Health & Safety Policy
Safety considerations for planning and carrying out building work.
At 4 Dimension Construction, the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone affected by our building work are important considerations in the planning and delivery of our projects.
This page outlines the health and safety matters considered when planning our construction work. Project-specific responsibilities and safety arrangements must be established before work begins.
The arrangements for each project must reflect the nature of the work, the property, the people involved and applicable health and safety requirements.
Contents
- 1. Our approach to health and safety
- 2. Responsibilities and site management
- 3. Risk assessments and safe working methods
- 4. Structural work and higher-risk activities
- 5. Asbestos and hazardous materials
- 6. Working in occupied properties
- 7. Subcontractors and specialist trades
- 8. Site welfare, housekeeping and protective equipment
- 9. Fire safety, emergencies and incidents
- 10. Communication and ongoing review
- 11. Health and safety enquiries
1. Our approach to health and safety
Our objective is to carry out construction activities in a manner that protects workers, subcontractors, customers, visitors and members of the public from foreseeable risks.
Health and safety considerations should be incorporated into project planning, site preparation, construction activities and completion.
Where hazards are identified, appropriate precautions and working arrangements must be established before the relevant activities proceed.
2. Responsibilities and site management
Health and safety responsibilities must be clearly allocated for each project.
This includes identifying who is responsible for coordinating work, managing site activities, communicating safety information and ensuring appropriate precautions are implemented.
Where specialist contractors or other dutyholders are involved, their respective responsibilities must be established and coordinated.
3. Risk assessments and safe working methods
Construction activities must be assessed for foreseeable hazards, taking account of the work being undertaken and the conditions at the property.
Appropriate risk assessments, method statements and other safety documentation should be prepared and communicated where required.
These arrangements should be reviewed when work activities, site conditions or identified risks change.
4. Structural work and higher-risk activities
Extensions, loft conversions and renovations may involve structural alterations, temporary supports, excavations, roof work and other activities requiring specialist consideration.
Appropriate planning, technical information, competent personnel and protective measures must be established before higher-risk work proceeds.
Particular attention should be given to structural stability, work at height, excavations, electrical services, equipment and safe access.
5. Asbestos and hazardous materials
Existing buildings may contain asbestos or other hazardous materials that are not immediately visible.
Before work that could disturb suspect materials begins, the need for suitable surveys, assessments and specialist involvement must be established.
Where potentially hazardous materials are discovered or suspected during construction, affected work must stop until the risks have been appropriately assessed and suitable arrangements established.
Dust, chemicals and other hazardous substances must also be considered when planning construction activities.
6. Working in occupied properties
Some building projects take place while customers remain living in their homes.
Where this is the case, site arrangements should consider the safety of occupants, children, pets, visitors and workers.
Relevant precautions may include separating work areas, managing access and deliveries, protecting occupied spaces and considering temporary disruption to essential services.
The suitability of remaining in the property during construction should be discussed in relation to the particular project.
7. Subcontractors and specialist trades
Construction projects may involve subcontractors or specialist trades.
Those undertaking work must have the competence, information and resources appropriate to their responsibilities.
Coordination between the people involved is important, particularly where different activities take place at the same time or create risks for others.
8. Site welfare, housekeeping and protective equipment
Appropriate site arrangements should address welfare facilities, safe access, material storage, waste management and general housekeeping.
Suitable protective equipment and other precautions must be identified according to the risks associated with the work.
Work areas should be managed to reduce avoidable hazards to workers and others affected by construction activities.
9. Fire safety, emergencies and incidents
Emergency arrangements must reflect the nature of the site and the work being undertaken.
Relevant considerations include fire precautions, emergency access, first aid, evacuation arrangements and communication of emergency information.
Accidents, incidents and potentially dangerous occurrences must be addressed in accordance with applicable reporting and investigation requirements.
10. Communication and ongoing review
Health and safety information must be communicated to those affected by the work, including workers, subcontractors and customers where relevant.
Project arrangements should be reviewed when the scope of work, site conditions or risks change.
The information on this page should also be reviewed periodically and when significant operational or legislative changes make a review necessary.
11. Health and safety enquiries
If you have questions about health and safety arrangements relating to a proposed or ongoing project, please contact info@4dmc.co.uk.
Project-specific arrangements will depend on the work being undertaken and the conditions at the property.