OPPORTUNITY FOR CLIENTS, DESIGNERS AND CONTRACTORS

Euro ‘safer maintenance’ award presents challenge for all CDM dutyholders 

HSE has called for nominations for the European Good Practice Awards. The 2010–11 award scheme will recognise companies or organisations that have made outstanding and innovative contributions to promoting an integrated management approach to safe maintenance.

Two main types of maintenance are distinguished:

  • Preventive/proactive maintenance: carried out to keep something functional. This type of activity is usually planned and scheduled in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Corrective/reactive maintenance: repairing something to get it working again. This is an unscheduled, unplanned task, usually associated with more hazards and higher risk levels.

For an entry form contact HSE International Unit by email at: uk.focalpoint@hse.gsi.gov.uk

‘Implemented not theoretical’ solutions required

The call is for implemented solutions – not theoretical or hypothetical. The submissions should show good practice to:

  • improve working conditions in general;
  • promote a structured, risk management based approach to maintenance;
  • be effective in promoting health, safety and efficiency;
  • focus on eliminating or preventing risks at source;
  • achieve an identifiable and permanent benefit;
  • meet the relevant legislative requirements and preferably go beyond those minimum standards;
  • include a participatory approach of employers and workers;
  • have the full support of senior management;
  • be clearly identifiable as the action that caused the reduction in risk.
Comment

The CDM Regulations 2007 should have provided a major boost to designers in their efforts to avoid plant and building maintenance risks through design. This award scheme would appear to present a ideal opportunity for design practices to submit their best endeavours.

Likewise, falls through fragile materials (mainly roof lights and roof sheets) during maintenance e.g. when replacing roof lights, remains a major cause of fatal injuries in the UK and Europe. 

Designs and systems of work which avoid working on fragile materials might have a chance of success in these Awards  - caveat emptor!   

This article was posted on 20th July 2010 in ALL LATEST NEWS, CDM 2007 DESIGNERS, FRAGILE MATERIALS.
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