New Info Pack Lays Foundation for Safer Building Sites

HSENI has launched a new small builders’ resource pack to help them better manage their health and safety responsibilities.

Speaking at the launch, George Lucas, HSENI Chairman, said, “This is a valuable and much needed resource for smaller contractors working in the construction industry. It gives practical advice and guidance in a very clear and concise way and lays the foundations for them to develop robust health and safety management systems”.

The construction industry remains one of the highest risk sectors in Northern Ireland with 40 deaths in the past 10 years.  Many smaller contractors struggle to implement effective health and safety systems and procedures that will keep their workers safe and comply with their legal responsibilities.

Recognising this, Health and Safety Works NI, HSENI’s small business advisory service, developed the new resource pack to be a practical working document.

The service’s senior advisor David Lowe said, “From my experience of working with the construction industry it became clear that it needed guidance across a range of issues, from writing a health and safety policy, through carrying out risk assessments and preparing method statements, to putting together a health and safety plan.  By working closely with HSENI inspectors we have developed a resource pack which includes worked examples and helpful blank templates to help them undertake their own site inspections”.

The pack will form part of a package of assistance provided by HSWNI during one to one advisory visits with construction employers.

Mark Ward, S C Developments, also present at the launch said, “Having already made use of HSWNI’s advisory service this new pack is a welcome addition to their service and gives us straightforward advice on the steps we need to take to keep our employees safe”.

For more information on the resource pack and HSWNI’s other services please phone 0300 020 0030 or email hswni@detini.gov.uk