TASK 1

The project manager in the scenario appears to be taking several actions to fulfill the client
duties under the International Labour Organization’s (ILO’s) Code of Practice on Safety and
Health in Construction, but there are also areas where improvement could be made. Let's
evaluate:

Allocation of Budget: The project manager has allocated a significant portion of the budget
to health and safety management, indicating a commitment to ensuring a safe working
environment for all involved in the project. This aligns with the ILO's emphasis on adequate
resource allocation for safety and health measures.

Establishment of Health and Safety Facilities: The project manager has set up a
Temporary Accommodation Unit (TAU) with various facilities including rest areas, changing
facilities with PPE supplies, kitchen, and decontamination area. This demonstrates an effort
to provide necessary amenities for workers' health and safety, in line with the ILO's
recommendation for providing appropriate facilities.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation: The project manager has conducted a site risk assessment
and identified significant hazards, such as the overhead power cables. They have also devised
a plan, including controls and safety measures, to mitigate these risks. This proactive
approach aligns with the ILO's emphasis on risk assessment and management to prevent
accidents and injuries.

Collaboration with Stakeholders: The project manager has formed an Adjacent Line Open
(ALO) working group, which includes representatives from various stakeholders such as the
railway line operator, principal contractor, and architect. This collaborative effort
demonstrates an acknowledgment of the importance of involving relevant parties in safety
planning, as recommended by the ILO.

However, there are also areas where the project manager's actions could be improved to
better fulfill client duties under the ILO's Code of Practice:
Document Management: While the project manager requested relevant documentation
from the principal contractor and architect, they did not ensure that the architect brought all
necessary documents to the pre-construction meeting. Ensuring that all required
documentation is provided and reviewed before the project starts is crucial for effective
safety planning and compliance with regulations.

Communication and Enforcement of Safety Procedures: The project manager's efforts in

conducting safety talks and implementing permit-to-work systems are commendable.
However, there are instances where workers, such as the excavator operative and cement
mixer operative, displayed non-compliance with safety procedures. The project manager
needs to ensure that all workers are adequately trained and understand the importance of
adhering to safety protocols, with clear consequences for non-compliance. Supervision and
Monitoring: There are incidents where workers deviated from safety procedures, such as the
excavator operative operating the machinery without proper safety measures in place. The
project manager should ensure effective supervision and monitoring to identify and address
such issues promptly, as per the ILO's recommendation for continuous monitoring of safety
performance.

Overall, while the project manager demonstrates efforts to fulfill client duties under the
ILO's Code of Practice, there are areas where improvements in document management,
communication, enforcement of safety procedures, and supervision could enhance safety
outcomes on the construction site.

TASK 2

(a) Hazards to consider when assessing the risks associated with the railway line include:

Overhead Power Cables: The 25 kV overhead power cables present a significant

electrocution hazard to workers and machinery operating near the railway line.

Proximity to Rail Tracks: Workers and machinery working close to the railway tracks
are at risk of being struck by moving trains or railway vehicles.
Fouling Points: Failure to maintain safe distances from the overhead power cables could
lead to collisions or contact, posing a risk of electrocution or damage to equipment.

Train Operations: Construction activities near the railway line may impact train
operations, leading to potential delays, disruptions, or safety hazards for passengers and
workers. Access and Egress: Ensuring safe access and egress points for workers near the
railway line to prevent accidents or obstruction of railway operations.

Environmental Hazards: Risks associated with working in close proximity to the river,
such as flooding or water-related accidents, should also be considered.

(b) Suitable actions taken by the project manager during the pre-construction phase to
help reduce railway line risks include:

Formation of ALO Working Group: The project manager established an Adjacent Line
Open (ALO) working group comprising stakeholders like the railway line operator,
principal contractor, architect, and project manager. This group met to discuss potential
risks and safety measures to ensure the safe operation of the railway line during
construction.

Development of ALO Plan: The project manager created an ALO plan outlining specific
controls and measures to mitigate risks associated with construction activities near the
railway line. This plan included establishing safe vehicle crossing points, maintaining
safe distances from overhead power cables, and implementing supervision of operations.

Coordination with Railway Operator: The project manager communicated with the
rail operator to discuss safety concerns and explore options such as isolating overhead
power cables during construction. Although this was not feasible due to operational
constraints, the project manager sought alternative solutions and agreed to schedule
critical activities during low-traffic periods.

Implementation of Safe Working Practices: The project manager ensured that all
workers received safety talks and were familiar with permit-to-work systems, PPE
requirements, and site inspection protocols. These measures aimed to minimize the risk of
accidents and incidents involving the railway line during construction.
 Communication and Training: The project manager facilitated communication
between stakeholders and provided training to workers on railway line safety procedures.
This included ensuring that workers understood the hazards associated with working near
the railway line and the importance of following safety protocols to prevent accidents.

TASK 3

Several behaviors exhibited by the excavator operative in the scenario suggest potential
alcohol misuse:

Arriving Late for Work and Leaving Early: The excavator operative consistently arrives
late for work and finishes earlier than other workers. This pattern of behavior could indicate a
lack of punctuality and discipline, which are common indicators of alcohol misuse affecting
attendance and productivity.

Aggressive Behavior and Irritability: During interactions with the site manager and site
supervisor, the excavator operative displays aggression and irritability. This abrupt and
confrontational demeanor is often associated with alcohol misuse, as individuals may
experience mood swings and heightened emotions when under the influence.

Missing Mandatory Site Induction: The excavator operative failed to attend the mandatory
site induction attended by all other workers. This disregard for essential safety procedures
and protocols suggests a lack of responsibility and awareness, which can be indicative of
alcohol-related impairments affecting judgment and decision-making.

Disappearance During Work Hours: The excavator operative disappears from the worksite
without explanation or authorization, as observed by the site supervisor. This unexplained
absence during work hours is concerning and may indicate potential alcohol-related behavior,
such as sneaking off to consume alcohol or being incapacitated due to alcohol consumption.

Failure to Recall Safety Checks: The excavator operative claims to have checked the
movement limiting device (MLD) before operating the excavator, but later swings the jib
dangerously close to overhead power cables, indicating a failure to perform necessary safety
checks or recall safety procedures. Alcohol misuse can impair cognitive function and
memory, leading to lapses in judgment and forgetfulness.

Absenteeism Following Alcohol Screening: The excavator operative is absent from the
worksite after being informed about alcohol screening during medical checks. This avoidance
behavior may indicate fear of detection due to alcohol misuse, as individuals may attempt to
evade consequences by avoiding situations where alcohol use may be detected.

Overall, the combination of tardiness, aggression, and disregard for safety protocols,
unexplained absences, and memory lapses exhibited by the excavator operative strongly
suggests potential alcohol misuse affecting their behavior and performance at work.

TASK 4

(a) The purpose of a permit-to-work system is to ensure that hazardous work activities
are conducted in a controlled manner, with appropriate safety measures in place. It
provides a formal written authorization process that identifies potential hazards,
outlines safety precautions, and specifies the conditions under which work can be
performed safely.
(b) In Phase 1, the following work activities require a permit-to-work system to be used:
Excavation Work: The excavation of the ground to a depth of 3 meters for the
installation of bridge foundations involves significant risks, including the potential for
collapse, soil subsidence, and exposure to buried services. A permit-to-work system
would ensure that proper precautions are taken, such as shoring and trench support,
and that workers are aware of the hazards and safety measures.

Use of Mobile Plant: The operation of a mobile excavator for digging work within the
excavation area also requires a permit-to-work system. This ensures that trained
operatives are operating the machinery, that equipment is properly inspected and
maintained, and that safe distances from overhead power cables are maintained.

(c) Evidence that the permit-to-work systems are being suitably applied in the scenario
includes:

Documentation Displayed: Copies of permits-to-work are displayed in the hut, along

with a list of required PPE. This indicates that the permit-to-work system is being
implemented and that workers have access to relevant safety information.
Verbal Confirmation from Workers: Workers verbally confirm their understanding of
the permit-to-work system during the safety talk conducted by the site manager. This
suggests that workers are aware of the safety protocols and requirements outlined in the
permits.

Supervisory Oversight: Site supervisors are responsible for ensuring that permits to-
work are followed and for conducting site inspections to monitor their effectiveness. This
demonstrates ongoing supervision and enforcement of safety procedures on the worksite.

Shift Handover Protocol: Site supervisors are required to liaise with oncoming
supervisors to update them on any issues or amendments required to the permit. This
ensures continuity and communication regarding safety protocols between shifts.

Closure of Permits: At the completion of Phase 1, the site supervisor is required to

report to the site manager to close the permits. This indicates that there is a formal
process in place to ensure that work activities are properly concluded and that permits are
not left open unnecessarily.

Generally, these practices suggest that the permit-to-work systems are being actively
utilized and effectively enforced to manage hazardous work activities during Phase 1 of
the construction project.