There are certain risks associated with every workplace and the construction industry is one of the most dangerous. Workers on a construction site are subject to several different risks and hazards throughout their workday, some of which can have very dire consequences. This is why site management safety is so crucial in every workplace.

An accident in the workplace is an extremely negative event for all involved. The worker will experience serious pain, injury or illness – perhaps even death. Injuries caused by workplace accidents can cause permanent damage and can sometimes even result in long term injury that prevents the worker from returning to the job.

Also, accidents in the workplace have serious and long lasting consequences for the company as well. The cost of downtime and the expense to repair any broken equipment can be quite expensive, as well as the cost of lengthy legal trials and compensation claims. The company will also suffer from a blow to their safety ratings and their reputation, damaging their good name and making potential employees, clients and contractors less likely to want to work with them.

For these reasons, health and safety is extremely important and every supervisor and manager should undergo site management safety training before taking responsibility for a work site. The training will ensure that the individual is aware of the risks involved in carrying out the work and is able to enforce the appropriate health and safety procedures to avoid accident and injury.

Hazards Specific to the Construction Industry

Construction is one of the most dangerous industries and construction workers face a lot of potential hazards when they are performing their job. This is why site management safety training is so essential for this type of workplace. What are some of the specific risks that managers in the construction industry need to be aware of? Here are a few of the major health and safety concerns:

  • Construction work can involve working at height, which must be carried out with approved safety harnesses and scaffolding to prevent the risk of falls.
  • Workers on a construction site are also at risk of injury when lifting heavy loads.
  • Correct lifting techniques or machines to assist lifting should be employed at all times.
  • Another risk is the exposure to particles in the air during demolition, such as asbestos. This can be extremely harmful to a worker’s long term health and safety precautions should always be taken.
  • Power tools are also a potential danger on a construction site and should be used with the correct procedures and any applicable safety gear.
  • Construction workers also find themselves at risk for permanent long term hearing loss, due to the extremely loud sounds of machinery and vehicles that they are subjected to on the job. Proper ear protection should be worn at all times and working procedures should limit exposure to loud noises.
  • Vibrating equipment such as machines and hand tools can cause musculoskeletal problems and a condition known as “white finger”. It is important to limit exposure to vibrations or use equipment that minimizes the effects.
  • Workers who drive vehicles, such as dump trucks or forklifts, are subject to hazards as well.

All vehicle operators should be appropriately trained and all vehicles should be regularly inspected to ensure that they meet safety standards.

These are just a few of the common hazards that construction workers face on the job. The number of risks demonstrates why it is so important to have a well-trained site manager who is informed about health and safety. In the workplace, a risk assessment should be carried out and appropriate safe working procedures should be determined which minimize the risk of these dangers as much as possible.

Who is Site Management Safety Training For?

SMSTS training is intended for site managers, senior supervisors, project managers and other proprietors. The course is for anyone with a role of responsibility when it comes to ensuring health and safety in the workplace.

What Does Site Management Safety Training Cover?

Site management safety training is designed to help site managers develop an understanding of moral, legal and social responsibilities that are involved in their role. The course will cover a number of important topics, including site set up, construction design, risk assessment, method statements, scaffolding, demolition, excavations, electricity, working in confined spaces and much more.

The course also provides participants with the knowledge that they need to comply with regulations and legislations related to a construction site.

What to Expect from the Course

The site management safety training scheme lasts for five days and is led by experienced tutors. They will work with each participant to ensure that they have a complete understanding of the course materials. There will be core exercises throughout the course, which will validate whether or not you understand each part of the training. You will need to pass each core exercise, in order to continue and pass the course. As well as the course modules such as excavations, demolitions, scaffolding, etc. You will also be taught how to write a statement, perform a risk assessment and other important skills that you will need in the workplace.

At the end of the course, participants will need to undertake a final examination. If you have attended all of the days of the course and you pass the examination, you will receive the qualification. This site management safety qualification is valid for five years and after that point you will be able to renew the qualification by attending a two day refresher course.

Choosing the Right Training Course

It is important to ensure that all site managers have completed the appropriate site management safety training for their position, so that they can create a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.

If you’re a supnot working in construction and you’re a supervisor or manager requiring health and safety training, consider the IOSH Managing Safely course.

Construction Health and Safety Courses

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