There is no doubt that occupational health and safety (OSH) plays a key role in every industry. However, in construction their importance is particularly important. Working on a construction site involves many hazards that can lead to serious accidents and even death. Proper compliance with occupational health and safety regulations helps minimize the risk of these threats, protecting the health and life of employees.

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Occupational health and safety regulations – main goals

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is a set of regulations, rules and procedures aimed at protecting the health and life of employees and preventing accidents in the workplace. These are legal regulations specifying the obligations of employers and employees to ensure safe and hygienic working conditions. In the construction industry, occupational health and safety regulations are particularly important due to the nature of the work, which involves many potential threats. They include organizational, technical and sanitary rules as well as procedures for dealing with accidents and failures. The main purpose of occupational health and safety regulations is:

  • Protecting the health and life of employees by minimizing occupational risk.
  • Prevention of accidents at work and occupational diseases.
  • Improving work comfort and employee efficiency and productivity.
  • Reducing costs related to accidents and sickness absence.
  • Increasing employee awareness of threats and ways to avoid them.

Basic health and safety rules

Knowledge and, above all, compliance with basic safety rules is extremely important because it serves to ensure safe working conditions on the construction site. For this reason, all employees should regularly participate in occupational health and safety training, which covers both theoretical and practical aspects of safe work. Training should be adapted to the specificity of the tasks performed. However, how to apply these principles in practice?

Before starting work, all potential hazards should be carefully identified and the risks associated with them assessed. Mechanical, electrical, chemical, biological and ergonomic hazards must be considered. Moreover, before commencing any work activities, employees should be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as helmets, gloves, safety glasses, safety shoes, reflective clothing, dust masks, etc. PPE should be well selected and kept in good condition. and used in accordance with the instructions. However, all tools and machines should be checked regularly for efficiency and safety. Employees must be trained in their use.

One of the greatest hazards on construction sites is falls from height. Therefore, appropriate safeguards should be used on the construction site, such as safety barriers, nets, scaffolding and harnesses. In addition, follow the rules for working at heights.

What if an accident or breakdown occurs? Appropriate procedures should be developed and implemented. Employees must know the evacuation plan, the location of the first aid kit and emergency numbers. Moreover, they should be able to report any perceived threats and dangerous situations. Open communication between employees and management is crucial to quickly responding to potential problems.

Occupational health and safety regulations in various countries

In the European Union, each member state has its own regulations regarding occupational health and safety. However, they all must meet minimum standards set by EU directives. Despite a common legal framework, individual countries may introduce additional, more stringent regulations adapted to the specificity of local working conditions and risks. In Germany, for example, occupational health and safety inspections are very strict and regular. The Federal Labor Office (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) and labor inspectorates often visit construction sites to check compliance with regulations. In turn, in the UK (despite Brexit, occupational health and safety regulations are still consistent with EU standards) there is mandatory Health and Safety Executive (HSE) training for all newly employed employees.

Differences in health and safety regulations between EU countries can be significant, so it is important that construction workers are aware of local regulations and properly prepared before going to work abroad. Our agency helps you understand these regulations and provides the necessary training so that each employee can work safely and in accordance with local requirements.

Obligations of the employer and employee in the field of occupational health and safety

The employer has a key role in ensuring safe and hygienic working conditions on construction sites. His responsibilities are broad and include organizational, technical and educational aspects. The employer must carry out an occupational risk assessment for all workplaces. This assessment should take into account potential mechanical, electrical, chemical, biological and ergonomic hazards. Based on the risk assessment, the employer should develop and implement preventive measures and procedures to minimize the risk of accidents. In addition, it is obliged to organize regular occupational health and safety training for all employees. It must also provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). The employer is also obliged to keep detailed documentation regarding occupational health and safety training, inspections, audits and all incidents and accidents at work. You must report all serious accidents and incidents to the appropriate regulatory authorities in accordance with local regulations.

Employees also have their obligations to comply with occupational health and safety rules. Their responsibility primarily includes ensuring their own safety and cooperating with their employer to maintain a safe work environment. The employee is obliged to use the assigned personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with their intended use and instructions. He should ensure the proper technical condition of the PPE, report any damage and, if necessary, replace it with new ones. Moreover, the employee is obliged to immediately report any noticed threats, dangerous situations and accidents at work to his superiors or persons responsible for health and safety.

Summary

To sum up, compliance with occupational health and safety regulations is not only a legal obligation, but above all a moral and practical requirement to ensure the health and safety of workers on construction sites. Our employment agency makes every effort to ensure that each employee is properly trained, equipped and aware of their health and safety obligations before going to work abroad. This allows us to ensure that all employees work in safe conditions, minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries.