INTRODUCTION:

Photo: Scott Blake

The occupational illnesses affecting construction workers

have not been accurately measured, but an educated guess is
that construction workers suffer both acute (short-term) and
chronic (long-term) illnesses from their exposure to chemicals,
dusts, fibers, radiation, vibration, and temperature extremes.
Precautions need to be taken to limit exposures which have the
potential to cause detrimental health effects to construction
workers since accurate exposures cannot be determined due to
the transient nature of the work.

Safety is duty of all. It is imperative that all personnel

involved in construction works should play their respective
roles towards the provision and upkeeping of a safe and healthy
working environment. This handbook outlines safety, health, and
environmental requirements and guidelines that all employees
must follow. All staff should therefore be conversant with
essential safety knowledge and have a high degree of safety
awareness so that they are able to identify unsafe
acts/conditions and ask for rectification.

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 PURPOSE:

Most accidents can be prevented by taking simple measures

or adopting proper working procedures. This handbook is
intended to outline important issues on safety and that should be
paid attention to on construction sites for easy reference by the
workers. if we work carefully and take appropriate safety
measures, there will be fewer work injury cases, and our sites
will become a safe and secure place to work in.

OBJECTIVES:
To ensure the success of safety and health programs, it is essential
to implement the policies in this manual. These programs are
designed to accomplish the following objectives:
1. Prevent injuries and illnesses to workers.
2. Promote sound safety, health, and environmental practices.
3. Prepare for and minimize interruptions to operations.
4. Fill a knowledge gap on some site safety issues.
5. Provide handy reference of best practices for frontline
management teams.
6. Offer some site safety management techniques and tools for use.
7. Encourage management to make corrections when necessary.
8. Emphasize continuous improvement. 3|Page
 SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY:

The health and safety of workers supplied under contracts

of services is of the utmost importance. The company places
high value on the safety for all employees and is committed to
providing a safe workplace for all employees and has developed
this program for injury prevention to involve management,
supervisors, and employees in identifying and eliminating
hazards that may develop during our work process.

Management and supervisory staff have the responsibility

for implementing the policy throughout the company and must
ensure the health and safety considerations are always given
priority in planning and day-to-day supervision of all work. All
employees and sub-contractors are expected to co-operate and
assist in the implementation of this policy, whilst ensuring that
their own works, so far as is reasonably practicable, are carried
out without risk to themselves, other or the environment. This
includes co-operating with management on any health, safety, or
environmental related matter.

All employees will be provided with the necessary

instruction and training in safe methods of work, and the safe and
efficient operation and maintenance of tools and equipment. The
operation of this policy and the associated procedures will be
monitored and reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that they
remain current and applicable to the company’s activities.
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SECTION 1:
SAFETY AND
HEALTH
PROGRAMS

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 SAFETY TRAINING:

The company recognizes that all employees play a crucial

role in ensuring the success of operations and is therefore
committed to providing training and development to improve
the skills and competence of all employees.
The company will provide you with appropriate training to
develop the knowledge and skills necessary for you to perform
your duties effectively. Wherever possible, the company will
ensure you have every opportunity for career development

The types of trainings the company will provide include:

1. Induction Training
The employees will be given a comprehensive introduction to
the workplace, your colleagues, catering facilities, duties, health and
safety, and other procedures. Supervisors will assess the training
requirements and arrange for that training to be provided. As fas as
possible, the company will meet your training need by a combination
of occupational, internal, and external training.
2. Occupational Training
Throughout the employment with the company, there may be a
need to acquire new skills. These can be gained through
occupational training delivered by colleagues.
3. Internal Training
Occasionally, the company may arrange for external training
providers to deliver training course in the workplace. This form of
training might be triggered by the introduction of new equipment or
working method and will be arranged when the company feels the
training cannot adequately be provided in-house.
4. External Training
External training may be provided in a variety of forms, ranging
from short courses of a few hours through to lengthy courses leading
to the award of qualifications. Where necessary, the company will
arrange for you to undertake external training if this cannot be
provided internally.
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 RISK ASSESSMENT:

DEFINITION:

• HAZARD: Something with the potential to cause harm.

• RISK: A measure of the likelihood/probability and
severity/consequence of an adverse.
• RISK ASSESSMENT: The process of evaluating the impact of risk.
• MITIGATION: The measures taken to control risk.
• RESIDUAL RISK: The risk remaining after the design phase which
have to be managed by others.

FIVE STEPS TO RISK ASSESSMENT:

1. Identify the potential hazards.

2. The likelihood and consequence of the risk.
3. Decide on the necessary action, through wherever possible the
hazard should be eliminated.
4. Implement your decisions and record the findings on design risk
assessments and drawings.
5. Regularly review your assessment and revise it if necessary, and
ensure sufficient information is provided to the contractor and
others.

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SECTION 2:
HOUSEKEEPING

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 HOUSEKEEPING:

Everything at work must be in its proper place and put things

away after they are used. The following are included in
housekeeping for a safer workplace:

• Keep work areas free from rubbish and obstructions.

• Maintain all floor surfaces safe, suitable, and free from slip or
trip hazards.
• Ensure floor openings covered or otherwise fenced off.
• Materials are properly stacked and stored safely
• Keep all passageways in good condition:
− Unobstructed and clearly defined
− Provide adequate lighting
− Ensure clear sightline at breaks and corners

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• Lightings should be maintained in good working order:
− Adequate and free from glare
− Lighting clean and efficient
− No flickering
− Maintain steady lights
− Provide and maintain all emergency lighting systems

• Stacking of all materials:

− Ensure the proper heights and correct stacking

− Allow sufficient space for moving stock
− Store materials in racks/ribs
− Keep shelves free of rubbish
− Keep floors around stacks and racks clear
− Check drums and ensure pallets in good repair
− Heavier items stored low and without danger of falling
objects
− Avoid sharp edges and provide safe means of accessing
high shelves

• Maintain all stairs, steps, and landings:

− Replace or remove worn-out or broken steps
− Keep handrails and fencings in good repair
− Keep clear of all obstructions
− Ensure non-slip treatment/treads in good condition
− Keep clear of debris and spills

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SECTION 3:
BASIC RULES ON
SAFETY

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 BASIC RULES ON SAFETY:

• Tidy up construction sites:

− Keep passages clear all the time
− Sort out materials and pile them up safely. The stacks should
not be too high
− Beware of floor openings and ensure that they are fenced
or covered
− Remove refuse as soon as possible
− Provide sufficient lighting
− Familiarize with the location and the operation of fire-
fighting equipment.

• Safety Measures:
− Before you operate a machine, ensure that the dangerous
part of the machine has been installed with a guard
− Avoid going to any area with insufficient lighting as there
may be some dangerous places which have not been
provided with fencing
− Keep vigilant all the time and watch out for moving cranes,
hooks, or other lifting equipment
− Before you use any electrical installation or tool, check the
condition of its electric cables.
− Avoid dragging electric cables on the ground or allowing
cables to come into contact with water.
− Use electrical tools installed with an earth leakage circuit
breaker
− Use and handle chemicals with care

• Personal Safety:
− Wear protective equipment
− Do not or take drugs while working
− Pay attention to personal hygiene
− Do not play in the workplace
− Report to your supervisor immediately if you notice any
unsafe condition

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SECTION 4:
WORKPLACE
SAFETY

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 WORKPLACE SAFETY:

A. PERSONAL PROTETIVE EQUIPMENT:

• You will be advised if protective equipment is required on any

specific job, which will be supplied to you by the client unless
you have been notified otherwise. You must wear clothing
appropriate for the job you do and if PPE is provided or
requested, please use it. Remember you have a legal
responsibility not to interfere with or misuse anything
provided to you for your health, safety, or welfare.

• If you are asked to supply any PPE, it must be suitable for the
purpose, properly maintained and stored and in good
condition. If you are in any doubt, speak to the site safety
supervisor.

• If PPE is damaged or faulty, please report this to your

supervisor. If you have any concern that PPE has not been
provided, or is not suitable, contact your supervisor.

• The standard PPE to be worn in the site is as follows:

− Safety boots including mid-sole protection, ankle support
− Full length trousers
− Long sleeves
− Hi-vis vests
− Safety gloves
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− Safety glasses
− Safety helmet
B. FALL PROTECTION:
• Provide a suitable barrier at the edge from which a person is
liable to fall more than 2 meters. Suitable temporary
protection measures should also be considered for preventing
workers from being endangered by falling or displacement of
earth or rock materials.
• Provide suitable working platforms whenever workers are at
risk of falling more than 2 meters. If it is not practicable,
suitable safety nets, and safety belts (preferably safety
harnesses) attached to suitable anchorage points should be
provided. Note that safety belts anchored to suitable
anchorage points should only be used as a last resort.
• Where lifelines are used and where anchorage points are
reliant on certain projections, or certain temporary fixtures or
any structure around, they should be checked regularly for
damage or change in stability which may have been induced as
the work progress.
• Ensure that workers are adequately trained in the proper use
of all personal protective equipment.

C. LADDERS:
• Use ladders only for simple work of short duration. They
should not be used primarily as a means of access and not as a
working platform.
• Ladders shall be of good construction with no missing or
defective rungs, of sound material and of adequate strength
for the purpose for which it is used and is properly maintained.
• Only erect ladders on a firm and level base. Do not erect
straight ladder at a base angle exceeding 75 degrees or a 4:1
rise-base ratio. For vertical access ladder, provide a landing
point for rest purposed every 9m.
• Secure a straight ladder at the top. When it is impracticable to
do so, firmly secure the ladder at the base by some effective
means or by any person.
• The rungs shall be free from moisture, dirt, and grease. The
footwear of the user shall be in good condition and free from
moisture, dirt, and grease.
• Inspect the ladder for any defects before each use. Do not
use wooden ladder that has been painted as painting may
cover up the defects. Display warning label to the defective
ladder.
• Always face a ladder when going up or down and use both
hands to grasp the rungs for support. Do not carry tools or
materials in hand when climbing up or down. If necessary, use
a tool holster to carry hand tools or spare hands for holding
the ladder.

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D. HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS AND SUBSTANCES:
• Always substitute hazardous chemicals with harmless or less
hazardous ones.
• Enclose the process using chemicals or provide other
engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation, a fume
cupboard, or a safety cabinet.
• Exercise great care in the storage and use of chemicals, at all
times because they may be explosive, poisonous, corrosive, or
combustible. Physically separate different chemicals and store
classified as dangerous good in a properly constructed and
approved dangerous good store. Keep proper records of all
chemicals and hazardous substances delivered, stored, and
used on site.
• Unknown substances and liquids should be regarded as
dangerous unless known to be otherwise. All containers
should be clearly labelled to indicate contents. Never use a
wrongly labelled container for chemicals.
• Check that you are wearing the correct personal protective
equipment before you hand chemicals.
• Safety instruction for handling emergency situations should be
displayed prominently in the chemical storage and workplace.

E. SCAFFOLD:
• Do not use scaffolds unless they have been erected by a
trained workman and under the supervision of a competent
person.
• Do not use a scaffold unless it has been inspected and
certified safe by a competent person before use.
• Strictly follow the instructions of a competent person. Do not
alter the scaffold unless authorized to do so. Do not work on
an unfinished scaffold.
• When it is necessary to work on a mobile scaffold, lock the
wheels of the scaffold before you start working.
• Do not work on a scaffold unless It has been provided with a
suitable working platform.

F. EXCAVATIONS:
• Ensure that the excavations are inspected daily and
thoroughly examined by a competent person on weekly basis.
• Ensure an adequate supply of suitable timber or other shoring
material and that they are installed in accordance with
planned method/method statement.
• Ensure that the working faces are secured or protected, and
the workers working in the trench are protected against falls
of earth and materials, etc.
• Provide suitable ladders for access/egress into and from the
excavated trench and gangway across the trench where
necessary.
• Provide an adequate supply of suitable barriers and traffic
notices, and ensure adequate protection and warning are
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G. CRANES, HOIST, AND OTHER HEAVY EQUIPMENT:
• Never attempt to operate a crane, excavator, forklift, or
similar lifting machines unless you are certified and trained.
• Carry out and record brake testing to manufacturer’s
specifications.
• Inspect the respective machine before commencing work for
defects and obstructions. Report any defects to your
supervisor.
• Carry out and record statutory inspection and routine
maintenance.
• Make sure that you know the “Safe Working Load” of your
machine and the weight of any load you are required to lift.
Try the load by lifting it slightly and halting to see if the
machine can take the load. Never leave the cab whilst the
load is suspended.
• Only the persons trained in slinging practice and signaling
systems may act as a slinger or a banksman.
• Never stand under a load whilst it is suspended.

H. HAND TOOLS:
• Wear safety glasses whenever you hammer or cut, especially
when working with surfaces that chip or splinter.
• Do not use a screwdriver as a chisel. The tool can slip and
cause a deep puncture wound.
• Do not use a chisel as a screwdriver. The tip of the chisel may
break and cause an injury.
• Do not use a knife as a screwdriver. The blade can snap and
injure an eye.
• Never carry a screwdriver or chisel in your pocket. If you fall,
the tool could cause serious injury. Instead, use a tool belt
holder.
• Replace loose, splintered, or cracked handles. Loose hammer,
axe, or maul heads can fly off defective handles.
• Use the proper wench to tighten or loosen nuts. Pliers can
chew the corner off a nut.
• When using a chisel, always chip or cut away from you. Use a
soft-headed hammer or mallet to strike a wooden chisel
handle. A metal hammer or mallet may cause the handle to
split.
• Do not use a wrench if the jaws are sprung.
• Do not use impact tools, such as chisels, wedges, or drift pins,
if their heads are mushroom shaped. The heads may shafter
upon impact.
• Direct saw blades, knives, and other tools away from aisle
areas and other employees.
• Keep knives and scissors sharp. Dull tools are more dangerous
than sharp tools.

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I. POWER TOOLS:
• Read all manufacturers guidelines before working with a tool
and follow all safety guidelines.
• Make sure all guards are in place and in proper working
condition.
• Make all adjustments with the power off.
• Always wear PPE according to the PPPE hazard assessment.
• Operate a machine only after you have received thorough
instructions and been advised by your supervisor that are
qualified to operate that machine or tool.
• When working around machinery, do not wear loose clothing,
torn sleeved, ties, key chains, rings, watches, or any item that
could become entangled in the machinery. Contain long hair
when working around machinery.
• Never attempt to repair on live circuits, electrical appliances,
power tools, cables, or wiring unless you are qualified.
• Inspect all portable power tools before operating. Do not use
if defective or damaged.
• Do not operate equipment unless the safety guards and ant-
kickback are in place and operational.

J. ACCIDENT REPORTING AND PROCEDURES:

• In case of accidents, if the injured is a civil servant, the
departmental procedures for accident reporting should be
followed.
• All injuries resulting from accidents on site or in other
workplaces will be reported by the Contracts Manager, on the
Accident Report Form and sent to the office. This applies to
injuries received by member of the public, visitors, etc. as well
as company employees.
• An accident book will be available and maintained at each site
office to ensure any injured employee can record detail or
his/her accident. It is important that all accidents, no matter
how minor are reported and recorded within the accident
book.
• All accidents, including near-misses and incidents that result in
damage to properties or plant and machinery on site will be
thoroughly investigated. The purpose of the investigation is to
establish the root cause of the incident with a view to
amending or developing procedures to help prevent a
recurrence in the future.

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SECTION 5:
ERGONOMICS

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 WORKPLACE SAFETY:

A. MANUAL HANDLING OPERATIONS:

• Avoid manual handling operations as far as possible to
minimize the risk of injury.
• Estimate the weight of the load.
• Lift an object with a correct posture.
• Wear suitable protective equipment. Put on gloves as far
as possible to protect your hands from any cut, scratch, or
puncture, and wear safety boots or shoes to prevent
injury to toes by heavy falling objects.
• Seek assistance from someone in lifting a load if
necessary.

B. VIOLENCE AND HARASSMENT:

• By the nature of the business, employees are required to
work in a range of different environments, some of which
may pose a risk of verbal abuse and in extreme cases,
physical assault. The company is aware of its obligations to
ensure both the mental and physical health of employees
as affected by systems of work.
• The risk of such instances is to be controlled by
arrangements including:
− Constant supervision by site representatives in high-
risk areas of sites such as prisons, remand centers, or
sites occupied by persons suffering from metal ill
health.
− Employees being instructed to diffuse potential
hostile attacks by remaining calm, summoning
assistance and/or leaving the area when safe to do so.
− Incentives to violent attacks should be reduced by
avoiding exposure of valuable items in public areas as
far as possible.
− Any hostile act towards employees, whether verbal
or physical, shall be taken seriously and immediately
reports to the supervisors and recorded as an
incident in the accident/incident book.
− Any employee suffering from emotional distress due
to acts of violence should report this to management
who shall offer counselling and assistance as is
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EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO ACCIDENTS:
• You should have a good understanding of your working
environment and the instructions given by your supervisor.
When evacuation is required in an emergency, you should
keep calm and find out:
− What dangerous situation the alarm refers to.
− The routes of evacuation
− The safe place that you should go to as designated by the
company
• When someone is found seriously injured, you should:
− Keep calm
− Seek help immediately
− Accompany the injured person
− Assist in the immediate rescue work as far as possible
− Call the site safety staff
− Do not try to move the injured person unless it is
necessary to do so
− Do not tamper with the accident scene while waiting for
the arrival of the investigation team
• When a fire breaks out, you should remember:
− Put out the fire with a fire extinguisher if it is a small fire
− If the blaze is out of control, do not try to extinguish the
fire on your own. Call the fire services department right
away.
• Always pay attention to the emergency telephone numbers
posted on the notice board in the sire office.

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SECTION 6:
OCCUPATIONAL
SAFETY AND
HEALTH
STANDARDS
OBSERVED

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 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
STANDARDS OBSERVED:

• D.O. No. 13, Series of 1998 – Guidelines Governing

Occupational Safety and Health in the Construction Industry

− Section 5. – Construction Safety and Health Program

− Section 6. – Personal Protective Equipment
− Section 7. – Safety Personnel
− Section 8. – Emergency occupational Health Personnel
and Facilities
− Section 9. – Construction Safety Signages
− Section 10. – Safety on Construction Heavy Equipment
− Section 11. – Construction Safety and Health Committee
− Section 12. – Safety and Health Information
− Section 13. – Construction Safety and Health Training
− Section 14. – Construction Safety and Health Reports
− Section 15. – Construction Workers’ Skills Certificates
− Section 16. – Workers’ Welfare Facilities
− Section 19. – Violations and Penalties

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