Standard Company Rules Companies often develop a set of rules specific to their operations and sector. These rules normally reflect legislative requirements such as mandatory training and the use of personal protective equipment, such as fall arrest systems. Many companies however, go beyond the requirements of the law and develop additional rules, such as mandatory eye protection and worker orientation. Hazard, accident and injury reporting procedures could also form part of the company rules. Other rules could address such items as the company non-conformance/disciplinary procedure, smoking in the workplace, alcohol and other drugs, horseplay, use of defective tools or equipment, etc. Companies should establish rules to govern the conduct and actions of their employees. These rules should leave no room for discretion and argument. The rules must be enforced and action should be taken every time a rule is violated. Since safety programs already contain the assignment of responsibilities and safe work practices/procedures, rules should be kept to a minimum.

General rules – examples

All accidents must be reported immediately to your supervisor/foreman, and prior to leaving the workplace. All workers must have proof of training indicating that they are trained in WHMIS. Workers must wear appropriate PPE when and where required. Workers must perform all work following safe work practices and safe job procedures. Workers must maintain good housekeeping. No fighting or horseplay is permitted at the workplace. No theft or vandalism will be tolerated at the workplace. No possession or consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs is permitted while at the workplace. You are not permitted to arrive or remain at work if your ability to perform the job safely is impaired.

The downside for your business if it gets it all wrong.

• Directors, Managers and Supervisors can be prosecuted.
• Financial implications can be substantial.
• Your workers would suffer a loss of their earnings.
• Workers and their family would carry the burden for after-care costs following an injury or accident.
• Your Business would suffer disruption.
• Incurr expensive claims for damages, etc.
• Your business could even collapse.

What you need to ask yourself;

• Is my business covered?
• Do I have a company Safety Policy?
• Do I get advice from a competent Health and Safety Consultancy?
• Do I know everything I should about Health and Safety at Work?
• Have Workplace Safety Risk Assessments been carried out?
• Do I have deadly Asbestos in my building? (the silent killer)
• What affects the business and employees welfare in terms of Health and Safety Law?
• Would I be prepared to let the company be named and shamed� through a breach of Health and Safety Law & Regulations that could easily be avoided? 
   

Helping you make sense of the chaos

The modern construction workplace is constantly changing and so it is important to control and deal with any problems which may arise in advance. A key part of this is ensuring that your business complies with current health & safety legislation. We are here to help.

Here are some of the services we offer:

For Principle Contractors

We can provide professional assistance in managing day-to-day safety on construction sites. We also offer valuable assistance in areas including:

• Subcontractor management
• Regular site safety visits
• Safety instructions
• Vetting sub-contractors health & safety documentation, including safety policies, procedures, risk assessments and method statements

For Subcontractors

If you need help producing your safety policy and safety procedures, or you need assistance in producing risk assessments and method statements, we are here to help.

General

• Risk assessments
• Method statements
• CDM (Construction Design and Management) Regulation 2007
  • Pre-construction Information Packs
  • Construction Phase Health and Safety Plans
  • Health and Safety Files
  • Operation and Maintenance Manuals (O&M Manuals)
• Site visits
• Toolbox talks
• Construction site audits
• Checks on contractor competency
• Contractor safety
• Occupational health (Dust / Noise / HAVS [Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome] )
• Manual handling
• COSHH
• Working at height
• Slips, trips and falls
• Lifting operations and lifting equipment