TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................................ 2
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Aims and Objective..............................................................................................3
1.2 Methodology........................................................................................................4
1.3 Company Description..........................................................................................4
1.4 Legal Environment...............................................................................................6
2. REVIEW OF HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM...................................8
2.1 Description.......................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Gap Analysis of Company Health & Safety Management System.....................10
3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION...............................................................................................15
3.1 Physical Hazards...............................................................................................15
3.2 Health Hazards..................................................................................................18
3.4 Selection of Significant Hazard..........................................................................21
4. RISK ASSESSMENT....................................................................................................21
4.1 The process and methodology of risk assessment............................................21
4.2 Legal References..............................................................................................23
4.3 Risk Assessment – Work at height - Scaffolding................................................24
4.4 Risk Assessment – Noise due to Construction Machineries & Equipments.......27
5. CONCLUSIONS............................................................................................................ 29
6. RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................................................29
7. ACTION PLAN.............................................................................................................. 33
7.1 Management System.........................................................................................33
7.2 Hazards and Risk..............................................................................................36
8. REFERENCES/ BIBILIOGRAPHY...............................................................................44

1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Occupational safety and health is beneficial for business as well as being a legal and social
obligation. Companies appreciate that preventing people from being harmed or made ill through
work, is also an essential part of a successful business. Every company can enjoy significant
benefits by investing in health and Safety. Simple improvements can increase competitiveness,
profitability and the motivation of employees. The implementation of a health and management
system provides an effective framework to prevent or minimize accidents and ill health.

This study was intended to assist in the decision-making, planning and implementation of the
construction projects, by minimizing the risks to employees and everyone associated with the
activities. Thereby, improving the cost effectiveness, reducing the indirect costs due to business
interruptions and improve employee relationship and public faith/ trust. The study was carried
out in accordance with the Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1974 and the derived statutes
and ACoPs.

The health & safety Management system of the company is modeled on HSG 65 with few
elements not considered which could have direct implications on the health and safety
programmes. Detailed gap analyses are conducted to identify the drawbacks and are prioritized
according to the criticality of the gap. Important gaps are summarized as:-

1. Lack of visible leadership from the top management which could lead to collapse of the
whole management system and lack of key person responsible to develop, implement and
monitor the management system.
2. Lack of competent persons to handle Health& Safety affairs and Inadequate training and
resources to manage risks at site.

All relevant hazards arising from the company activities have been identified. Two most
significant hazards has been selected and a detailed risk assessment was carried out to
identify residual risks and recommend mitigation measures to conform to the principles of As
Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP). Recommendations are made by reference to best
industry practice, economic, technical and health & Safety considerations. HSE assurance is
provided by identifying and managing risks, according to the principles of risk tolerance, risk
reduction and continuous performance improvement. The ALARP control principle is achieved
when additional measures which could be taken to reduce the residual risk are no longer
deemed to be practical or cost-effective – i.e. ensuring that risks that cannot be eliminated are
reduced to ALARP. This study is applying the ALARP principle to ensure that risks to life, asset,
reputation and the environment are reduced and controlled to optimum levels.

Critical ALARP controls for identified hazards can be summarized as:-

1. Proper design and planning of load bearing scaffolds and selection and provision of training
for competent trained scaffolders who should engage in erection, dismantling, modification
and inspection of scaffolds.
2. Introducing low noise purchasing policy, re-designing the layout of site, monitoring of noise
levels frequently and reduce exposure of persons by proper job rotation and scheduling.
3. Training, instruction and supervision to all affected personnel.

All recommendations are followed with an action plan with assigned responsible persons and
target dates to complete. Approximate costing has been projected in the action plan. This
action plan will be updated to reflect that all actions are closed and the risks have been reduced
to and As Low as Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) principle.

2
1. INTRODUCTION

Most people would agree that poor working conditions of any type have the potential to affect
worker’s health and safety. It would also be agreed that our aim should be to eliminate or at
least minimize the risk of accident or injury; and to protect workers from the ill-health caused by
their working conditions.

There is no doubt that construction is one of the most dangerous industries in Europe (1) . Every
year dozens of people die on site; several thousands get injured or develop work-related health
problems. Construction projects are complex and always unique, where risks can arise from a
number of different sources – some controllable, some not. Assessing sources of risk at the
earliest opportunity enables controllable risk factors to be allocated to the areas of responsibility
so that those responsible can take appropriate measures to eliminate or minimize them. The
risk factors and sources can be broadly due to failure in managing the risks and a system not
directed and committed to control by inadequate design, planning, coordination, communication
and measurement, unrealistic expectations, poorly defined method of work, delay in decision
making, not having a common goal, requiring the project to be constructed too quickly and
defect free, yet at minimal cost, incompetence of staff and the external factors that influence the
site activities and those which were not identified and not in control of. Therefore, improving
health and safety on construction sites plays a key role in company’s daily work and is an
ongoing process. The employers need to comply with the existing health and safety
regulations, and the workers need to know their rights. Every worker also needs to have a good
grasp of major workplace dangers so they can contribute to a better protection.

This case study provides an assessment of the company’s health & safety management
system including risk management and existing control. This study is a demonstration of how
company can achieve health & safety objectives and how the statutes and standards can be
met in a methodical and auditable manner. The completed case study provides a primary
reference document for improvement on all information relevant to the safety and health of
personnel, and resources for the company.

1.1 Aims and Objective

It is important to develop safer working methods that also allow work to be done quicker and
with fewer people, reduced rates of accidents, incidents and ill health — with examples of
sickness absence being halved, and maximising levels of recruitment, motivation and retention
of skilled staff and also achieving significant financial savings for good performers and penalties
for poor performers.

Therefore, the primary objective of this Health & Safety case study is to demonstrate to
company top management that essential significant measuring of their management system is
undertaken and gaps are identified along with the associated risks and ensure that additional
controls are identified, in place, or planned to be put in place such that the risks arising from the
construction activities are both tolerable and As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).

(1) The State of Occupational Safety and Health in the European Union — Pilot study, 2000. European
Agency for Safety and Health at Work, ISBN 92-828-9272-7.

3
1.3 Company Description

The company is a medium sized limited liability contracting company registered in 2006 in
Emirates of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a joint venture between UAE based
contracting company and a company of United Kingdom that was established in 2005.
Company employs locally 200 manpower expertise in all aspects of contracting including civil
engineering, water pipeline construction, mechanical and electrical installations, and services to
the electromechanical industry including testing, maintenance and operational work which fully
supported by computer aided design facilities computerized project monitoring, accounting, and
cost control systems. The clients for the current jobs are leading Real Estate Development
Company of UAE. The main projects currently undertaken are as follows.
1. Construction of 10 residential and commercial buildings of up to three levels each in one
plot.
2. Water pipeline networks within the area and associated activities.
3. Operation & maintenance of water networks and pumping stations

The company has been certified for conforming to ISO: 9001: 2000 standards and has a HSE
Management system developed based on OSHAS 18000 guidelines and HSG 65. The
company is headed by a board of directors and the branch is being managed by General
Manager- Middle East Operations. The GM, Middle East is functionally responsible for all
aspects related to the company’s operations in UAE and reports to the Managing Director
based in Dartford (UK) office. The branch company is organized into a Projects department,
Tendering department, Quantity surveying, Procurement department and Human resources/
Administration department.

Each project is managed by the Project Manager who has a team of Project Engineers,
designers, site engineers, foremen and leader men. One HSE Engineer has been appointed to
manage and monitor the implementation of the Health & Safety management system during the
company operations. The majorities of labor forces are from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh
and mostly are unskilled. Company holds major equipment and earth moving plants like
excavators, bull dozers, land scrapers, back hoes, piling rigs etc, lifting equipments like mobile
cranes of various capacities and machineries like generators, compressors etc. A typical project
is executed in the following phases:-

1. Site mobilization and establishment

2. Surveying, testing and soil investigations
3. Substructure/ Excavations & re-inforcements
4. Piling and foundations
5. Structural steel erection
6. Concrete frame construction
7. Pre-cast floors and panels
8. External claddings and roofing
9. Finishes – Plastering/ screeding & floor finishing
10. Carpentry and joinery
11. Services – plumping and mechanical

The projects are administered from the site offices which are located at the site of construction
and have administrative staffs including cleaners, office boys etc. Site office also has office
space for the client and consultant representatives. All staffs and workers are of age above 21
years and company does not employ female staff on project sites. The normal working hours
for the company is from 0700 hours to 1900 hours and workers are rotated not to exceed more
than 8 hours a day, 6 days a week. Night work if required does not exceed beyond 2200 hours.

4
The site offices are marked and fenced with proper access controls/ security gates. Electricity
and water supply are provided by the utility distribution company. Besides, that the company
has a number of generators installed as standby. A workshop is established within the site
premises to carry out carpentry, welding, steel fixing/ cutting jobs. A vehicle maintenance area
is earmarked away from the construction area within the site premises for cleaning, general
servicing etc. There is a canteen managed by a sub contractor which caters for the workers/
staff food. Adequate number of toilets and drinking water facility is established by the company.
First aiders and first aid box is available to cater for minor injuries. The nearest hospital and civil
defense facilities are 2 kms away from the site location.

1.4 Legal Environment

United Arab Emirates has primarily two key regulation issued as a federal decree, The
Ministerial Order 32 (1982) and UAE Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (Federal Law No.
8/1980), which broadly covers the main responsibilities of employers and employees on health
& safety affairs. There are no interpretations or associated ACoPs and guidelines available. Abu
Dhabi municipality is the public authority who regulates the health & safety on all development
activities in the emirates. Abu Dhabi Municipality Health & Safety guidelines are based on the
UK standards and it covers all activities on a construction site. UAE Ministry of Health
Regulations regulate all health related affairs in the country.

By the virtue of the company operating as a branch of United Kingdom (UK), the UK regulations
are also applicable on all its operations. The Legal system in UAE is similar to UK law and is
divided into two branches, the criminal and the civil. A single safety violation could lead both to
civil and a criminal law action. In general, the company is also vicariously liable for the
damages caused by employees while they are acting in the course of their employment and as
a reasonable employee would act. All issues concerned with rights and duties of individuals will
be dealt under civil laws. Criminal law characterizes certain kind of wrongdoing as offences
against the state, not necessarily violating the rights of individuals, and punishable by the state.
Unlike UK there are no separate court systems for Civil and Criminal cases in UAE. The
enforcement authority in health and safety matters is the Health and Safety section of UAE
Labor department or the local authority i.e., Abu Dhabi Municipality acting on its behalf.

Therefore, the most important piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in the
workplace is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSW 1974). It specifies the general
duties placed on employers and employees.

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007) is the key regulations
for the construction sector. The regulations are made under the Health and Safety at Work Act
1974. The Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) Managing health and safety in construction.
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 helps to ensure they follow the CDM
2007. Following the guidance given in the ACoP ensures that the duty holder comply with the
minimum accepted standards. The ACoP also includes a copy of the original CDM 2007
regulations.

The other main source of legal rules relating to health and safety in the construction industry
are the following regulations and are currently in force:-

5
 1. The Construction (Head protection) regulations 1989 - is designed to provide protection,
so far as is reasonably practicable, against foreseeable risks of injury to the head to
which the workers are exposed in a construction atmosphere.
2. The Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996- These Regulations
impose requirements with respect to the health, safety and welfare of persons at work
carrying out "construction work". The arrangements in the regulation cover all activities
on a construction site.
3. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (in association with The
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) and associated ACoPs and
guidelines: Simple guide to PUWER 98 INDG 291; Safe Use of Ladders & Step
Ladders: An employer’s guide. – Applicable to all lifting equipment and operations as
well as access equipments and other machineries and tools used during a construction
activities.

4. The Working at Heights Regulations 2005 and associated ACoP INDG 401- For all
activities where a person could be injuring falling, even if it is at or below ground level.
Also includes moving around at a place of work, but not travel to or from a place of
work.
5. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002- Applicable for
activities involving handling hazardous substances like paints, solvents, cement etc
during the construction works.
6. The Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996. - Consultation
with employees who are not represented by safety representatives under the 1977
Regulations. Hence, the company shall consult those employees in good time on
matters relating to their health and safety at work and.
7. Employers’ Liability Compulsory Insurance Act 1969 – and associated guidelines, A
Guide for Employers HSE 40(rev1) - Company is required by the law to insure against
liability for injury or disease to their employees arising out of their employment.
8. Social Security Act (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979
9. Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995
(RIDDOR) - Reporting of fatalities, serious injuries and dangerous occurrences.

In addition, there are a number of relevant regulations that were passed in order to comply with
EC directives on type examination certificates of approval and European Union (EU) directives.
These include:

1. Construction Plant and Equipment (Harmonisation of Noise Emission Standards)

Regulations 1988 (as amended)
2. Falling Object Protective Structure for Construction Plant (EC Requirements)
Regulations 1988
3. Roll-over Protective Structures for Construction Plant (EC Requirements) Regulations
1988
4. Construction Sites Directive (92/57/EEC)
5. Working Time Directive (93/104/EEC)

6
2. REVIEW OF HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

2.1 Description

The Company operates a HSE Management System in accordance with the United Kingdom
Health and Safety Executive guidance document HSG65 “Successful Health and Safety
Management” and also embraces the principle of OHSAS 18001“Occupational Health and
Safety Management Systems”.
The Health & Safety Management System of the company remains structured in 3 parts.

Part 1 the Policy Document/ statement of intent, states how the company top management
implement their HS&E Policy and are widely displayed on company notice boards. It gives
others an overview of their management system.

Part 2 contains Company Procedures, guidance notes and key standard forms - the ‘how to’ of
the system. Supporting documents such as checklists and generic forms are referenced from
here. It broadly covers the following:-

1. Organizing
2. Planning and Implementation
3. Performance measurement
4. Audit and review

Part 3 comprises supporting documentation and guidance and includes some generic
documentation, toolbox talks, Hazard checklists and safety Standards for common operations
and tasks.

The HS&E Management System, (Part 2), contains the following sections:

Section 1: Manual Structure & Information – This introduction also includes useful contacts,
abbreviations, and information sources.

Section 2: Health& Safety Responsibilities gives details of specific Health & Safety responsibili-
ties for key appointments, various departments & company employees.

Section 3: CDM, Contract start, commissioning & handover gives guidance on the CDM duties
of clients, designers, planning supervisors, principal contractors and sub contractors. Guidance
is provided for producing the health & safety file and post contract works.

Section 4: Risk Assessment – There is guidance of a general risk assessment and for unusual
activities at design phases. It also covers the production and the issue of work permits.

Section 5: Procedures for inspection & audit gives guidance on those inspections that must be
carried out as required by the law and by the company. This includes the safety programmes
and monthly checks. Guidance on disciplinary procedures is also in this section for use during
the projects.

7
Section 6: Incident reporting & investigation describes how accidents and incidents are
managed and reported. It also gives guidance in accident investigation, compiling information
and dealing with insurance claims.

Section 7: Performance indicators – This section provides guidance on active and reactive
performance measurements and completing monthly Health & safety reports.

Section 8: Welfare & site establishment details the minimum standards for all welfare facilities
whether in a fixed location or site location.

Section 9: Fire & Emergency plans provide guidance on planning for fire and emergency in
permanent establishments, temporary accommodations or on site.

Section 10: Occupational health gives guidance on controlling risks to health from many
sources in the work place including vibration, COSHH materials.

Section 11: Plant & tools gives guidance on controlling risks through procurement, operator
competence, use and maintenance, including statutory inspections.

Section 12: Filing, review and provide guidance in general on continual improvement, learning
from experience.

8
9
2.2 Gap Analysis of Company Health & Safety Management System

Compliance
Management System Section Gap/ Comments
(Yes/No) Priority*

Written policy/ statement of intent which is signed Part Yes Statement of intent (Policy document) is
P2
dated and communicated to all employees not dated and is not communicated to all.
Health & Safety of employees considered as an
Yes
important business objective by top management
Top management committed to continuous Yes
improvement.
A named senior manager is appointed for overall No person by name is appointed to take
No P1
responsibility for implementing health and safety overall responsibility for health and safety
policy affairs.
Policy encourages involvement of employees and
Yes
safety representatives in the health & safety effort.
Includes a commitment to ensuring that all employees
are competent to do their jobs safely without risks to Yes
health
Responsibilities clearly defined to all personnel Part Yes Responsibilities of top management is not P2
including managers, supervisors and team leaders. defined
All personnel including manager, supervisor and team
No defined budget has been allocated for
leaders accept their responsibilities and have No
health and safety programmes P3
adequate time and resources and competence to
fulfill them
All personnel including managers, supervisors and
team leaders fully aware of what to do and how they Yes
will be held accountable for health & Safety.
Identification of people responsible for particular
Adequate Health and safety persons are
health and safety jobs including those requiring No P1
not identified/ recruited.
special expertise (e.g. H& S Advisors)

Assessment of experience, knowledge and skills No Employee training requirements are not P1
needed to carry out all tasks safely communicated to the employee and

10
 Compliance
Management System Section Gap/ Comments
(Yes/No) Priority*

appropriate supervisors
System for ensuring adequate instruction and training
for all employees including managers, supervisors No No clear training budget/ facility allocated P2
and temporary staff.
Identification of specific training, skills and experience No competency based training is
No P1
assessment system for people doing hazardous work identified (No training matrix developed)
Arrangements for gaining access to specialist advice
Yes
and help when needed
System for ensuring competence needs and are met
Health & Safety competency
while recruiting, promote or transfer people or when
No assessments are not administered as part P3
people are assigned health & Safety responsibilities
of recruitment/ promotion process
(re-organize).
Consultation with employees and employee safety Health & Safety committee has not been
No P2
representative on all issues that affect Health & Safety formed and meetings are not held as per
at work. planned.
Active health and safety committee chaired by
No Meetings are held seldom and senior P1
director/ senior manager and employees from all
managers do not attend
divisions are represented.
Involvement of workforce in preparing health and
safety improvement plans, reviewing performance, Employee involvement only in incident
Part Yes P1
undertaking risk assessments, preparing safety- investigations. No system of addressing
related rules and procedures, investigating incidents employee suggestions available
and problem solving.
Arrangements for cooperating and coordinating with
contractors and employment agencies whose Sub-contractors are given a copy of
employees work at site on health and safety matters. Yes company Health & Safety plan and
require their plan to be in line with the
company requirements.

Including health and safety on the agenda of regular No Health & Safety is discussed only in P1
management meetings and briefings. safety meetings
Availability of information on hazards, risks and Yes
control measures and safe system of work in place

11
 Compliance
Management System Section Gap/ Comments
(Yes/No) Priority*

which can be easily accessed in the relevant work

area.
All levels of managements are approachable on
Yes
health and safety issues and encourage staff to
discuss health and safety matters.
Top management, managers and team leaders Yes
communicate their commitment to health and safety Part Yes
through self example.
Only generic hazard assessment has
System for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment Part Yes been carried out. Each applicable job has
P1
and how to control them and safe system of work. not been evaluated using a risk
assessment system. No hazard registry
Planning and scheduling health and safety
improvement measures and prioritizing their Yes
implementation based on the nature and risk rating.
Arrangements for measurable, realistic and time Objectives and targets are not reviewed
No P2
bound health and safety targets agreed with and updated annually and no action plan
managers and supervisors. is maintained to achieve the targets
Procurement (premises, plant, equipment and raw
materials) and supply procedures take account of
Yes
health and safety at the appropriate stage before
implementation of the activity.
Take account of health and safety during design
Yes
processes, equipment procedures, work systems and
tasks.
Health and safety rules and procedures (Part 2) in
Yes
place covering day to day work activities, foreseeable
abnormal situations and maintenance work.
Procedure is in place but no
Part Yes testing/evaluation of the emergency plan
Emergency response procedures P1
is conducted at correct intervals (at least
annually)
Welfare arrangements (living, canteen, toilets, Yes

12
 Compliance
Management System Section Gap/ Comments
(Yes/No) Priority*

washing/ changing facilities, rest etc) including

medical facilities and health management/ monitoring
programme
Introducing KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to
Yes
measure the performance in Health & Safety
Arrangement for documenting and communicating the
inspection, monitoring and incident investigation Yes
reports.
Arrangement for monitoring performance of health
and safety plan and to measure the targets and Part Yes Targets are not reviewed P3
objectives set.
Availability of pro active monitoring involving testing,
inspecting and consultation methods to ensure that
Yes
controls are working properly and the rules and
procedures are followed and all the standards set are
met.
Arrangement for reactive monitoring like investigating
Yes
accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous
situations
Identifying reasons for substandard performances in Yes
health and safety.
Arrangements for dealing with situations that have
created risk with priority being given where the risks
Yes
are greatest.

Arrangements for analyzing the causes of potentially

serious events to identify the root causes including Yes
shortcomings in safety management system

System for regular audits of safety management

Part Yes Inadequate number of trained and P2
system by competent independent auditors (internal/
competent auditors
external)

13
 Compliance
Management System Section Gap/ Comments
(Yes/No) Priority*

Use audit reports and inspection reports information

to review the operation of safety management system Yes
and safety performance.

Review of objectives set to check if they are met in No P2

Objectives not reviewed
the agreed timescales.
Analyze audit reports and information used to identify
future improvement targets and to identify particular No Objectives are not reviewed and new P2
causes of accident, ill health or poor control of risk to targets are not set
target for future risk reduction effort.
Benchmarking the performance of the safety
management system against other similar business Yes
group or self monitor improvement over time.

* Priorities Justification
P1 - High priority since the non-compliance could lead to an immediate lose or enforcement actions. The action requires to be taken within
1-3 weeks
P2 - No immediate impact, but if not complied health & safety cannot be managed efficiently. The action needs to be taken within 1 month
P3 - No immediate impact. Action needs to be taken for an over all effective management & measurement of health & safety management
system and avoid non compliances from external auditors and enforcement authorities. Action needs to be closed within 3 months.

14
3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

S.No Hazards Activity/ Relevance Likely Implications * Priority **

3.1 Physical Hazards

Vehicle movement - Maneuvering vehicles, plant and equipments working

Fatalities, serious personnel injuries,
1 Struck/ crushed by in close vicinity to people, visitors/ public. Working P1
property damages, productivity loses.
moving vehicles near traffic areas and poor ground conditions.
Excavation collapse-
While carrying out sub structure and foundation Fatalities, asphyxiation and serious
2 buried/ crushed/ P2
works. injuries to personnel
trapped/ suffocation
Fire and explosions, electrocution,
Striking existing Due to excavations that are done to lay foundations,
multiple fatalities and serious injuries,
3 underground substructures and services like electrical cables, P3
disruption of services, public
services water connections and drainage connections.
discomfort, property damage etc
Collapse of nearby buildings and
Due to excavations in near vicinity with insufficiently
4 Unstable structures structures, serious multiple injuries P3
supported sides
and fatalities
Intrusive occurrences Asphyxiation, serious health effects,
Like groundwater, flooding, sewage, smoke, gas
5 - suffocating / death due to suffocation and inhalation P3
leakage etc while doing excavations
drowning of toxic gases, collapse of trenches.
Uneven, slippery surfaces, trailing cables from
Serious injuries leading like cuts, bone
electrical equipment/ temporary electrical
6 Slips trips and falls fractures and death if affected from a P1
connections, open floors and excavations, use of
height or onto sharp surfaces.
stairs or contaminated ladders.
Working on fragile roof, ladder, working/ erecting
Working at height -
scaffold/ working near unprotected excavation Possible fall of personnel and material
exposed to
7 edges. Presence of floor openings. Unprotected leading to fatalities and serious P1
unprotected edges/
hoists, loading/ unloading from trucks, emergency injuries.
scaffolds
rescues at height etc.

15
S.No Hazards Activity/ Relevance Likely Implications * Priority **
Collapse of sides of deep excavations, breaking of Fatalities and serious injuries to
edges, inadequate working platforms, lifting personnel especially on head.
8 Falling objects P1
equipment failures, unsecured load on scaffold Equipment damages by falling on/ to
platforms and passenger hoists etc. the ground
Striking existing electrical services during
excavation. Temporary electrical connections. Use of
Multiple fatalities, burns, ventricular
electrical equipments like grinders, lightings etc.
9 Electrocution fibrillation. Secondary falls leading to P2
Working in damp conditions. Portable electrical
death.
equipments like heaters, kettles and ovens might be
used in office kitchen.
Fire/ explosion could arise from striking existing
services, faulty electrics or overloading of joints, bulk Death multiple fatalities and injuries,
10 Fire and explosion storage of easily burnt waste materials and serious property damage and P2
flammable materials like diesel, solvents/thinners environmental damages.
etc, smoking of personnel and arson.
Lifting, lowering and moving of loads by cranes or
machineries (concrete pumps, vibrators etc) or due Serious injuries like contusions,
11 Impact, crushing P2
to materials falling from height and moving plant fractures etc.
contacts.
Presence of heavy lifting cranes, excavators, piling Toppling of equipments, falling of
Plant and machinery
equipment and their movement on the site and loads onto persons causing serious
12 Operations and P2
possible running into excavations and working on injuries leading to death. Equipment
instability
slopes and on a soft standing ground. damage
Moving objects/ Placing of steel work. Closure of joints, base plate Crushing and trapping of limbs
13 P2
trapping packing etc. causing serious injuries like fractures.
Contact with Movement and working of high boom lifting Electrocution, serious burns and
14 P3
overhead lines equipments like crane/ MEWPs. deaths.
Contact with rotating Entanglement of clothes leading to
Use of circular saws and grinders. Gear mechanisms
15 parts and static injuries, cuts and bruises, friction P3
of equipment.
machinery burns etc.
Temporary works and during scaffold erections, Falling on/of people leading to multiple
16 Collapse of structure overloading of platforms, presence of excavations injuries and death. Equipment/ P2
close to structure. property damages.

16
S.No Hazards Activity/ Relevance Likely Implications * Priority **
Movement of components and accessories,
Strains, back pains leading to chronic
Manual handling - unloading materials from vehicles like blocks and
musculo- skeletal disorders, load
17 MSD (Musculo bricks, compressed gas cylinders, testing P1
dropping over the feet leading to
skeletal disorders) equipments etc. Also while erecting scaffolds and
fractures and personnel injuries.
manual excavations.
Presence of loose used shuttering materials for Injection wounds, punctures, cuts and
Stepping on nails casting, broken glass pieces and sharp objects on possible contact with contaminated
18 P2
and sharp objects site due to improper housekeeping. Workers not blood leading to serious health effects
wearing safety shoes. like hepatitis and AIDS
Hazardous surfaces - Presence of hot surfaces, projecting parts of
19 Burn, Puncture, equipment, sharp edges and ends of machineries/ Burns, cuts, punctures and wounds P2
stabbing materials. Unguarded protruding bars
Electrocution, fire and injuries due to
Possibility of failure of motors and short circuits in
Mechanical overrun and breaking up of the
20 mechanical equipments like circular saws, grinders, P2
equipment-Failure equipment/ part of the equipment, eye
cutters, generators, compressors etc.
injuries due to compressors.
Use of damaged and
Breaking/ malfunctioning of hammers, chisels etc Eye injury, injury to hand/ limbs and
21 improper hand tools P2
and power tools like drillers, jack hammers body
and power tools
Death due to asphyxiation/
suffocation, MSDs, fire and explosion,
Entering confined Presence of pipe chambers, service holes,
22 serious multiple injuries and property P2
spaces manholes, deep excavations etc.
damage. Difficulty in rescue
operations.

17
S.No Hazard Activity/ Relevance Likely Implications* Priority **

3.2 Health Hazards

Sparks and inhalation of fumes from welding, paints,
Chemical hazards
cement handling, lime and mortar mixing, chemical Chemical burns, cement burns, eye
(Inhalation/
grouts and additives. Contact with asbestos is also injuries, acute dermatitis, chronic
1 Ingestion/ Contact P2
possible while demolishing some existing buildings asthmas, lungs disorders and can
with hazardous/
or doing modification works. During maintenance lead to cancer.
harmful substances)
works and cleaning and dosing works.
During the demolition, grinding, blasting, cutting
Lungs disorders, coughing/ choking,
2 Dust bricks, wood cutting and during vehicle movement P1
eye injuries and possible cancer.
on dry sand.
Presence of heavy equipment working, vehicle Hearing loss, tinnitus, complaints from
3 Noise P1
movement, generators, compressors etc. neighbors, environment pollution
Use of heavy equipments and hand tools like
excavators, loaders, drilling/piling equipment, Vibration induced illnesses (VWF,
4 Vibration P1
compactors & pneumatic tools, breakers, HAVS etc)
compressors , generators, traffic movement.
Inadequate working space. Improper work station
Ergonomic- Bad design and DSE for office workers and for workers Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs),
5 P3
working positions involved in manual handling and repetitive jobs like Stress, loss of vision,
loading and unloading. Working in confined spaces
Long hours of work especially at night amidst noise,
Lack of productivity, suicidal
dust etc. Pressures from supervisors and due to
tendencies, possible ignoring hazards
6 Stress or fear poor health conditions and inadequate welfare P3
and causing serious injuries to self
arrangements and domestic issues. Lack of job
and others. Leads to violent behavior.
security. Lone working by equipment operators.
Confined space working especially hot works.
Temperature - Heat Heat cramps, sun burns, dizziness,
7 Requirements to work in open, humid and hot and P1
exhaustion unconsciousness and possible death.
dusty conditions

18
S.No Hazard Activity/ Relevance
Hygiene and health - Inadequate number of toilets, drinking/ eating
Biological hazards facilities. Toilets not regularly cleaned and eating and
8 P3
(bacterial, viral, resting in presence of waste and decomposing and
fungal) microbiological materials.
Lot of demolition debris (could include asbestos);
9 Collecting waste concrete/construction and other wastes from
canteen and first aid clinic are prevalent on site.
X ray testing of welding and joints of components
Exposure to
are held on site (pipe joints for ex). Laser/ infra red
10 Radiation (ionizing/
and radio frequencies equipment used for level
non-ionizing)
reading and surveying. UV radiation from welding.
3.3 Other Hazards
During night working without adequate lightings or
Poor lighting/ due to failure of lightings. Due to poor site layout,
1 P2
Visibility high vision obstructing machineries, structures,
buildings, people and material movers/vehicles.
Ropes and equipment becoming unstable tangled or
twisted in the wind. Slippery walking surfaces.
Adverse weather
2 Possibility of strong winds affecting the lifting
conditions
activities and high working platforms and work
requiring high reaches like use of a MEWP.
Unfamiliarity with site Visitors and suppliers could visit the construction site
3 P2
risks without being properly inducted.
Tress passers/ Presence of inhabited area, public and road.
4 litigations. Arson by nuisance makers
children/ Public Possibility of trespassing including children
Likely Implications* Priority **
Gastro intestinal disorders, nausea,
diarrhea, legionnaires, weils diseases
Health disorders like asbestosis,
hepatitis/ AIDS, cut and puncture
P2
injuries during collection and
segregation of wastes.
Radiation sicknesses and serious
damages to body cells and tissues P2
including serious skin and eye injuries.
Slips, trips and falls leading to serious
injuries, stress, overlooking risks,
hitting against equipment and vehicles
leading to serious injuries and
accidents while driving and operating
equipment.
Slips and falls, loss of control of lifting
equipment, falling of materials causing
P2
serious personnel injuries and
damages to equipment and facilities.
Serious injuries by contacting existing
risks on site.
Serious injuries up to fatality by
contacting risks leading to legal
P3
causing fire and serious property
damages.

19
S.No Hazard
5 Poor communication
6 First Aid & Welfare
Violence and
7 P3
threatening behavior
Activity/ Relevance
Multi lingual workforce not having a common
language. Signals not tied up with the riggers, banks
men and the equipment operators like cranes.
Immediate facility for treatment, cleaning of wound,
allergies and dermatitis might be required while
working with harmful substances and conditions.
Requirement of rest areas required especially during
summer.
Presence of other contractors and public with
differing opinions and requirements and also due to
workers under intoxication. Poor management by
immediate supervisors.
Likely Implications* Priority **
Instructions not conveyed correctly,
leading to negative impact of
P2
operations causing serious personnel
and property damages.
Not administering acute injury
conditions leading to chronic/
aggravating the injury or conditions. P3
Heat exhaustion, dehydration, stress
etc due to lack of rest.
Serious physical injuries and legal
litigations and affects morale.

* Priority and Justifications

P1 The likelihood and severity of this hazard to take effect is very high

P2 The likelihood and severity of this hazard to take effect is medium

P3 The likelihood and severity of this hazard to take effect is low

20
21
3.4 Selection of Significant Hazard

Physical Hazard: Work at height - Scaffolding

Falls from height/ scaffolding platforms are the most common cause of fatal injury and the
second most common cause of major injury to employees in a construction industry. The
previous company incident / accident record shows that there have been more cases related to
working at height than any other hazards during the construction activity. Working on a
scaffolding is undertaken on a daily basis and the likelihood of an incident happening is very
high. The control presently company has in place is not adequate and it could further lead to
major accidents.

Health Hazard: Noise due to Construction Machineries & Equipments

Noise and vibration are among the most widespread and underestimated of health hazards.
Hearing loss caused by exposure to noise at work continues to be a significant occupational
disease. There are many noisy tasks in construction. This means that workers may be exposed
not only to the noise that their work is making, but also to the ambient, or background, noise of
other tasks on site. A construction site is crammed with all kinds of heavy equipments,
machineries (static and mobile), construction vehicles in a limited site boundary which emanate
a colossal amount of noise. To worsen the scenario workers work in close proximities to these
machineries. Besides the machineries, activities like drilling, demolition, breaking, piling etc
also release lot of noise which affects the persons in and near the construction area badly. The
severity and likelihood of hearing damage is very high in such an atmosphere and the company
has not identified noise as a significant hazard and there are inadequate controls and health
monitoring in place.

4. RISK ASSESSMENT

4.1 The process and methodology of risk assessment.

To do this risk assessment the guidelines in HSE’s Five Steps to Risk Assessment, HSE INDG
163(rev 2) 06/06 , INDG 362 Noise at work - Guidance for employers on the Control of Noise at
Work Regulations 2005 and INDG 401 - The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (as amended) A
brief guide, has been followed.

Step 1: Identifying Hazards: by checking for any available documented risk assessments and
by walking around the workplace, asking employees and their representatives, manufacturer’s
instructions or data sheets, previous health and accident records and visiting HSE website in
construction industry area. Referring to applicable legislations like Control of Noise at Work
regulations 2005 and The Work at Height Regulations (2005).

Step 2: Who might be harmed and how? : by identifying and noting down the groups of people
who would be affected like physically handicapped/ special need workers; temporary workers,
contractors, cleaners, visitors, members of the public including children; young workers/
trainees; neighboring contractors and analyzing how the hazard could harm them.

Step 3: (a) Assess the potential severity of any loss based on the hazard realizing its full
potential if the hazardous event occurs. Ratings between 1 and 5 are chosen:
1. Fatal / Permanent disability

22
 2. Serious injury / illness
3. Moderate injury / Illness
4. Minor injury / Illness
5. Slight injury (No lost time). First Aid Case.

(b) Assess the Likelihood of the Hazard realizing its potential if no control
measures are put in place using the following ratings:
1. Certain or imminent to happen
2. Very Likely
3. Likely
4. May Happen
5. Unlikely

(c) Risk Rating is done based on the probability of the hazard resulting in loss is
given as a numerical figure between 1 and 5. The rating is calculated by
multiplying the severity factor with the likelihood factor, giving a value to each on
a scale of 1 to 25.

The risk rating is further divided into Low, Medium and high in terms of its loss
potential and is divided into low, medium, and high in terms of action time
required avoiding the loss.

Likelihood
1 2 3 4 5
1 1 2 3 4 5
Severity

2 2 4 6 8 10
3 3 6 9 12 15
4 4 8 12 16 20
5 5 10 15 20 25

20 – 25: Low Risk

Personnel with competency and skills to perform the job have the authority to proceed
after verbally discussing the job requirements with anyone performing the work with
them. May be acceptable; however, review task to see if risk can be reduced further.

4 – 16: Medium Risk

Job shall only proceed with appropriate authorization after consultation with HS&E
personnel and assessment team. Where possible, the job shall be redefined to take
account of the hazards involved or the risk shall be reduced further prior starting the job.
If applicable, a Permit-to-Work shall be obtained

1– 3: High Risk
The job must not proceed until it has been redefined or further control measures put in
place to reduce risk. The controls shall be re-assessed for adequacy prior to starting the
job.

Step 4 (a): Checking existing controls and precautions: by listing down the control procedures.
They may include method statements, permit systems, training and instruction or use of
personal protective equipment etc. to undertake the task safely. Cross referring to the
legislations and standards to assess the controls.

23
Step 4 (b): Assessing what further controls/ actions needs to be in place to reduce risks to a
level of ‘so far as reasonably practicable’. This residual risk is calculated on the reduced
Likelihood and Severity ratings, which are a direct consequence of the control measure being
put in place.

Step 5: Review - Due to possible addition of new machines, personnel, substances or

procedures which could lead to new hazards, the risk assessments would be reviewed and will
take account of new hazards. In addition to that, periodically review will be done to ensure that
the precautions are still working effectively.
7

4.2 Legal References

1. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Sec 3.

2. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
3. Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996, Schedule 1-5.
4. The Work at Height Regulations (2005), Sec 6-7
5. Noise at Work Regulations 1989

24
4.3 Risk Assessment – Work at height - Scaffolding

Effects Risk
Hazards Existing Controls Additional Controls Review
(Who/How) Rating

Working at Workers -at (1) Scaffolds are erected (1) Construct scaffolds to comply with Construction 12-09-08
height - height High on a firm base with sole (Working Places) Regulations and British or when
Scaffolding- plates and base plates. Standards BS EN 12811. location is
Fall of persons/ Workers working Adequate longitudinal changed
Medium
materials under the area and diagonal bracings (2) Design drawings to be produced for load- and new
are provided and ties are bearing scaffolds and non-standard structures. equipment
Emergency adequately fitted where Consider any additional plant, equipment, and
Low applicable. materials or sheeting that could impose additional persons
Rescuers
loadings over and above the standard scaffold arrive,
(2) Gangways/ exposed design loads. whichever
High edges are protected by is earlier.
Contractors top rails. All working (3) Where scaffolding is to be installed on
platforms are provided footpaths or public areas, consent to be taken from
Inspection/ with top rail, mid rail and Local Authority (Abu Dhabi Traffic department) or
Maintenance Medium toe boards. Loose adjacent property owners. Therefore permissions
People materials to be tied back must be sought prior to work commencing.
near leading edge.
(4) Use MEWPs (Mobile elevated working
Cleaners High (3) Ladders/ step platforms) and mobile access platforms for
ladders/ roof ladders, temporary works.
Public - due to Medium proper temporary
material falling/ working (5) Eliminate protruding edges- if not possible
structure platforms/scaffoldings warning signs and banners must be put in place to
collapsing are used for working warn employees.
above ground.
(6) All scaffold planks and kick-boards to be well
(4) Guardrails and toe- secured to scaffold structure to prevent
boards are removed for displacement.

25
 Effects Risk
Hazards Existing Controls Additional Controls Review
(Who/How) Rating

Trespassers/ Low access and are replaced (7) Use outriggers/ guy ropes to support the
Vandals after access has been scaffold.
gained. Unused ladder
gaps have boards fitted (8) Ties removed for any purpose to be replaced or
to close them off. alternative ties fitted, at once.

(5) Suitable signs (9) No access for persons to walk directly under
(Hazard falling objects / the scaffolding. A flagman to be employed to warn
Work at height) and the passers by/ public.
barriers are positioned
directly below works to (10) Full edge protection & passive restraint such
warn of overhead as nets and airbags. to be provided.
operations. (11)Ladder to extent 1 m or 5 rungs above the
landing.
(6) Area underneath the
working area is cordoned (12) Appoint competent person to inspect all the
and marked with safety height access equipment (scaffolds, ladders etc
warning tapes. and supervise its erection and approval for work.
Use only registered scaffolders under the direction
(7) Scaffoldings are of a Temporary Works Co-coordinator
erected by carpenters
and fitters following (13) Traffic movements will be restricted around
manufacturer’s scaffold bases. Excavations adjacent to scaffold
instructions supervised bases will be monitored to ensure the stability of
by the line supervisor. the structure is not affected.

(8) Scaffolding inspection (14) All scaffolding must be inspected before it is

is done by the supervisor first used in that position; Where conditions may
every month and cause deterioration of the structure; Within a 7 day
inspection record is period (Minimum weekly inspection) or as specified
maintained in the office. by the Temporary Work Coordinator or the
designer
(9) Ladders are removed
26
 Effects Risk
Hazards Existing Controls
(Who/How) Rating
or covered to prevent
unauthorized access
when work is not in
progress.
(10) All scaffolds more
than 2m height from floor
levels is protected
against fall of material by
closing the edges by the
means of toe-boards.
(11) Induction training
includes the precautions
to be taken for working at
height.
(12) Weather is
forecasted prior to
commencing the activity
at high and avoid if any
advance warning
available through
meteorological
departments.
(13) Safety belts are
provided for workers with
single lanyard. Hard hats
are worn by everyone.
27
Additional Controls Review
(15) Scafftags to be fixed signed and marked
green on a daily basis by the line supervisor using
the equipment.
(16) Waste materials to be transferred through
material lowering devices/ a waste chute attached
to the main standards.
(17) Work will be monitored to ensure that
additional precautions and equipment is taken into
use if edge protection is removed and no
unauthorized alterations are made on access
equipments.
(18) Training/toolbox talks and instructions to be
provided to all operatives and supervisory staff
involved in the use of suspension equipment such
as lines and harnesses, and how to inspect and
assess PPE of this type before use.
(19) Maintain good housekeeping Look for and
remove nuts, washers, cords, rope & tools Keep
loose parts and pieces in secure containers or non
hazardous area. Clean up and properly dispose of
left over materials.
(21) Where edge protection is removed for access,
or is not reasonably practicable, personal
suspension equipment (safety harness) with two
lanyard and provision for securing/ hooking to be
used by operatives working at or near the edge.
4.4 Risk Assessment – Noise due to Construction Machineries & Equipments

Effects Risk
Hazards Existing Controls Additional Controls Review
(Who/How) Rating

12-09-2008 or
Noise due to Workers using High (1) Signpost by adequate (1) Establish action and limit value of 85 dB (A)/ when location
Construction power tools, hearing protection peak sound pressure of 140 dB (c) at the ear is changed
machineries/ operating warning sign (Hearing measured on a daily or weekly basis. and new
equipment- heavy protection zones) near equipment
Induced machineries, the noisy work area/ (2) Select and choose less noisy equipment by and persons
hearing loss, riggers etc. equipment. introducing low- noise purchasing policy for arrive,
tinnitus. Workers in Medium machinery and equipment. whichever is
near vicinity. (2) Breaker mufflers are earlier
fitted on generators and (3) Keep the compressor/ generators and other
Site office Low other machineries static machineries covered
staffs including
expectant (3) Proper and regular (4) Static machineries to be mounted on anti-
mothers. maintenance of vibration mounts & erect enclosures around
Maintenance High machinery and machines to reduce the amount of noise emitted
personnel/ equipment to be carried into the workplace or environment
inspectors out and results are
maintained. (5) Screen the noise source with a barrier, soil
Subcontractors/ Medium heap or locate behind partly completed buildings.
suppliers (4) Provision of ear plugs
(6) Identify noisy work areas and limit the workers
Visitors Low in and around the area by adjusting work
schedules

28
 Effects Risk
Hazards Existing Controls Additional Controls Review
(Who/How) Rating

Public Low
(7) Provide sound proof rest facilities/ safe havens
at the site

(8) Modify the paths of pedestrians so as to avoid

passing through the noisy activity areas.

(9) Audiometry test to be conducted on all

vulnerable workers/ operators and results to be
conveyed and kept as records. Encourage
employees to seek medical advice if hearing
damage is suspected.

(10) Training to be conducted on the likely noise

exposure and risk to hearing; where and how to
obtain hearing protectors; how to report defects in
hearing protectors and noise control equipment
and employee's duties.

(11) Provide ear defenders/ muffs to all personnel

who are entering the hearing protection zone.

29
5. CONCLUSIONS

This Health & Safety case study provides assurance that drawbacks and gaps in the Health &
Safety management system and hazards to personnel and assets have been identified and
assessed and controls have been recommended where considered necessary. Also
documented is the process of identification of potential risk reduction measures and whether
their adoption met ALARP (As Low as Reasonably Practicable) criteria.

The actions and the time frame to close those actions raised during HSE Studies have been
included in the action plan. A future update/ close-out to this case have to be documented on
the review date.

It is concluded that this case study demonstrates:-

1. The company’s management system broadly covers the requirement of HSG 65 and
OSHAS 18000 guidelines.
2. There was evidence of less participation from the top management or a lack of visible
leadership in implementing the HSE Programs.
3. Objectives and targets for Health & safety are not being reviewed periodically.
4. Resources are not adequately planned for Health & Safety programmes by the
company.
5. Employee consultations in Health & Safety affairs are not visibly practiced by the
company.
6. Training and competency of staffs are inadequate.
7. Company does not have suitable arrangements for risk management.
8. Performance measurement and auditing are not being conducted regularly.
9. All the significant hazards and effects & controls have been identified, prioritized,
assessed and additional controls have been recommended to manage the residual
hazards.
10. The adequacy of controls for most of the hazards has been reviewed to identify whether
the risks have been reduced to a level that is tolerable and ALARP and it was found
inadequate.
11. The risks associated with working at height and noise has been evaluated and
measures taken to reduce them to a level that is As Low as Reasonably Practicable
(ALARP).

6. RECOMMENDATIONS

Management System

The significant gaps/ drawbacks in the existing management system has been demonstrated in
sec 2.2 (gap analysis) and detailed action plan with target date and responsible person is
demonstrated in the action plan.

Main recommendations according to their priorities to improve the existing management

systems are:-

1. Review the statement of intent/ Policy with a current date and name of the person
signing it. The most tangible way to assess the top management’s attitude towards is

30
 evident only if the policy statement is effective and covers in brief the intention of the top
management and the approach towards health & safety issues. Policy statement is the
first document that any person would see and thus benefit by improving the public
image.
2. It may not be practically possible at times for the top management to address critical
issues that needs quick decisions. Hence, appointing a competent Health & Safety
management representative is required, who should be the focal point to address any
issues on behalf of the top management besides his normal duties.
3. Some critical activities require specialist who are adequately trained and experienced in
that field. Therefore, appointing adequate health & safety advisors or specialist is
required who can perform exclusive health & safety jobs.
4. A platform is essential for coordinating or presenting key issues that needs consensus
and conveyed to all departments the quickest and easiest way. Therefore, timely and
scheduled meetings need to be conducted to discuss safety related issues.
5. Companies that ask employees for their views on health and safety issues can cut down
on accidents. By including workers’ ideas and involving them in enforcing health and
safety rules, companies can create a positive attitude towards maintaining good practice
and make significant improvements collective participation of all in suggestions can
yield more improvement options.
6. The best way to identify all hazards and risks is to breaking down all critical jobs and
describe the method use to conduct those activities and critically assess the risks
involved. This requires a system of method statements and risk assessments for all
critical jobs.
7. Health & Safety programmes include provision of adequate training, personal protective
equipments, reward programmes etc. Hence, allocating a budget for health & safety on
all projects are essential and same must be incorporated while assessing the project
values and putting forward bid proposals for new contracts.
8. All health & safety programmes needs to be measured and only by assigning a SMART
(Simple, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound) objective one can measure
the performance. Only measuring gets the activity done. Hence, objectives and targets
need to be clearly identified and periodically reviewed, in any case not later than yearly.
9. The management system needs to be continuously reviewed and measured so as to
incorporate any changes in the company’s organization, equipment or processes.
Therefore, internal audits are required to be conducted on an annual basis.

These actions benefits the company by improving the organizational capability in handling
health & Safety issues more effectively, reduction of injuries and cost reduction, business
interruption protection, reliability and productivity improvement, public image/ trust
improvement, improve the employee relations and help the management take pro-active
actions to reduce risks pertaining to workers and thus reduction in direct/ indirect costs. This will
also avoid business interruption due to injuries, investigations and enforcement actions and
also timely rectification of issues to avoid injuries and asset damages helping cost reductions.
Some of other noticeable benefits are to win and retain contracts; avoid loss of key staffs;
availability and affordability of insurance.

Physical Hazard – Working on Scaffolding

During the course of hazard reviews, all significant hazards have been identified and prioritized
based on the criticality of the hazards and the risk ratings i.e. Priority P1 has the highest risk
rating which is obtained by multiplying the severity and likelihood of the hazard being affected,
P2 is medium risk rating and P3 is low risk rating. The methodology is detailed in section 4.

31
Working at height- on scaffolding has been identified as the most significant Physical hazard in
the company’s activity due to its risk rating being very high and previous incident records
showing high numbers of injuries due to injuries related to scaffold workings. All existing
controls were assessed and additional controls are recommended according to the hierarchies
of control and level of protection that control gives in avoiding risk:-

1. It is critical to design all load bearing scaffolds properly according to the British
construction standards and follow the sequence of erections.
2. Before erecting scaffolds on pathways/ roads or next to property owners, it is essential
to seek permission or no objection certificates. This will avoid unnecessary business
interruptions due to stoppage of work by local authorities or public.
3. Erection of temporary scaffolds/ ladders costs more time and exposes the workers to
hazard during erection, ascending /descending and inspection of the same. Therefore,
MEWPs or mobile access platforms should be considered for temporary works not
exceeding few hours. Work can be done quicker with fewer people.
4. Most of the injuries from scaffolds occur due to fall of persons and materials. A partial
restraint is required to arrest falling from height and reduce the impact of the injuries.
5. Where working at height is not avoidable above pedestrian/vehicle route, it is required
to warn and protect by providing adequate warning signs and appointing flagmen.
6. Most of the falls from ladders occur due to improper positioning of ladder at the landing
level, where the top of the ladder is shorter than the landing level. Therefore, it is
required to ensure that ladders are extended at least 1 m or 5 rungs above the landing
level.
7. It is necessary to warn workers/ people the worthiness of the access equipment they
use. A scafftag system which is signed and inspected regularly should be put on all
access equipments/ scaffoldings. Green tag for serviceable and red for unserviceable.
This would reduce the incidents of structure collapse, reducing injuries, cost reduction,
avoid business interruption etc.
8. A dedicated trained and competent team is required to manage the erection,
dismantling, modifying, testing and inspection of all access platforms including
scaffoldings and ladders, so that a common best industry standard is followed through
out the site. Therefore, appointment of a scaffolding supervisor and trained scaffolders
are required. Inspections to be carried out not less than once in 7 days and before its
first use.
9. There is a requirement of continuously monitoring the scaffold structures for any
unauthorized modifications, removal of critical components etc so as to maintain the
integrity of the structure. Adequate number of inspectors must be appointed to carry out
this task.
10. Requirement of people and workers be aware of the hazards present at height and the
proper use of the personal protection equipment like safety harnesses must be included
in the training and tools box talks.
11. It is essential to have a hooking or a securing point while using safety harnesses for
which lanyards with adequate strength and provision for securing them need to be
considered to ensure that at all point of time the person working at height is securely
hooked to a static point. Most importantly while moving on a top working platform.

Health Hazards – Noise due to construction equipments & machineries

Noise has been considered as the most significant health hazard in a construction atmosphere
as there are a lot of close interactions between heavy machineries, equipments, plants,
vehicles and persons and it is a continuous process. It is practically not possible to isolate or
eliminate fully such noisy activities. Taking into consideration of this fact, the following

32
improvement actions are recommended based on the hierarchies of controls to reduce the
impact of noise emissions:-

1. Establish the maximum exposure limit of 85 dB (A) or peak pressure of 140 dB(C) at the
ear for all affected areas so that the measurements can be taken and levels exceeding
can be identified and controlled.
2. Technology is advancing and there is a requirement of possibly sourcing suppliers for
purchasing less noisy equipments and accordingly revise the purchasing policy and
strategies and so that we can control the noise emission at the source itself.
3. In order to identify people vulnerable to induced hearing loss, audiometric tests must be
conducted on a regular basis and accordingly classify them for noisy and less noisy
jobs. The same needs to be done at the time of recruitment, to assess if the loss of
hearing is due to occupational reasons. Likewise, exposure to noise must be limited to
persons by proper job rotation, giving breaks and providing soundproof havens.
4. There is a requirement of re-routing the pedestrian walkways to ensure that they are
avoiding the noisy activities and equipments so that their exposure to noise can be kept
to minimum. Likewise, there is a need to re-design the vehicle routes to ensure that they
avoid the public interfaces and buildings so that the noise due to transport and vehicle
cause fewer nuisances to public and reduce complaints and enforcement actions.
5. Vibration of air particles and equipments is a prime cause of noise. Hence, there is a
need to mount all static machineries on vibration proof mounts and kept covered or
enclosed.
6. All operatives and staffs needs to be aware of symptoms of hearing loss, the hazards of
noises and the right use and maintenance of personal protective equipments like ear
muffs. Training and tools box talks must include these topics. Ear muffs are better ear
defenders than ear plugs. Everyone should be provided with ear muffs while entering
‘Hearing protection zones’.

By ensuring that the above mentioned controls are put in place, the company can reduce the
injuries and accidents significantly and thus save on both direct and indirect costs. Improve
productivity by avoiding business interruptions, enforcement actions; improve the public image
and trust. Improve employee relations and will also help optimization of resources.

33
7. ACTION PLAN

7.1 Management System

Time Review
Recommendations Action(s) Responsibilities Cost £ Success Criteria**
Scale Date

1 Update the policy Revise the policy statement with a 1 Week General 100 £ Signed and dated 12-03-08
statement/ valid signature of General Manager statement of intent
statement of Manager/ Director with date.
intent
2 Appointing Appoint a person in senior 2 Weeks General 1000 £ Appointment letter and 19-03-05
management management by name to take Manager internal memo
system overall responsibility for health and announcing the new
representative safety affairs of the company. position &
responsibilities
3 Clearly define Define the top management 2 Weeks General 100 £ Revised HSE 19-03-05
health and safety responsibilities in health and Manager management system
responsibilities of safety affairs. with responsibilities of
all. top management
included.
4 Provide sufficient Define/ ear mark a budget for 1 Month General 200 £ Inclusion of Health & 12-04-08
resources to health and safety programmes. Manager Safety while budgeting/
manage safety costing for new
contracts. Benchmark
a % to be spent on
health & Safety on all
projects.
5 Identify people Recruit 5 H&S Officers and 5 H&S 3 months HR Manager 2000 £ Appointment letter and 12-06-08
with specific assistants for the units under CVs
health and safety construction.
role

34
 Time Review
Recommendations Action(s) Responsibilities Cost £ Success Criteria**
Scale Date

6 Assess the Develop a competency based 1 month Manager 100 £ Training matrix. 12-04-08
experience, training matrix. Training attendance
knowledge and register. Employee
skills and provide Communicate training 1 Month Manager 300 £ training schedules and 12-04-08
adequate training requirements to the employees certificates of
after identifying and the supervisors. completion.
specific training
skills required.
Allocate separate training budgets 3 Months Manager 3000 £ Physical observation of 12-06-08
and establish training rooms. the training room.
Include health & Safety 3 Months Manager 300 £ Revised format of 12-06-08
competency assessments during performance appraisals
the recruitment/ transfers/ with inclusion of H&S
promotions of employees. performance criterion.
7 Consult Establish a health and safety 1 month Manager 100 £ HSE suggestion boxes 12-04-08
employees and committee. on all locations
employee safety including rest areas/
representatives Meetings to be held at least half labor camps. Invitation
on all issues of yearly. letters for committee
health & Safety Employee suggestion box to be 3 months Manager 3000 £ meetings. Minutes of 12-06-08
placed around all the company meetings and agenda
facilities. items.
8 Control Company health & safety plan to 1 week Manager 300 £ Interviewing 12-03-08
subcontractors/ be given to all contractors. subcontractors.
all persons Reviewing their HSE
entering/ working plans.
in company Acknowledgement
premises letter from contractor
on receipt.

35
 Time Review
Recommendations Action(s) Responsibilities Cost £ Success Criteria**
Scale Date

Induction training to be conducted 1 Week/ Manager/ 100 £ Inspection of induction

to all visitors including temporary Ongoing Supervisor/ H&S registers and induction
contractors and record to be Advisor markings on the
maintained along with a written helmets with date.
acknowledgement to comply with Interviewing visitors.
company requirements.
9 Communicate Health and safety to be discussed 1 Week/ All 500 £ Minutes of meetings, 19-04-08
health and safety as the first agenda on all meetings Ongoing agenda items.
issues at all held.
possible forums
10 Introduce a Method statements and task risk 1 month Managers/ 500 £ Random checks on the 19-04-08
system for task assessments to be prepared by Supervisors/ method statements and
risk assessments the construction team and Line task risk assessments
and method reviewed by the health & safety Management records. Hazard
statements before specialist and same to be registry for all projects
commencing any conveyed to all operatives. separately.
critical activities Maintain a hazard registry.

11 Review objectives Update/ review the objectives and 1 Month Manager 300 £ Revision of HSE Plan 19-04-08
and targets at targets and prepare action plans to and memo announcing
least annually achieve them. the health & Safety
target for the current
year.
12 Evaluation of Conduct emergency response 2 Weeks Manager/ 1000 £ Emergency drill report. 02-04-08
emergency drills on all facilities/ sites and Supervisor/ Line Photographs and
response repeat the drill at least quarterly. Management update of equipment
procedure inspection records.

36
 Time Review
Recommendations Action(s) Responsibilities Cost £ Success Criteria**
Scale Date

13 Regular internal More staffs to be sent of internal 3 months General 2000 £ Training report on 19-06-08
audits to be audit trainings and be certified as Manager/ internal auditor course.
conducted. internal auditors. An audit team to Managers
be formed.
An annual audit plan to be 1 Month Manager 300 £ Audit plan for the year 19-04-08
prepared. with the names of audit
team and audit
protocols

7.2 Hazards and Risk

7.2.1 Working on Scaffolding

Review
Recommendations Action(s) Time Scale Responsibilities Cost £ Success Criteria**
Date

1 Design all Produce design drawings for 2 Weeks Manager/ Design 2000 £ Design/ scaffold 02-04-08
scaffolds in use load bearing scaffolds and non- Manager erection drawings
standard structures. Consider and schedules.
any additional plant, equipment,
material or sheeting that could
impose additional loadings over
and above the standard scaffold
design loads.

37
 Review
Recommendations Action(s) Time Scale Responsibilities Cost £ Success Criteria**
Date

2 Obtain consent Consent to be obtained from 1 Month Manager 1000 £ No objection letters; 19-04-08
from public local authorities before erecting letter to public
authorities. scaffolding on footpath or public authorities.
areas or adjacent to property
owners.
3 Avoid using Use MEWPs (Mobile elevated 3 Months Manager 30000£ Local purchase 19-06-08
scaffolds/ ladders working platforms) and mobile orders. Physical
for temporary access platforms for temporary inspection on site.
height access works. Method statements
of temporary works
requiring access to
height
4 Warn public/ Eliminate protruding edges. 1 Week Supervisor 500 £ Appointment letter/ 26-03-08
passers by and Employ a flag man, warning transfer letters and
restrict traffic signs and barriers near the time sheets.
movements at scaffold platform where vehicles
the base of the are likely to pass and restrict
scaffolding. traffic movements.
5 Provision of Provide safety nets and air bags 1 month Manager 10000£ Inspection on site. 19-04-08
passive restraints Check list of fall
for material falls/ arrest equipment
persons purchased. Audit
safety of stores.
Inspect method
statements.
6 Securing the All scaffold planks and kick- Immediate Supervisor/ Line 500 £ Inspection reports of 13-03-08
working platform boards/ toe boards to be well (within 2 Management scaffolding. Physical
secured and tightened to days) observation.
scaffold structure to prevent Inclusion in the
displacement inspection checklist

38
 Review
Recommendations Action(s) Time Scale Responsibilities Cost £ Success Criteria**
Date

7 Secure the Outriggers/ guy ropes to be tied Immediate Supervisor/ Line 500 £ Inspection reports 13-03-08
scaffold structure to the scaffold and secure it (within 2 Management and photographs
to existing against existing structure. Ties days)
structure removed for any purpose to be
fixed back or alternate ties to be
used.
8 Proper erection All ladders to extent 1m or 5 Immediate Supervisor/ Line 1000 £ ladder inspection 13-03-08
and use of rungs above the landing (within 2 Management records,
ladders platform days) photographs/
reduced number of
incidents due to
collapse of ladder/
fall from ladder
9 Competent Appoint a competent person 1 Month Manager 2000 £ Appointment letter. 19-04-08
persons only to trained in CITB procedures in Training register and
erect, alter or erecting, handling, inspecting scaffolder training
inspect access and maintained all access certificate. Erection &
equipments/ equipment. inspection checklists.
scaffolds
Persons erecting scaffolds to 3 months Manager 3000 £ Inspect scaffold 19-06-08
undergo a third party training training certificates
and be certified as a scaffolder and list of appointed
scaffolders.

10 Inspect the The appointed competent 1 Month Manager/ 1000 £ Inspection reports 19-04-08
scaffold regularly person to inspect the scaffolding Supervisor and photographs
before it is first used; where
conditions may cause
deterioration of the structure
and within a 7 day period are as
specified by the temporary

39
 Review
Recommendations Action(s) Time Scale Responsibilities Cost £ Success Criteria**
Date

works coordinator.

11 Provide evidence Use scaff tag system signed 2 weeks Supervisor/ Line 1000 £ Inspection on site. 02-04-08
of worthiness of and marked green and Management Unused scaffoldings
access inspected by the competent marked as red.
equipment/ person not less than 7 days. Green tags are
scaffolds signed off on a daily
basis before work
commences.
12 Arrest debris/ Debris guards/ debris netting 1 Month Manager 1000 £ Inspection of site. 19-04-08
materials from and fans to be provided for high Check method
falling rise scaffolds and those close to statements. Check
public areas local purchase
orders. Dust
emission records.
13 Monitor misuse Appoint inspectors to randomly Immediate Supervisor 2000 £ Inspection records 13-03-08
of scaffolds and check if edge protection is (within 2 and daily scaffold
access removed and no unauthorized days) checklists.
equipments alterations are made.
14 All operatives to Provide training/ tools box to all 1 Month Manager 3000 £ Training records, 19-04-08
be trained operatives and supervisory staff training registers.
especially the involved in the use of Personal interviews.
persons erecting suspension equipment such as Demonstration of use
scaffolds lines and harnesses, and how to of PPEs.
inspect and assess PPE before
use.

40
 Review
Recommendations Action(s) Time Scale Responsibilities Cost £ Success Criteria**
Date

15 Ensure good Task a housekeeping team to Immediate Supervisor/ Line 500 £ Inspect 13-03-08
housekeeping look for removed nuts, washers (within 2 management housekeeping
and to clean up grease, oil, days) records and
paint etc and to dispose all left checklists. Inspect
over materials on a daily basis. records of fall due to
slips/ trips.
15 Provide suitable Provide safety harnesses with 2 Immediate Manager 4000 £ Visual observation 13-03-08
personal fall lanyards and provisions for (within 2 while doing the
arrest systems. securing/ hooking. days) activity. Check
purchase orders for
safety harnesses.
Review method
statements.

7.2.2 Noise from Construction Equipment/ Machineries

REVIEW
TIME RESPONSIB- COST* SUCCESS
RECOMMENDATIONS ACTION(S) DATE/
SCALE ILITIES £ CRITERIA**
FORMAT
1 Establish noise Measure the exposure limit value 2 weeks Manager 1000 £ Record of noise 13-03-08
exposure limits not exceeding 85 dB (A)/ peak monitoring and
sound pressure of 140 dB (C) at establishment of first
the ear for all affected persons. action level and peak
action level.

41
 REVIEW
TIME RESPONSIB- COST* SUCCESS
RECOMMENDATIONS ACTION(S) DATE/
SCALE ILITIES £ CRITERIA**
FORMAT
2 Purchase less Revise the purchasing policy and 3 Months General 1000 £ Revised procedure for 19-06-08
noisy equipment introduce a low- noise Manager/ purchasing and list of
purchasing strategies for all Managing suppliers and
construction related equipment Director certificates from
manufacturers on low
noise qualities.

7 Isolate the noisy Keep the compressor/ generator 1 month Manager/ 5000 £ Physical observation 19-04-08
equipment/ and all static machineries Supervisor and maintenance
machineries covered with sound proof records. Purchase
material. orders of sound proof
Screen the noise source with a covers.
barrier, soil heap or locate behind
partly completed buildings.
9 Reduce noise All static machineries to be 1 month Manager 3000 £ Physical observation. 19-04-08
due to vibration mounted on anti-vibration Maintenance records
of machineries mounts. and local purchase
orders.
3 Health Conduct audiometry test on all 1 month Manager 3000 £ Audiometry records for 19-04-08
surveillance vulnerable workers/ operators all staffs clearly
and results to be conveyed and categorized separately
kept as records. for people with defects
and healthy. Health
records/ medical
reports
4 Encourage Encourage employees to seek 1 month Supervisor/ 500 £ Check record of 19-04-08
participation from medical advice if hearing Line referels to clinic/
employees damage is suspected. management hospitals for hearing
complaints.

42
 REVIEW
TIME RESPONSIB- COST* SUCCESS
RECOMMENDATIONS ACTION(S) DATE/
SCALE ILITIES £ CRITERIA**
FORMAT
5 Reduce duration Identify noisy areas and limit the Immediate Supervisor/ 1000 £ Check time sheets/ 13-03-08
of exposure to workers in and around the area (within 2 Line work schedules for all
workers by adjusting the work schedules days) management workers.

6 Redesign the Modify/ re-design the pedestrian 2 Weeks Manager 1000 £ New signmarked 25-03-08
pedestrian routes routes to avoid passing through pedestrian routes with
noisy activity areas/ equipments. barricades and hazard
warning signs.
10 Provision of safe Provide sound proof rest 2 month Manager 20000 £ Physical observation 11-05-08
havens facilities/ safe havens on site and noise monitoring
records.

8 Reduce public Access roads to site to be re- 2 weeks Manager 2000 £ Inspect vehicle routes 25-03-08
interfaces positioned such that equipments and interview drivers
and machinery movements regarding the
cause minimum disturbances to knowledge of new
residential buildings/ publics. route.
11 Training Training on the likely noise 2 weeks Manager/ 5000 £ Checking training 25-03-08
exposure and risk to hearing; Supervisor/ matrix, employee
where and how to obtain hearing Line training records,
protectors; how to report defects Management training registers and
in hearing protectors and noise personal interview.
control equipment and
employees duties.
12 Provision of Provide ear defenders/ muffs to 1 Month Manager 3000 £ Inspect stores. Check 19-04-08
personnel all personnel who are entering the purchase orders
hearing the hearing protection zones. and personal
protection interviews with
devices. workers.

* Costs: Calculated based on the assumed man-hours spend by the responsible persons and the equipment, material and training
costs. Man-hours are calculated based on the following assumptions:-

43
 REVIEW
TIME RESPONSIB- COST* SUCCESS
RECOMMENDATIONS ACTION(S) DATE/
SCALE ILITIES £ CRITERIA**
FORMAT
Supervisor/ Line
Top Management (GM/ MD) : 500 £ per hour 100 £ per hour
management
Managers 250 £ per hour Workers/ Labors 50 £ per hour

** Success criteria can be generally attributed to reduced number of injuries, dangerous occurrences, non conformances and
enforcement actions

44
8. REFERENCES/ BIBILIOGRAPHY

1) NEBOSH 2006, Guide to the NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and
Safety, Leicester.
2) CRONER 2006, The Law of Health and Safety at Work. by Norman Selwyn, Surrey

3) IOSH 2007, Health and Safety: hazardous agents. By Dr Chris Hartley, Leicester.

4) Health and Safety Executive, 1998, Five Steps to Risk Assessment: Case Studies.,
HSG183, HSE Books, Sudbury
5) Health and Safety Executive, 2006, Successful health and safety management. HSG65,
HSE Books, Sudbury
6) RMS 2006, Workplace and Work Equipment. A study book for the NEBOSH National
Diploma, Sturbridge.

7) Health and Safety Executive, 1996, Slips and Trips: Guidance for Employers on
Identifying Hazards and Controlling Risks. HSG155, HSE Books, Sudbury.

8) Health and Safety Executive, 1995, Sound Solutions. HSG138, HSE Books, Sudbury

9) Health and Safety Executive, 1999, Health Surveillance at Work. HSE HSG61, HSE
Books, Sudbury.

10) Health and Safety Executive, 2006, Health and Safety in Construction. HSG150, HSE
Books, Sudbury.

11) Health and Safety Executive, 1996, The Costs Of Accidents at Work. HSG96, HSE
Books, Sudbury

12) Health and Safety Executive, 1998, Reducing Noise at Work. Guidance on the Noise at
Work Regulations 1989, L108, HSE Books, Sudbury.

13) British Standards Institution, 2004, Temporary works equipment Part 1: Scaffolds
performance requirements and general design. BS EN 12811-1: 1994, BSI, London.

14) British Standards Institution, 1994a, Hearing Protectors: Recommendation for the
Selection, Use, Care and Maintenance. BS EN 458: 1994, BSI, London.

15) Fact sheet, 258, ‘Occupational and community noise’, World Health Organisation,
revised 2001.

16) Health and Safety Executive, nk, INDG275: Managing Health and Safety, Five Steps to
success. HSE Publications, Sudbury.

17) Construction (Design and Management) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (SI 2000 No.
2380)

18) Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1966 (SI 1966 No. 95)

45
19) Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (SI 1999 No. 3242)

20) Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1988 (SI 1998 No. 2306)

21) Work at Height Regulations 2005 (SI 2005 No. 735)

22) Noise at Work Regulations 1989 (SI 1989/1790)

23) Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/2306) (as amended
by SI 1999/ 860 and SI 1999/2001)

24) Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/3073) (as amended by the
Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1994 (SI 1994/ 2063)

25) Abu Dhabi Municipality (2002), Code of Construction. Abu Dhabi:nk

26) HSE The Health and Safety Executive, http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction.html

(Accessed 2 March 2008)

27) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.europa.eu.html (Accessed
3 March 2008)

46