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Safety
More often than not people's safety during the construction and end-use phases of a building project are seen as separate issues. However, decisions made during the development and design stages of a project can have an impact on the downstream safety of contractors and end-users. Safety should be made a priority from the very beginning of any building project and by bringing together architects, designers, contractors and end-users, devastating and costly accidents and delays can be minimised.
Issues
Some of the safety issues associated with a building project are:
- in New Zealand, construction workers are three times more likely to be killed and twice as likely to be seriously injured than in any other occupation
- proactive contractors have fewer costly accidents, which results in fewer project problems and delays.
Pointers
- Seek advice, for instance, from the Department of Labour, Occupational Health and Safety, or other organisations such as Site Safe.
- Bring all parties together early to consider how safety issues can be managed.
- During the design phase, consider how you will provide safe access to work areas and safety features (such as anchor points), for all maintenance and cleaning activities.
- Only use contractors and suppliers with a good health and safety record.
- Ensure the building is well maintained to minimise accidents associated with faulty or loose fixtures and fittings.
- Ensure there is a fire safety strategy in place, including fire drill training, and that all staff are familiar and comfortable with it.
- Provide first aid equipment, facilities and training.
Useful resources and information
- Site Safe New Zealand provides training for the construction industry
- A copy of the requirements of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 and Regulations 1995 are available on the OSH website
- Best Practice Procurement in Construction and Infrastructure in New Zealand - New Zealand Construction Industry Council
- A copy of the New Zealand injury prevention strategy is available from the ACC website
- The Health and Safety procurement guide Achieving Excellence in Construction, is available from the UK Office of Government Commerce
