The operators of construction sites are obliged to meet certain expectations under UK law. Essentially, they are required to take reasonable care for the safety of their employees working onsite. This duty to take reasonable care covers a number of things, including:
1. Remove working practices that are dangerous
Employers must take steps to ensure that the site team are given the relevant training to work safely while on site. They must also design a process that ensures that the safety of the site is checked and maintained continuously. This can take many forms but can include regular site checks, and the marking of areas onsite that are dangerous or unstable.
2. Provide safety equipment
Construction workers use highly specialised, and potentially dangerous tools. Site operators, as a result, must provide safety equipment that allows the site team to use the tools while enjoying the necessary protection. Furthermore, the site team must also be shown how to use this equipment in their day-to-day activities.
3. Remove unsafe tools
The tools that are used on building sites, as with all other pieces of technology, will age with time and use. Some of those tools may begin to malfunction or constitute a particular danger to the site team. If the site operator is made aware of any such equipment, they must take active steps to remove it from use.
What does the law expect of workers on a construction site?
If you are working on the construction site, you are expected to comply with all of the rules set down by the site operator:
- Wear safety clothing when onsite;
- Take the necessary precautions when using power tools;
- Follow the procedure when working in an unstable area of the site;
- Report to the site operator if there is any equipment that is not working properly.