Health and Safety
Policy and Procedures

EMERGENCIES DIAL 111

HEALTH & SAFETY

Policy:

Concept Construction Ltd is committed to the protection of its employees, clients and property from accidental injury or damage from work carried out for and on behalf of the company and adopts health, safety and welfare as a fundamental business objective.

In meeting this commitment, management will comply with all legislative requirements and take all practicable steps to ensure they…

 

  1. Establish and insist that safe work methods are practiced at all times.
  2. Provide supervision and training.
  3. Provide protective footwear, hearing, and eye protection
  4. Ensure employees and other persons understand and accept their responsibility to promote a safe and healthy place of work including the use of safe guards and personal protective equipment
  5. All hazards relating to work in hand to be identified and practical steps taken to eliminate, isolate or minimise.

 

Where matters of concern arise, meetings take place to discuss these matters and to implement the decisions reached.

All members of staff and employees are involved in bringing forward any Health and Safety matters of concern

 

 

Dan Hadley
…………………………………………….
Managing Director

 

 

THE BASIC RULES

  1. Report all hazards promptly
  2. Report all accidents and near misses promptly
  3. Keep all walkways clear at all times
  4. Ensure all machine guards are in place
  5. Use a push stick to feed machinery
  6. Keep well clear of all moving drives, belts and parts of machinery
  7. Stack materials safely
  8. Keep a look-out for moving cranes, crane hooks and plant
  9. Wear your safety equipment
  10. Know where the fire extinguishers are located and how to use them
  11. Keep rubbish cleared away promptly
  12. Don’t work in the dark….. arrange lighting
  13. Check electrical leads for damage before use
  14. Keep all electrical leads clear of water and off the ground
  15. Take care when using or handling hazardous materials
  16. Watch where you are walking
  17. Take care of your personal hygiene
  18. Always use an isolating transformer or earth leakage breaker when using any electrical tool or appliance
  19. No horseplay or silly antics… the fun can turn sour very quickly!
  20. Get into the habit of ‘thinking safely’…. It can only be of benefit to all!
  21. Observe NO SMOKING signs
  22. No Radios on site including Walkmans, Ipods etc.
  23. ABOSLUTELY NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS

 

 

CONTRACTORS AND SUB-CONTRACTORS

Concept Construction Ltd has a policy in place to ensure that where we engage Contractors, Sub-Contractors, or other personnel to assist or carry out work at our premises or elsewhere on our behalf they are required to be aware of and to implement our Health and Safety Policy.

 

SAFETY OF EMPLOYEES

Management will regularly inspect the work area to ensure the safety of employees while at work.

 

FIRST AID SUPPLIES ARE AVAILABLE AT:

  • In all installer’s vehicles

 

TRAINING AND SUPERVISION

It is the policy of Concept Construction Ltd to provide adequate training to employees in the safe use and operation of all items of plant, equipment and substances used.

Protective Clothing and Safety Equipment is readily available for all areas of operation

Consumable safety supplies are held in the office and available through staff.

All records of accidents/incidents and Accident Compensation Claims are to be reported to Management

 

DUTIES OF EMPLOYERS TO PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT EMPLOYEES

Our policy for Health and Safety embraces the spirit and intention of the Act that every practicable step be taken to ensure that no action of any employee while at work harms any other person

To this end if there is a possibility of serious harm to any person the work, operation, process or mechanical plant will cease operations until the matter is resolved.

Where inaction may cause a possibility of serious harm to any person, immediate action be taken to stop the threat of serious harm.

 

DUTIES OF EMPLOYEES

The Act recognises the importance of the employee and places a statutory obligation of the employee to ensure their own safety while at work, this means that they must take practicable steps to carry out their work practices in a safe manner.

In addition, they must not harm others, workmates or the public, either by what they do or by not carrying out necessary safe work practices.

 

DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREENING

Staff, Contractors and Contracts personnel shall submit themselves to any drug or alcohol screening in accordance with company policies and procedures whilst working on sites.  Such screening may be conducted randomly, on suspicion, following an incident or systematically.

 

ACCIDENT/INCIDENT INVESTIGATION

  1. Ensure that all accident/incidents are reported to the Manager.
  2. If on site report all accidents/incidents to Site Forman or Site Safety Officer.

 

THE INVESTIGATION PROCESS

  • In the case of injury, make sure the employee is properly cared for before doing anything else.
  • Following an accident, do not interfere with the scene.
  • Interview witnesses and reassure that the real purpose of the investigation is to find the true cause
  • Show understanding
  • Keep an open mind
  • Avoid leading questions
  • Check your understanding with witness after interview
  • Discuss ways of preventing recurrence

 

  1. Record all accidents in the Accident Register held by management, complete the appropriate forms
  2. Notification to Occupational Health and Safety Service (Worksafe). Where any serious harm occurs, notification is required within 7 days
  3. Preventative Action:

        -  regular inspections

        -  supervision

        -  training

        -  layout and design

 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES       

 

DIAL 111

 FOR:   FIRE – AMBULANCE – POLICE

 

  1. Tell the Operator which service you require
  2. Wait until the service answers
  3. Give them details on the:

        - Type of Emergency (accident, fire, explosion)

        - Address of the building site and area of emergency

        - Advise them that someone will wait out on the road

 

  1. Make sure someone waits and gives correct direction
  2. Notify management, name and telephone

 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE

The purpose of this procedure is to provide controlled procedures to deal with any emergency that may arise while employees are at work.

To have an effective general emergency plan to cope with all types of emergencies likely to occur at any part of our organisation’s operation, and to comply with legislative requirements.

When confronted with an emergency, it is too late to decide who needs to do what, what assistance is available and what emergency responses are desirable.

Our procedure is that the manager will identify all likely emergency conditions and involve all employees in the process and will appoint a co-ordinator to take control in an emergency

Establish what action needs to be taken in specific cases.

Establish alarm signals

Identify what means of communication will be used in an emergency, e.g. cellphone, radio control.

Decide which emergency services need notifying, how and by whom.

Decide where to post emergency procedure directions, e.g. phone locations, notice boards.  Ensure they are understood by all employees.

Develop procedures to account for all personnel onsite (including visitors)

Develop shut-down procedures for processes, machinery, etc.

Identify and provide emergency plan training for all staff

Survey the need for emergency plan training for all staff.

Survey the need for emergency equipment to suit the conditions, e.g. fire extinguisher, ropes, etc.

Identify first aid training requirements.

Design all clear and re-entry procedures.

Review the procedures, at least annually involving employees.

 

 

HAZARDS

Identify the hazard.

Having identified any hazards it must be established where they are significant.

If significant hazards are identified, then these hazards are to be managed in a precise order.

 

The order is:

  • Elimination if practicable
  • Isolation where elimination is impracticable
  • Minimisation of risk and protection of employees where elimination and isolation are impracticable

 

CONTROLLING HAZARD

  1. a) Elimination – This is the first option but it does not indicate that the hazard is to be removed in total but reduced to

    to a non-significant level.

 

  1. b) Isolation – This is the second option and involves a barrier between operator and source the hazard

 

  1. c) Minimisation – This involves training personnel in the nature of the hazard and how to prevent causing harm and what protective equipment is to be used

 

 

Working on Construction Sites

On arrival at a Construction Site and before any work can commence IDENTIFY ANY HAZARDS, ensure all correct SSSP is filled out and report to Site Supervisor and/or Manager if you see anything that may cause harm or you consider dangerous.

  1. Locate any notice board and Site Safety Policies and Requirements set out by the main contractor
  2. Participate in any site inductions before work starts
  3. Obey all of the rules set out by the Site Safety Officer if there is one

 

HAZARDS ON SITE

  1. Open trenches and excavations
  2. Moving machinery
  3. Slippery conditions
  4. Underground services
  5. Sharp objects
  6. Overhead Power Lines

 

PROCEDURES

  1. Ensure all post holes are covered if left unattended

Trenches/excavations roped off or warning signs erected

  1. Use all plant and machinery according to the manufacturer’s specifications

Wear safety gear when operating any machinery or plant

Be aware of any other machinery operating on the site belonging to other contractors

  1. Wear all safety PPE and wet weather gear provided
  2. Locate underground cables, water, gas and telephone/data lines

These services provided free of charge – call 0800b4udig for cable location

Use site plans to locate services

  1. Wear gloves when handling razor wire or other sharp objects and use plastic caps on any stakes left in the ground

 

RAZOR WIRE

  • Extreme care must be taken when handling these materials
  • Hard hats will be worn at all times when working on ladders or platforms, under razor wire concertina, in order to prevent accidental head contact
  • Leather gloves will be worn at all times when working with barbed tape

 

LADDERS

Ladders used wrongly or in bad condition have caused many serious falls and injuries

 

Before using any ladder check for…

  • Defective rungs
  • Warped, cracking or splintering of stiles
  • Faulty feet

 

When using a ladder always remember to…

  • Stand the ladder on a level base
  • Set the ladder at the correct angle
  • Secure the ladder by lashing at the top and bottom, or have someone holding the bottom securely
  • Ensure the ladder is long enough to do the job
  • Always face the ladder and use both hands when climbing up or coming down
  • Don’t use a metal ladder near electricity
  • Always wear shoes with heels when climbing a ladder
  • Never over reach sideways – get down and move the ladder

 

A ladder should project at least one metre above any landing place. 

The correct angle for a ladder is one unit of measurement out at the base for every four units of height

 

HEIGHTS

Safety harnesses MUST be worn when working at height of 3m or more

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

  • Check all leads, plugs and tools before use, and report any damage or problems
  • Do not use damaged or defective equipment
  • Protect leads when in use
  • Check all electrical gear is under cover during wet weather
  • Always use an isolating transformer or earth leakage breaker

 

WELDING & GAS CUTTING

  • Operator must have the approved protective gear
  • Screens should be erected to shield people, equipment, stock or vehicles
  • A fire extinguisher must be nearby, and the area clean
  • Cylinders must be upright and secured

 

This equipment should only be used by experienced personnel

Report gas leakages immediately

 

PAINT

Read the manufacturer’s instructions

Mix paint and thinners carefully and on level surfaces

Keep paint and thinners in a safe place

Keep away from naked flames

Do not smoke around paint cans

 

DRIVING VEHICLES

Getting to the various job sites will invariably involve travelling/driving in a company vehicle.  It is important that they are driven sensibly and courteously and within the Road Code at all times

Anyone driving a company vehicle must have a current drivers licence and drive within any licence conditions

 

HAZARDS

  1. Other vehicles on the road being driven irresponsibly
  2. Wet weather, slippery roads, loss of control
  3. Pedestrians and cyclists
  4. Faulty vehicle
  5. Overloaded vehicle

 

PROCEDURES

  1. Other Vehicles:

        (i)     Drive defensively, i.e. anticipate accidents before they happen and take remedial action

        (ii)    Concentrate on your driving at all times

        (iii)   Before making a manoeuvre indicate your intentions clearly

        (iv)   Know and follow the Road Code

        (v)    Don’t be provoked by inconsiderate drivers

 

  1. Wet Weather:

        (i)     Slow down

        (ii)    Keep your distance from the vehicle in front

        (iii)    In foggy or murky conditions ensure that the headlights are on

       

  1. Pedestrian & Cyclists:

        (i)     Slow down to 40kmph around schools and kindergartens especially during school hours

        (ii)    Give cyclists at least 1.5m distance when passing

 

  1. Reporting:

        (i)     If there is something wrong with the vehicle inform your supervisor as soon as possible

        (ii)    Visually check WOF, COF, Road User License and Vehicle Registrations to make sure they are up to date

        (iii)    Advise your supervisor of all panel damage and minor repairs (broken lights, etc)

        (iv)   Complete accident form where necessary

 

 

LOADING AND UNLOADING

Loading plant and materials on and off trucks is an everyday activity that the majority of our work force is involved in.  Damage to trucks, loaded plant and breakable materials can be minimised by using good loading techniques.

 

HAZARDS

  1. Overloading
  2. Restrictive areas
  3. Damage to the vehicle
  4. Physical injury
  5. Overhead services

 

PROCEDURES

  1. Overloading:

        (i)     The total of all weight on the vehicle plus the load is indicated on the road user certificate in the front of the

                truck. This weight is NOT to be exceeded

        (ii)    Ensure loads are not over width or too long

 

  1. Restrictive areas:

        (i)     Allow adequate space when parking for loading and unloading purposes, especially plant with the need for

                ramps, etc.

      

  1. Damage to Vehicle:

        (i)     Use correct ramps and lifting gear

        (ii)    Ensure any moving parts are stationary before moving onto the vehicle

        (iii)   Secure all loads

 

  1. Lifting Techniques:

        (i)     Avoid putting strain on your back.  Bend your knees – keep your back straight.

        (ii)    If the load is too heavy, do not struggle with it – get somebody else to help.

 

 

  1. Overhead Services:

        (i)     Check for overhead wires especially telephone lines which are usually lower than power lines.

 

Loads:

  1. Be aware of the load you are carrying and drive sensibly according to the load and road conditions
  2. Ensure load is tied down with approved tie-downs and strapping. Ensure your load complies with NZTA safe loading procedures, if the load is over size ensure to use correct flags
  3. Check tie-downs for any damage that may cause weakness and breakage – replace if necessary
  4. DO NOT OVERLOAD

 

PLANT

Do not operate any plant if you have not been trained to do so

All plant, machinery and mobile plant will be fitted with, and in working order, the guards and safety gear supplied by the maker of the equipment.

Plant, machinery and mobile plant will be inspected regularly to ensure it meets the above requirements.

No plant machinery or mobile plant is to be used in an unsafe condition

Where new equipment is acquired, familiarisation courses will be run for operators

Regular maintenance of all plant, machinery and mobile plant shall take place in accordance with the manufacturer’s specification.

Records of this are kept and verified by the manager at regular intervals

 

 

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE

Much of the sickness incurred can be avoided by keeping tidy and clean, maintaining normal hygiene standards such as washing hands before and after toilet use, and before eating.

Keep body and clothing clean – quite serious infections can enter a minor scratch

Keep lunch room and ‘wash up’ facilities clean

Wear face masks if required due to Covid etc, to stop the spread viruses

 

 

SMOKING

On some sites there may be a ban on smoking outdoors.  Please observe any NO SMOKING signs.

 

 

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

These are strictly forbidden.  Any person who reports for work or is seen on the site under the influence of alcohol or drugs is considered a menace to himself, his workmates and everyone else, and will therefore be asked to leave the site.  It isn’t a clever thing to try and cover up for a mate if they’ve been drinking… for their sake, your sake and everybody else’s sake advise your foreman before someone gets hurt!

Inform the foreman if you are on prescription medication

 

You will not be allowed on site if under the influence of alcohol or drugs

 

 

RADIOS / Cellphones

Radios are not allowed on sites.  This includes Cellphones for personal use, Ipods etc.  For safety reasons your attention must remain on the job in hand

 

 

DOGS

Dogs are definitely NOT allowed on any work sites at all times.  Under no circumstances will there be any exceptions

 

 

RUBBISH

All rubbish must be placed in the areas designated.

Check out the site procedures for disposing of rubbish.

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on any site for any reason

 

 

EMERGENCIES  DIAL  111