FEATURES
“ By undertaking various forms of training , workers become more aware of the complexities of working on a site . The experience gained about the task at hand and the associated health and safety considerations make workers more competent . A competent worker is a safer worker and the continuation of periodic training will be to the benefit of the employer and worker ,” says Ferriman .
Slabbert recommends that in terms of floor / substructure elevation , project managers must ensure that construction sites are hazard free as far as possible . “ In the case of a timber structure , workers are not allowed to walk along the timber beams that will later support the permanent floor structure ,” he says . Temporary floor boards must be put in place , which should be made accessible by temporary stairs , complete with handrails .
Scaffolding must be erected by an accredited scaffold erector who has attended a scaffold erecting course and he must have a valid certificate . “ It is best practice for this certificate to be renewed every two years , subject to refresher training , and must be kept in a file on site at all times ,” says Slabbert .
It is essential for scaffolding on site to be declared safe for use by the scaffold erector , who will display a green sign denoting the scaffolding is safe for use , or a red sign , indicating the scaffolding is unsafe and should not be used . “ Putting people ’ s lives and safety at risk is simply not worth the ‘ savings ’ of shoddy , site-made scaffolding ,” he says .
RISKS OF NON-COMPLIANCE
In some unfortunate cases , the owner or builder may want to cut corners and save on costs by using site-made scaffolding . Other on-site blunders include failure to put ‘ danger ’ tape around dangerous areas ; staff who don ’ t wear hard hats , eye wear and masks while working ; and loose cables and timber on the floor that workers can trip over .
“ Non-compliance with health and safety regulations puts your staff in danger of being physically hurt or worse . From a legal perspective , depending on the severity of non-compliance , your site runs the risk of being shut down ,” Slabbert says . Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal says that workers fail to consider the risks when taking chances and shortcuts .
Workmen ’ s Compensation is crucial for all construction companies to have . The fund offers a type of insurance that pays out if an accident or fatality occurs on site and everything is found to be compliant .
“ If an employee gets hurt they may not necessarily inspect the site , but if a fatality occurs , the site will be shut down and inspected ,” says Slabbert .
If an accident or fatality on a construction site is found to be non-compliant , the construction company stands a good chance that the Department of Labour ’ s Workmen ’ s Compensation Fund will not pay out and the construction company will foot the costs of any damages or compensation .
THE END OF IT ALL
Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal states that in addition to saving lives and preventing occupational injuries among
Some contractors use site-made scaffolding to cut corners . Image : South African Builder
those who work at fall risk positions , it makes good business sense to have a fall protection plan , to use the right fall protection equipment and provide the correct training .
“ Ensuring proper health and safety measures on site is a small price to pay to ensure compliance with the law ,” says Slabbert . “ Inspection must be done every morning before starting work . Materials and equipment on upper floors must be kept at a safe distance from the end of floor , packed neatly and visible ,” says Williams .
Slabbert recommends having a ‘ toolbox talk ’ with workers , a 15- to 20-minute meeting detailing daily tasks , possible hazards and preventative measures . “ The health and safety officer must also ensure that everyone has – and is appropriately utilising – their PPE . This is an essential part of the toolbox talk ,” he says .
Ferryman states that working at heights is a risk that cannot be avoided but rather managed and mitigated . “ The site-specific fall protection plan in conjunction with a sitespecific risk assessment and the associated safe working procedures , designed by a suitably qualified person , must be implemented and adhered to by all workers ,” he says .
It is mandatory to have a health and safety officer on site and it is important to make sure that workers have everything they need to do their work , instructions on what to do for the day and a good understanding of the safety hazards that come with their tools and jobs .
“ The more you talk about safety , people will more rapidly and effectively implement safer building habits . We know that habits eventually become behaviours and behaviours are the cornerstone of work ethos ,” says Slabbert .
WHAT IS NEEDED FOR A SAFE WORKING AT HEIGHT SYSTEM ?
• Fall protection plan
• Fall arrest and or rope access system for all working at heights
• Certified , inspected equipment
• Safe certified anchor points and / or anchor lines
• Training proving competence for working at height in line with the Skills Development Act
• Licenced technician for working at height through the Institute for Work at Height ( IWH )
• Rescue equipment and rescue plans
Source : Height Safety Holdings
34 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017 //