere/ carbon monoxide, flammable vapours, oxygen Spaces)Reg.
environment deficiency, dusts etc.? • F&IU(Spraying of
Flammable Liquids)
Reg.

Noise • Are there any specific noise control requirements in • Noise Control Reg.
force?
• Are there measures to reduce the noise level at
sources such as use silence type machine, enclosing
noisy machines etc.?
• Are required noise permits obtained?
• Are noise control areas established and appropriate
control procedures in place?

Protective • Have suitable protective clothing and equipment been • F&IU(Confined

clothing & provided to and used by workers to guard against Spaces)Reg.
equipment particular hazards or for work in inclement weather? • F&IU(Spraying of
• Are there effective arrangements in issuing of Flammable Liquids)
protective clothing & equipment? Reg.
• F&IU(Dangerous
Substances)Reg.
• F&IU (Safety
Management) Reg.
PLANT & EQUIPMENT
Lifting • Are lifting equipment properly erected and protected? • F&IU(Lifting
Equipment & • Are lifting equipment regularly inspected and examined Appliance and Lifting
Gears and results properly recorded? Gears) Reg.
• Are valid certificates available for lifting equipment
used on site? • CSSR
• Are safe load indicators installed for cranes?
• Are there appropriate arrangements to ensure that
lifting appliances are properly maintained in good
condition?
• Are crane operators certified?
• Has proper communication / signaling system
established for lifting operations to avoid confusion &
accidents?
• Are there appropriate arrangements to ensure that only
certified lifting gears are used on site?
• Are there appropriate arrangements to ensure that
lifting gears are properly maintained in good condition?

Site Transport • Are there adequate arrangements to ensure that all site
vehicles are maintained in good working conditions?
• Are there adequate arrangements in controlling

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 movement of site vehicles?

Scaffolds / • Are scaffolds properly erected by competent persons? • CSSR

Working • Are suitable access provided for working platforms?
Platform • Are working platforms properly guarded to prevent
falls?
• Are scaffolds regularly examined, maintained and
repaired by competent persons to ensure their
stability?

Ladders • Are ladders in safe working condition? • CSSR

• Are ladders being used are of adequate length?
• Are ladders properly supported and secured when
used?
• Are there appropriate arrangements for storage,
maintenance and repairs of ladders?

Machines • Are all dangerous parts properly guarded? • F&IU(Guarding &

• Are machines properly maintained? Operating Machinery)
• Have operators been properly trained in proper use? Reg.

Tools • Are tools in safe working condition and being used in a • F&IU(Electricity) Reg.
safe manner by properly trained workers? • F&IU(Cartridge-
• Are there appropriate arrangements for storage, operated Fixing Tools)
maintenance and repairs of tools? Reg.

HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
Fire Hazard • Is there a fire emergency procedure? • Dangerous Goods
• Are people on site aware of the procedure? Regulations
• Are flammable substances properly kept and used on • F&IU(Dangerous
site? Substances) Reg.
• Are adequate fire extinguishers provided on site and • F&IU(Spraying of
properly located? Flammable Liquids)
• Are combustible wastes properly collected and Reg.
removed from site at frequent intervals to prevent • CSSR
excessive accumulation?

Electricity • Is the electricity supply system properly installed in • F&IU (Electricity)

terms of supply capacity, protection against electric Reg.
shock e.g. RCDs, grounding etc.? • CSSR
• Are all electrical installation carried out by qualified
personnel?
• Is the electricity supply system regularly inspected and
maintained?
• Are there adequate control measures in controlling use
of electricity on site?

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 • Are power cables properly trailed to prevent damage?
• Are suitable voltages being used?

SPECIFIC SITE OPERATIONS

General • Are there arrangements to separate pedestrian and • CSSR
Access vehicular access?
• Are pedestrian access routes kept clear from
obstruction and protected against falling objects?
• Have all safeguards been taken to prevent falls through
holes, openings, over edges etc.?

Working at • Are people working at height adequately guarded, by • CSSR

Height providing a safe place of work, or when this is not
practicable, by appropriate personal protections?
• Are appropriate means provide for accessing work
places?

Excavations • Have thorough investigations been conducted to locate • CSSR

underground services before excavation works?
• Have investigations be conducted to ensure that the
adjacent structures will not be affected by the
excavation?
• Are adequate ground supports (timbering) provided or
are the sides adequately cut back to a safe angle?
• Are excavations properly barricade?
• Are proper means provided for access to and egress
from excavations?
• Are there arrangements to prevent drowning accidents
after rain?
• Are excavations frequently inspected to ensure their
stability?

Lifting and • Are there appropriate arrangements for lifting, stacking • CSSR
Materials and storing materials? • F&IU (LA&LG) Reg.
Handling • Are materials safely stacked to prevent them from
falling?
• Are hoists, lifting appliances etc. being properly
operated?
• Are materials properly slinged?

Paint Spraying • Are there appropriate arrangements to control paint • F&IU (Spraying of
spraying operations? Flammable Liquids)
• Are fire precautionary measures followed? Reg.
• Are adequate fire fighting equipment available?
•
Confined • Are there safe entry procedure and emergency • F&IU(Confined

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Spaces / procedure for working in confined spaces? Spaces) Reg.
• Are the procedures followed?
• Are workers who have to work in confined spaces
aware of the hazards and properly trained in the
precautionary measures?
• Are there adequate emergency equipment?

Carpentry / • Are all woodworking machinery properly guarded or • F&IU (Woodworking

Joinery fenced off? Machinery) Reg.
• Is the working area kept clean and tidy to minimize
risks of fire and tripping?

Falsework/ • Are formwork properly designed and erected?

Formwork • Are proper means of access and a safe place of work
provided for steel fixing, concreting etc.?

Site Transport • Are movement of mobile vehicles controlled on site?

• Are trucks properly loaded and safely driven?
• Are drivers properly trained and competent?
• Are vehicular routes clearly demarcated?
• Are reversing vehicles controlled by properly trained
banksman?

Operation of • Are the machines properly fitted with guards, tool rests • F&IU (Abrasive
Abrasive etc.? Wheel) Reg.
Wheels • Are the wheels properly mounted by competent
persons appointed by the employer?
• Are proper eye protection provided to and being worn
by operators?

CSSR = Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations

F&IU = Factories and Industrial Undertakings

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 APPENDIX D : CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY CHECKLIST

These checklist lists the main points to be considered when checking the safety of a typical
construction site. Other items may need to be included for some special construction activities.

SAFE ACCESS

• Can everyone reach their place of work safely, i.e. are there good roads, gangways,
passageways, passenger hoists, staircases, ladders and scaffolds?
• Are all walkways level and free from obstructions such as stored material and waste?
• Are there adequate barriers or other edge protection to safeguard people falling from open
edges of buildings, gangways etc.?
• Are holes and openings securely fenced off or provided with fixed, clearly marked covers?
• Is there adequate artificial lighting when work is carried on after dark or inside buildings?
• Is the site tidy, and materials stored safely?
• Are there proper arrangements for collecting and disposing of scrap?
• Have nails in timber been hammered down or removed?

LADDERS

• Are ladders the right equipment to use for the job, or should a scaffold be provided?
• Are all ladders in good condition?
• Are ladders secured near the top (even if they will be used for only a short time)?
• If ladders cannot be secured at the top, are they secured near the bottom, weighted or footed to
prevent slipping?
• Do the ladders rise at least 1.00 meter above their landing places or the highest rungs used? If
not, are there adequate handholds?
• Are the ladders properly positioned for access?
• Is there proper access to the scaffold platform?
• Are all uprights provided with base plates (and, where necessary, timber sole plates) or
prevented in some other way from slipping or sinking?
• Have any uprights, ledgers braces or struts been removed?

TUBULAR SCAFFOLDS

• Is the scaffold secured to the building in enough places to prevent collapse?

• If any ties have been removed since the scaffolds was erected, have additional ties been
provided to replace them?
• Are the working platforms fully boarded?
• Are boards free from obvious defects such as knots, and are they arranged to avoid tipping or
tripping?

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 • Are there effective barriers or warning notices to stop people using an incomplete scaffold e.g.
one that isn’t fully boarded?
• Are there adequate guard rails and toe boards at every side from which a person could fall more
than 2.00 meters?
• Where the scaffold has been designed and constructed for loading with materials are these
evenly distributed?
• Is there a competent person inspect the scaffold regularly, i.e. at least once a week and always
after bad weather?
• Are the results of inspections recorded (including detects that were put right during the
inspections) and the records signed by the person who carried out the inspections?

FALSEWORK/FORMWORK

• Have the design and the supports for shuttering and formwork been checked?
• Are the props plumb and properly set out?
• Are the bases and ground conditions adequate for the loads?
• Are the correct pins used in the props?
• Are the materials, including timbers and steel props, in good condition?
• Is it inspected by a competent person against the agreed design before permission is given to
pour concrete?

FIRE

General

• Does the site have the right number and type of fire extinguishers? Are they properly located?
• Are there adequate escape routes? Are they kept clear and suitable for use for escape?
• Do workers know what to do in an emergency?

Flammable liquids

• Is there a proper store area?

• Is the amount of flammable liquid on site kept to a minimum?
• Is smoking prohibited? Are other ignition sources kept away from flammable liquids?
• Are properly constructed safety containers used?

Compressed gases (e.g. LPG acetylene)

• Are cylinders stored properly?

• Is the cylinder valve fully closed when the cylinder is not in use?
• Are cylinders sited outside huts?

Other combustible material

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 • Are there proper waste receptacles?
• Is waste material removed regularly?

EXCAVATIONS

• Are there adequate timbering materials for supporting excavations?

• Are the materials strong enough to support the sides?
• Is a safe method used for putting in timbering, i.e. one that does not rely on people working
within an unsupported trench?
• If the sides of the excavation are sloped back or battered, is the angle of batter (angle of repose)
sufficient to prevent collapse?
• Is the excavation frequently (preferable daily at least), and the timbering or other support
weekly?
• Is there safe access to the excavation e.g. by a sufficiently long ladder?
• are there barriers to stop people falling in?
• Is the excavation affecting the stability of neighboring buildings?
• Are stacked materials, spoil or plant stored near the edge of the excavation likely to cause a
collapse at the side?
• If vehicles tip into the excavation, are properly secured stop blocks provided?

TRANSPORT

• Are vehicles maintained in good repair?

• Have drivers received proper training?
• Are vehicles driven safety?
• Are vehicles securely loaded?
• Are passengers prohibited to ride in dangerous positions on vehicles?
• Are there any tipping lorries? Do workers know that they should never reach under the raised
body?
• Is there a system to control the movement of vehicles on site to avoid danger to pedestrians?
• Where vehicles have to reverse, are they controlled by properly trained banksmen?

MACHINERY

• Are there any dangerous parts e.g. exposed gears, chain drives, projecting engine shafts?
• Are the dangerous parts adequately guarded?
• Are guards secured and in good repair?

PLATFORM HOISTS

• Is the hoist inspected weekly, and thoroughly examined every six months by a competent
person?
• Are the results of inspections recorded?

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 • Is the hoist protected by a substantial enclosure to prevent someone from being struck by any
moving part of the hoist or falling down the hoistway?
• Are gates provided at all landings?
• Are the gates kept shut except when the platform is at the landing?
• Is the control rope arranged so that the hoist can be operated from one position only?
• Is the operator of the hoist over 18 years old who is properly trained and competent?
• Is the hoist clearly marked with its safe working load?
• Is there a proper signaling system?
• If the hoist is for materials only, is there a warning notice on the platform or cage to stop people
riding on it?
• Are appropriate warning notices, including safe working load etc. properly displayed?

CRANES AND LIFTING APPLIANCES

• Is the crane inspected weekly and thoroughly examined every 14 months by a competent
person?
• Are the results of inspections recorded?
• Is there a test certificate?
• Is the driver trained competent and over 18?
• Are the controls (levers, handles switches etc.) clearly marked?
• Do the driver and banksman find out the weight of the load before trying to lift it?
• Is the crane on a hard level base?
• Has the banksman/slinger been trained to give signals and to attach loads correctly and does he
know the lifting limitations of the crane?
• If it can vary its operating radius, is the crane clearly marked with its safe working loads and
corresponding radii?
• Is the crane properly maintained?

ELECTRICITY

• Do all portable electric tools and have special measures to protect people from electric shock,
e.g. residual current device?
• Are there any signs of damage to or interference with equipment, wires and cables?
• Are all connections to power points made by proper plugs?
• Are connections to plugs properly made so that the cable grip holds the cable firmly and
prevents the earth wire from being pulled out?
• Are there any overhead electric lines? Are there any precautions taken to prevent such contact
with the lines, e.g. by erecting goal posts?
• Have underground electricity cables been located (with a cable locator and cable plans),
marked, and precautions taken to avoid contact with them?

CARTRIDGE OPERATED TOOLS

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• Are the maker instructions being followed?
• Has the operator been properly trained and obtained a valid certificate? Does he know the
hazards and is able to deal with misfires?
• Does the operator wear goggles?
• Is the gun cleaned and maintained regularly?
• Are the gun and cartridges kept in a secure place when not in use?

TRESPASSERS

• Is perimeter fencing secure and undamaged?

• Are gates secured?
• Is all plant immobilised?
• At the end of each work period, are all ladders removed or their rungs boarded so that they
cannot be used?
• Are bricks and materials safely stacked?
• Are flammable or dangerous substances locked away in secure storage places?
• Where perimeter fencing is impracticable are excavations and openings securely covered or
fenced off?

NOISE

• Are breakers fitted with muffers/silencers?

• Is other plant or machinery fitted with silencers?
• Do workers wear ear protection if they have to work in very noisy surroundings?

HEALTH

• Have harmful materials e.g. asbestos, lead etc. been identified and precautions taken?
• Are materials safe data sheets (MSDS) available from the supplier?
• Is safety equipment provided and used?
• Are other workers who are not protected kept out of danger areas?
• In confined spaces, has the atmosphere been tested and a fresh air supply provided if
necessary? Are emergency procedures in place for rescue from the confined space?

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

• Is appropriate equipment provided to protect workers from particular hazards?

• Does the equipment meet at least the minimum standard required by law?
• Do workers wear their protective equipment?

WELFARE

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• Has a suitable toilet (and separate toilets for male and female) been provided?
• Is there a clean washbasin, soap and towel?
• Is wet weather gear such as rain coats provided for those who have to work in wet conditions?
• Is there a site hut where workers can sit and make tea?
• Are there suitable first aid boxes?

(file: const-notes2001.doc last updated: Nov 2001)

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