The euphoria of winning a contract is incredible – the hard work put in has paid dividends.  But now the challenge really begins and your duties as the Contractor must start immediately. Not only must you plan the schemes of work but any risk to health and safety must be identified and assessed. Details of any planning must be recorded as a Construction Phase Plan. According to the Health and Safety Executive ‘The effort devoted to planning should be proportionate to the complexity of the project and the risks involved’.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was formed on 1 January 1975. Its responsibility is to carry out the requirements of the Health and Safety Commission and to enforce health and safety legislation in all workplaces, except those regulated by Local Authorities.

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) came into force on 6 April 2015 replacing CDM 2007. These regulations must be applied to the entire process of all construction projects, from its concept to completion.  Each duty holder must adhere to the law to ensure health and safety is secured and maintained throughout the project.

What is Required?

So, what skills, knowledge and experience are required by a contractor to ensure they execute their duties with health and safety at the top of the agenda? The HSE states that ‘All contractors must be able to demonstrate that they have the skills, knowledge and experience and, where an organisation, the organisational capability to carry out the work safely and without risk to health’. It also states that ‘when a contractor employs an individual to carry out construction work, they must make sure the individual has the skills, knowledge, experience and training to carry out the work in a way that secures health and safety, or is in the process of obtaining them’.

There’s a huge array of health and safety factors that need to be assessed before work commences. These include the welfare of workers such as access to toilet facilities, eating and rest areas to involving workers in decisions that have to be made. It involves managing the risk of exposure to harmful and hazardous substances and controlling the risk of physical health risks such as those relating to noise, vibration, heights and lifting as well as many other aspects.

BRAC Contracts takes their responsibility for health and safety very seriously and have CHAS, The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme accreditation. Having worked on a large portfolio of projects for many different clients and sectors, we’re extremely proud of our health and safety record.

We believe that undertaking any refurbishment, fit out or renovation work should be a stress-free and exciting experience. From the first concept right through to completion, BRAC Contracts can confidently ensure your project runs smoothly, professionally and safely.

If you would like to discuss a project you have in mind or want to ask any questions then click here. Alternatively, you can contact Adam Clark on adam@brac-contracts.co.uk or call him on 01268 573933.