Wednesday, March 24, 2021

HSE Construction eBulletin: March 2021

An update from HSE on the latest information for employers and workers in the construction sector

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HSE eBulletin

Advice on keeping workplaces safe as COVID restrictions are eased

coronavirus

HSE has produced a signposting page that provides the latest information on any changes related to workplace safety following the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

 

Our webpage on keeping workplaces safe as restrictions are eased covers the government's roadmap out of lockdown and advice on returning to the workplace safely.

 

It also explains which restrictions are not changing and provides details of advice from public health bodies and other government departments on requirements not enforced by HSE such as:

  • face coverings
  • workplace testing
  • NHS Test and Trace
  • vaccinations

Further Coronavirus updates and advice

One year since the beginning of the first COVID-19 lockdown

This week last year we entered the first national lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

 

HSE is reflecting on the toll that this has taken over the last 12 months, one of the most challenging periods for generations.

 

As we begin to look forward with hope of a brighter future, we must remain vigilant of the risks. It is just as important today, as the government considers the easing of lockdown restrictions, that employers and businesses ensure they are implementing the right controls to stop the spread of COVID-19, as it was a year ago.

 

HSE has published a range of coronavirus related guidance and information, to help you keep your workplace COVID-secure, including:

 

First aid at work 

We've updated our guidance on first aid training during the pandemic as rescue breaths have been temporarily omitted while coronavirus transmission rates remain high.

 

Ventilation and air conditioning

Our advice to help employers provide adequate ventilation in their workplaces during the pandemic has been updated and expanded.

 

This builds on helping you to identify and take action in poorly ventilated areas. It also provides guidance on other factors to consider when assessing the risk from aerosol transmission and determining whether adequate ventilation is being provided to reduce this risk.

 

Talking with your workers about preventing coronavirus 

We've updated guidance to help you have conversations with your workforce about providing support and keeping control measures in place. 

 

The guidance has been expanded to include more advice on:

  • supporting higher-risk groups
  • returning to the workplace
  • ventilation and air conditioning
  • stress, mental health and wellbeing

Keeping your COVID-19 risk assessment up to date 

Every workplace should have a COVID-19 risk assessment that is regularly reviewed as circumstances change.

 

For everything you need to consider and the actions you should take to control the risks and prevent the spread of the virus, watch this short video.


Recording near misses at work

near misses book

Understanding near misses can help you reduce the risk of accidents. 

 

HSE's newly published 'Near-miss Book' helps employers and employees record details of workplace near misses, providing valuable insight into when and how things go wrong. 

 

A pattern of near misses provides an early warning that something needs attention. 

 

The Near-miss Book is now available to purchase.


Other industry news and publications

New Chief Inspector of Buildings

HSE has announced a new Chief Inspector of Buildings to establish and lead the new Building Safety Regulator.

 

For all the latest news on the Building Safety Regulator subscribe to our building safety email bulletin.

 

Research reports

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a painful and disabling disorder of the blood vessels, nerves and joints, caused by exposure to hand transmitted vibration, often from use of power tools.  HAVS is preventable, but once damage is done, it is irreversible.

 

The following recently published research reports describe investigative work carried out by HSE in relation to HAVS:

  • RR1162 - Standard test codes for the declaration of vibration emission: a review of research carried out by the Health and Safety Executive
  • RR1163 - The effectiveness of British Standard BS EN ISO 28927-11:2001 concerning the vibration emission of stone hammers
  • RR1164 - The effectiveness of British Standard BS EN ISO 28927-10:2011 concerning the vibration emission of percussive drills, hammers and breakers

HSE training now available online

In order to provide a safe learning environment some of our most popular courses are now available live online from anywhere in the world.

 

Find out more and see the full schedule here.

 

Upcoming courses include:


Recent HSE enforcement activity

Asbestos

 

Links for further guidance and information: Cancer and construction: Asbestos

 

Plant maintenance

 

Links for further guidance and information: HSE Safety Alert – Track Tensioning incident

 

Demolition

 

Links for further guidance and information: Demolition

 

Groundworks

 

Links for further guidance and information: Planning for construction work

 

Work at height

Links for further guidance and information: Fragile surfaces and Health and safety in roof work (HSG33)


Jobs at HSE

Develop a career at HSE and help to protect lives.

 

As the national occupational health and safety regulator, HSE offers a range of rewarding career opportunities. 

 

View a list of our latest vacancies

 

Get latest news and updates from HSE across a range of industries and topics - Subscribe to our eBulletins here

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