March 17, 2010
Raising the Bar on Health and Safety
RAISING THE BAR ON HEALTH AND SAFETY
Although the UK construction industry is said to be one of the safest in Europe, it still accounts for one third of all UK work accidents. This is underlined by the grim statistic that construction workers are six times more likely to be killed at work than any other type of employee. And it is not just the human cost. Studies by The Institution of Engineering and Technology found that the cost of accidents on a construction site amounts to 9.5% of the project’s tender price.
Faced with this unacceptable situation, the British Association Reinforcement (BAR) has taken the lead on ensuring safe and best practice with regards to the delivery, loading and off-loading of steel reinforcement. In addition to developing and implementing proactive health and safety strategies for their rebar manufacturing and production facilities, BAR members are committed to improving health and safety procedures on site.
This has seen the publication of industry codes of practice, namely the Code for Safe Off-loading of Reinforcement Fabric and the Code for the Safe Off-loading of Cut and Bent Reinforcement. Both codes were drawn up following consultation with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the UK Certification Authority for Reinforcing Steels (CARES) and recognise the potential risks involved that call for risk assessment and a safe system of work. Best practice for the delivery of reinforcement to construction sites is also set out in BAR Delivery Charter. This is designed to be used as the basis for contractual relationships for reinforcement supply and delivery in the UK. In particular, it sets out the buyer’s health and safety responsibilities to provide safe and appropriate access to site and for compliance with current health and safety legislation.
“There are a number of potential risks involved with the loading and off-loading of reinforcement. The codes explain how to undertake appropriate risk assessment and provide guidance on safe working practices”, explained Graham Mackenzie, BAR Chairman. “In particular, they examine potential hazards such as working from height and recommend safe off-loading procedures and access. Meanwhile the Delivery Charter shows that the responsibility for good practice lies with both the supplier and the buyer.”
A further document currently being prepared is a BAR Shape Code leaflet. This will provide a risk assessment for the manufacture of each of the BS8666 shape codes. It will be principally for use for BAR members’ production management teams, as is the BAR Power Bender Training Manual which provides guidance on best practice for the safe operation of manual power benders and is designed to allow member companies to develop their own machine risk assessments and operation procedures. The Shape Code leaflet will also support the relationship between BAR members and their customers by informing designers and specifiers as to what constitutes a high risk shape.
“We are aware that there is the potential for accidents both within the manufacturing facility and on-site and so are keen to provide safety guidance for both working environments,” said Mackenzie. “Health and safety is a prime consideration for BAR and its members. Working with the HSE, designers, specifiers and main and sub contractors we can aim to reduce risk and reduce the human and financial cost of unsafe working practices.”
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