![PP Construction Safety logo and link to home page [1]](http://www.ppconstructionsafety.com/wp-content/themes/ppcs960/images/ppcslogo.jpg)
Small projects, larger clients, health and leadership all under HSE scrutiny
HSE Construction Division produces an annual programme for its work in the construction sector running from 1 April – 31 March. See summary of the 2010/11 plan .
The programme for 2011/2012 has not been yet published although the key features were recently presented to the Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC).
Key elements of the plan are:
General approach to inspection
Inspectors will always deal decisively with ‘matters of evident concern‘. In addition, there will be a particular focus on:
- potentially ‘serious’ issues - such as temporary works management and the risk of collapse; fire/explosion risks and the planning, supervision and carrying out of lifting operations using cranes;
- generic risks - including work at height; asbestos; respiratory risks; good order and welfare; and
- asbestos - particularly the quality of survey reports on refurbishment projects.
Small projects
HSE defines ‘small sites’ as those with 15 or fewer workers on site. It is intended to increase time spent on small sites to 30% of HSE pro-active construction resource so as to ensure that basic minimum standards being met.
In addition key topics will include: work at height; respiratory risks; good order including welfare and competence of all dutyholders.
This work will be complimented by a programme of more Working Well Together events and the publication of additional ‘Busy Builder’ short form information sheets
Refurbishment
The refurbishment sector is still seen by HSE as ‘high risk’ and a further intensive inspection initiative is planned for early 2012.
On larger refurbishment projects HSE inspectors will focus on the management of health risks; action to secure effective worker involvement and the measures to enhance leadership at all levels.
Large contractors
HSE has over many years endeavoured to deal with larger contractors in a more cost effective manner e.g. by central company wide engagement in addition to a piecemeal project by project inspection.
In 2011/12 this approach is to be developed further with HSE seeking to engage at board level with larger contractors. The plans are still at an early phase of development and will be piloted by senior HSE staff during 2011/12.
These high level interventions will include: development of leading performance indicators; worker involvement; leadership and health risk management.
Major projects and clients
HSE plan to continue the existing the approach on major projects based on early interventions with all CDM dutyholder including clients, designers , coordinators and principlal contractors. All dutyholders will come under scrutiny. The intention is to create a Client/HSE project team to “establish a new framework for intervention”.
Other operational initiatives
There will operational activity involving:
- Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) especially entrapment hazard;
- Onshore wind farm construction;
- Solar capture installation risks;
- Avoiding catastrophe on smaller projects;
- Stonemasons/renovation; and
- Improving dutyholder compliance.