Safety In Construction

Matthew Austen W1307749 1

Is Heath and Safety being communicated to the Workforce

Matthew Austen

Bsc (Hons) Construction Management

8 July 2013

University of Westminster

School of Architecture and the Built Environment

Department of Property & Construction


Abstract This dissertation has been produced to look at the UK construction force its is aimed to look into the

knowledge of those carrying out the day to day tasks, from Mangers to Carpenters, Electricians,

Plumbers, Duct workers, to see if the labour forces used onsite have an understating of Health and

Safety law and CDM Regulations.

The UK Heath and Safety at Work Act 1974 was brought in to the construction industry to ensure

employer, employees, suppliers and Contractors are responsible under the Act.

The Health and Safety at work Act 1974 also known as HASWA covers the legal obligations, it enable

the courts to apply Law to Health and Safety, this research paper will look at how these laws have been

adapted in to the current day running of UK construction sites and if these laws have been adapted as

more of box ticking exercise rather than protecting those on site, the research will look at the

knowledge of the sites operatives understanding into Health and Safety and gather a inclusive view on

the Labour force, to see if Heath and Safety risk are being communicated to them.

The Overall research for the paper will be taken from 8 different sites and will incorporate a desktop

study, interviews and questionnaires; this will enable the research to gather information from a varied

group of construction projects, with a view to establish if there is a communication problem between

the onsite team and the management.


Table of Contents

Abstract -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 2

Tables and Figures -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 5

Abbreviations -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 6

Declaration -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 7

Preface -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 8

Dissertation Contents: -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 10

Introduction: -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 12

Aim: -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 12

Objectives: -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 12

Key Questions: -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 12

Outline research methodology: -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 12

Chapter 2 Literature Review -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 14

Introduction to literature review -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 15

What is Heath and Safety in construction? -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 15

How is Heath and Safety Information is Communicated. -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 21

Case studies -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 25

Literature review evaluation -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 28

Further Areas for research -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 29

Chapter 3 – research design and methodology -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 30

Introduction -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 31

Quantitative Research -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 31

Qualitative Research -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 31

Methodology for collecting Data -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 32

Pilot investigation -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 33

Rationale for interviews -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 36

Chapter 4 – Findings and Discussions -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 37

Introduction -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 38


Further Findings into the Data reviewed -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 48

Interpretation of findings -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 53

Chapter 5 – Conclusions and recommendations -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 54

Introduction -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 55

References and Bibliography’s -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 58

Appendices -‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 63


Tables and Figures Table 1 ..................................................................................................................................................... 18

Table 2 ..................................................................................................................................................... 20

Table 3 ..................................................................................................................................................... 25

Table 4 ..................................................................................................................................................... 26

Table 5 ..................................................................................................................................................... 27

Table 6 ..................................................................................................................................................... 33

Table 7 .................................................................................................................................................... 36

Table 8 ..................................................................................................................................................... 38

Table 9 ..................................................................................................................................................... 38

Table 10 ................................................................................................................................................... 39

Table 11 ................................................................................................................................................... 39

Table 12 ................................................................................................................................................... 40

Table 13 ................................................................................................................................................... 40

Table 14 ................................................................................................................................................... 41

Table 15 ................................................................................................................................................... 41

Table 16 ................................................................................................................................................... 42

Table 17 ................................................................................................................................................... 42

Table 18 ................................................................................................................................................... 43

Table 19 ................................................................................................................................................... 43

Table 20 ................................................................................................................................................... 44

Table 21 ................................................................................................................................................... 44

Table 22 ................................................................................................................................................... 45

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Table 26 ................................................................................................................................................... 47

Table 27 ................................................................................................................................................... 47

Table 28 ................................................................................................................................................... 48

Table 29 ................................................................................................................................................... 48

Table 30 ................................................................................................................................................... 49

Table 31 ................................................................................................................................................... 49

Table 32 ................................................................................................................................................... 50


Abbreviations HSE – Health and Safety Executive.

HSAWA – Health and safety at work Act.

CIOB – Chartered Institute of Builders.

RICS- Royal institute of chartered surveyors.

ACOP – Approved Code of Practice.

CDM - Client Design Management.

NA – Not applicable.


Declaration

I hereby certify that all material in this dissertation which is not my own work has been identified

through the proper use of citations and references. I also confirm that I have fully acknowledged by

name all of those individuals and organisations that have contributed to the research for this

dissertation.

I further declare that this dissertation has not been accepted in part or in full for any other degree, nor is

it being submitted currently for any other degree

The dissertation contains 11759 words, exclusive of diagrams, tables, bibliography and appendices

I confirm that a digital copy of this dissertation may be made available to future students of the

University of Westminster.

Students Name – Mathew Austen

Students Signature -

Date of Declaration – 8-7-2013


Preface

My interest to produce this dissertation comes from working on construction sites since the age 15 to

date, this over the 17 years I have worked in construction, I have breathed and seen the constriction

industry from all angles, starting in a small restoration work shop locally to village of Smeeth where

the horse glue pot was the first task of the day and my first accident at work, I moved from the small

work shop to Spectrum Joinery in Ashford Kent after two years after my Dad who was a milkman at

the time found me a job, I learned how to use machinery and trained as a bench joiner and site fitter,

although I remember the HASWA sign on the wall I don’t remember any training or inductions

associated with this, after three years I left Spectrum Joinery to join as small building firm restoring old

Kent barns here I learned about the real site environment and how to pry apart 8x2 frozen together on

the cold winter mornings, there was no site cabins tea rooms and I often remember sitting in the back

of old transit van with a generator running to boil the kettle, after three years I went self employed and

started my own company working for the general public , the work was inconstant and there was more

work In London working as a shop fitter and the direction of the works changed from local works to

Sub-contracting for builders and Shop fitting company’s, over the year I worked in Ireland, France,

Italy and all areas of England mainly on high end Shop fitting sites, in 2003 I began to work as a

Subcontractor for Cardy Construction from Canterbury the work was very diverse and so was the

Health and Safety, in 2005 I moved to Luton to work with Cardy as a Site foremen on the Luton Hoo,

where we had in excess of 400 to 500 staff member per day to our construction team over a period of 4

years, in 2007 I stated training as a site manger and had my own HASAWA to understand and how it

was to be implemented , in 2009 I was running my own million pound projects as a project manager for

Cardy Construction with my own teams, to date I currently operate as a Site/Project Manger and have

seen the construction industry from the ground up, for this reason I would want to see if the current UK

construction force understand what it is that I have learned over the last 5 years whilst studying at

Westminster University and Canterbury College and see if the practical side of health and Safety is

being understood by those on the ground and if they actually really care about this, I have chosen the

topic because of my own experiences on site with view to understating the site staff and how I can

improve the communication of Health and Safety.

I would like to thank my two Daughters Faye and Ellie, Family and Friends for supporting me whilst

writing this dissertation and their continual support over my 5 years of study.

I would also like to thank Michael Stannard for whom has made all of this possible.

I would like to Thank Adam Clemens for his support.

I would also like to thank the Site Mangers and Project mangers that swiftly returned my

questionnaires during a very small period of time and the site member who participated in the survey

questionnaires.


I would also like to Thank Amber, Andy, Matt and Darrel for their support at Westminster University

and all the Staff who have helped me achieve this research paper.

This Dissertation is dedicated to my Late Father Stuart Victor Austen, who sadly passed away on the

11th February 2013, and would like to personally thank him for his support over the years and my first

Carpentry set at the age of 12.


Dissertation Contents:

Chapter 1 –Introduction

This Chapter introduces the dissertation and the thinking behind the report.

Chapter 2 - Literature Review

This chapter of the dissertation looks at pervious construction informational and statistics, to collate the

information and proved a lined argument for raising points about communication issues within the

construction industry.

Chapter 3 – Research design and methodology

This chapter looks at the methods used to collect the data and why these methods were chosen for this

dissertation.

Chapter 4 – Findings and discussions

This part of the document look at data that has been collected with a view to analysis the information

into tables and chart and review the questions and interviews and combine the information.

Chapter 5 - Conclusions

Final though on where there are communication issues with in the construction industry and areas for

further research.

References, Bibliography, Appendices

A list of all the information and books, websites copy’s of question papers and interviews.

Limitation and constraints of the research

Due to two mitigating circumstances the research paper was produced in a very short period of time as

set under the referral period, this meant that only a small number of people could be contacted and used

in the research and was less than I had hoped for to conclude the whole document as returns on

questionnaires was limited and interview were restricted to the time frame allowed.


CHAPTER 1


Introduction:

This dissertation looks at the UK Construction industry to look at how the current HASAWA is being

enforced and seek to see if this is being implemented on sites and if it is being successfully

communicated to the site teams, through the collection of data from questionnaires given to the site

managers and the site teams the research will look at different trades and profession on site. The

research will look at how different professions on site have a view on Health and Safety, and see if

certain area of the construction Industry needs further training in the communication of Heath and

Safety

Aim:

To determine if heath and safety Is being communicated to the workforce.

Objectives:

1. To evaluate heath and safety.

2. To review case studies in terms of responsibilities on communication.

3. To review how Health and Safety information is communicated

4. To test If Health and Safety if Health and Safety is being communicated to the Workforce

5. To establish if Heath and Safety risks need to be better communicated to the Workforce

Key Questions:

Is the communication of health and safety getting through to the Workforce?

Outline research methodology:

Literature review

Health and Safety play as key parts of every day running of a construction site, Information is freely

available on the topic areas such as good practice and implementation, the HSE also publish statistics

that are useful, however finding key information on communication is difficult to locate this because

there are not many books or documents published specifically on the link, and if there is a requirement

for Heath and Safety to be communicated better to the taskforce. The literature review looks at the

information gathered from books, journals, previous dissertation and information from the CIOB,

RICS, HSE, and online information to answer the first three objectives.

Questionnaires

Information required to conclude the forth and fifth objectives was formulated into the questionnaires,

due to the short time frame to carry out this the questionnaires were distributed to 8 sites and gathered

over one week.


The questionnaires have been designed to see if there is a link between those with training with out and

to gather a common knowledge on how Heath and Safety and if the information communicated.

Interviews

To gather further information 1 interviews was arranged with a project manger from 1 of the 8 sites

that questionnaires had been sent to, keeping the questions based around the questions raised in the

questionnaires was discussed so to keep the consistence of the dissertation.

Case Studies

The case studies that have been chosen are designed to look at gathering further information to all

objectives, the case studies were difficult to find and linking information and data specific to this was

difficult to achieve.


Chapter 2 Literature Review


Introduction to literature review

This chapter looks at current and previous heath safety background within the construction industry, it

look into how Health and Safety is implemented on site and how the information is communicated to

the onsite trades, the study looks at the current HSE statistics for accidents in the construction industry

and the topics are linked to the objectives to established, to see if the UK construction industry is

effectively communication Heath and Safety information.

What is Heath and Safety in construction? This section of the dissertation seek to understand what Health and Safety is and how construction is

defined with a view to understand what legislations are in place and how these legislations are enforced

through out the construction sector with final view of understanding how Health and Safety is

implemented in construction. Looking at the Accident statistics it seek to understand where failures

may occur.

The Health And Safety Web site says ‘The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, also referred to as

HASAW or HSW, is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in the

United Kingdom. The Health and Safety Executive is responsible for enforcing the Act and a number

of other Acts and Statutory Instruments relevant to the working environment.’ (HSE 2013)

The (1974) Heath and Safety at works at states that ‘ An Act to make further provisions for securing

the Health and Safety and welfare of persons at work, for protecting others against risks to health or

safety in connection with the activities of persons at work, for controlling the keeping and use and

preventing the unlawful acquisition, possession and use of dangerous substances, and for controlling

certain emissions into the atmosphere, to make further provisions with respect to the employment

medical advisory services; to amend the Law relating to Building Regulations, And the Building

(Scotland Act 1959 and for connected purposes’ (HSE 2013 p.1)

The CITB talk about HASAWA (1974) further in the (2008) GE700 ‘ The Heath and Safety at work,

Etc. Act 1974 provides for a comprehensive legislative frame work to promote, stimulate and

encourage high standards of Health and Safety awareness and effective standards of Heath and Safety

Management’ (CITB, 2008 p.1)

The (CITB, 2008 P.1) goes on to say ‘One of the main aims of the Act is to involve every one’

The (1974) Health and Safety at Work Act stated that ‘ There shall be a body cooperated to be known

as the Heath and Safety Executive (In this Act referred to as “the Executive” ‘ (p.6)

This is further now known as the HSE and they have the powers under the HASAWA (1974) to

enforce the Act and it Regulations.


The 1974 Act has produced many Regulations over the years that have been implemented by the HSE

these are ascending from 1989;

• Construction (head Protection) Regulations (1989)

• Manual handling operations Regulations (1992)

• Personal protective equipment Regulations (1992)

• Provision and use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998)

• Lifting Operations & lifting Equipment Regulations (1998)

• Management of Heath and Safety at work Regulations (1999)

• Work at Height Regulations (2005)

• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (2007)

The Construction (Design and Management) also known as CDM replaced CHWS and the (CDM94)

due to its complexity, (Managing Heath and Safety, 2007 p.1) notes this regulation ‘ The Construction

(Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM2007) came into force on the 6 April 2007 they

replaced the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 (CDM94) and the construction

(Health Safety Welfare) Regulations 1996 (CHWS) . This Approved Code of practice (ACOP)

provides practical guidance on complying with the duties set out in Regulations. It replaces the ACOP

to the Construction (Design and Management Regulation 194 from 6 April 2007.’

The development of the ACoP and Regulations had lead the construction industry to the CDM

regulations (2007) this part of the dissertation looks at how the CDM now play part in the construction

industry and information that is required to be communicated.

(Managing Heath and Safety, 2007 p.1) talks further about the new ACoP ‘ The key aim of CDM 2007

is to integrate Heath and Safety in to the Management of the project and to encourage every one

involved to work together to;

a) Improve the panning and management of projects from the very start;

b) Identify, hazards early on, so they can be eliminated or reduced at the design or planning

stage and the remaining risks can be properly managed;

c) Target effort where it can do the most good in terms of Heath and Safety; and

d) Discourage unnecessary bureaucracy’ (p.1)

The CITB further talk about this ‘ the fundamental requirements under the Construction (Design and

Management) Regulations 2007) CDM, for competency, Co-operation and Co-ordination, imply a need

for consultation between various parties working on the project, at all levels, These requirements apply

to all project, whether they are notifiable or not’ (CITB, 2008, p.5 A-4)

Managing Heath and Safety (2007) talks further about the various parties further and the

responsibilities as shown in Table 1 on the next page.


All Construction Projects (Part 2 of the Regulations)

Additional Duties for notifiable Projects (part 3 of the Regulations)

Clie

nts (

excl

udin

g do

mes

tic c

lient

s)

• Check competence and resources of all appointees

• Ensure there are suitable management arrangements for the project including welfare facilities

• Allow sufficient time and resources for all stages

• Provide pre-construction information to designers and contractors

• Appoint CDM co-ordinator* • Appoint principle contractor • Make sure the construction phase does not start

unless there are sutiable: -Welfare facilities, and -Construction Phase plan in place

• Provide information relating to the Heath and Safety File to the CDM co-ordinator

• Retain and provide access to health and safety file

(*There must be a CDM co-ordintator and principle contractor until the end of the construction phase)

CD

M c

o-or

dina

tor

• Advise and assist the client with their duties • Notify the HSE • Co-ordinate health and safety aspects of the

construction work and co-operate with others involved with the project

• Facilitate good communication between clients, designers and contractors

Des

igne

rs

• Check client is aware of their duties

• Eliminate hazards and reduce risk during design

• Provide information about remaining risks

• Check CDM Co-ordinator has been appointed • Provide any information needed for the heath

and safety file


All Construction Projects (Part 2 of the Regulations)

Additional Duties for notifiable Projects (part 3 of the Regulations)

Prin

cipl

e C

ontra

ctor

s

• Plant, mange and monitor construction phase in liaison with contractor

• Prepare, develop and implement a written plan and site rules (initial plan completed before the construction phase begins)

• Give contractors relevant part of the plan • Make sure suitable welfare facilities are provide

from the start and maintained through out the construction phase

• Check competency of all appointees • Ensure all workers have site inductions and any

further training needed for the work • Consult with the workers • Liaise with CDM co-ordinator regarding

ongoing design • Secure the site

Con

tract

ors

• Check the client is aware of their duties

• Plan, manage and monitor own work and that of workers

• Check competency off all their workers

• Comply with the specifics requirements in Part 4 of the Regulations

• Ensure that there are adequate welfare facilities for their workers

• Check a CDM co-ordinator and a Principle contractor has been appointed and HSE notified before starting work

• Co-operate with principle contractor with planning and managing work, including reasonable directions and site rules

• Provide details to the principle contractor whom he engages in connection with carrying out the work

• Provide any information needed for the heath and safety file

• Inform principle contractor of problems with the plan

• Inform principle contactor of reportable accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences

Ever

ybod

y

• Check own competence • Co-operate with others and Co-ordinate work so as to ensure the health and safety

of construction workers and other who may be affected by the work • Report obvious risks • Take account and apply the general principles of prevention when carrying out tasks

Table 1 is produced from (Managing Health and Safety in Construction 2008 p.5)

Table 1 shows that even if a project is not notifiable there is still a duty on everybody , as noted by

(Managing Health and Safety in Construction 2008 p.45) to ‘ Check own competence’ and ‘ Take

account and apply the general principles of prevention when carrying out tasks’ (p.5) so how do we

know if our project is a construction project and if we fall under this category the critical element of the

‘CDM regulations states that ‘Everybody is responsible’ (CITB 2008)


To understand further what a construction project is:

The scope of construction project changes from site to site, the (HSE, 2009) defines the scope’

• Construction of Buildings

• Civil engineering’s

• Specialised construction activities’

The CITB describe the scope of the construction activities in the GE700 document as ‘any building,

civil, engineered or Engineering construction works, it includes the following

• Any Construction, Alteration, Conversion, Fitting out, Commissioning, Renovation, Repair,

Up keep, Re Decoration or other maintenance, Cleaning (using water. Abrasive at high

pressure, or the use of corrosive or toxic substances), decommissioning, demolition or

dismantling of a structure

• Preparatory works include site clearing, exploration and investigation (but not site survey) and

clearance or preparation of the site or structure for use or occupation

• Demolition or dismantling of any structure and the removals of materials and waste’

However the (Managing Heath and Safety 2007 p.92) defines works that are not related to construction

for further clarification

a) ‘Putting up and taking down marquees and similar tent designed to be re-erected at

various locations

b) General maintenance of fixed plant, except when this is done as part of other

construction work, or involves substantial dismantling or alteration of fixed plant

which is large enough to be a structure in its own right, for example structural of a

large silo, complex chemical plant, power station generator or large boiler

c) Tree planting and general horticultural work;

d) Positioning and removal of light weight partitions such as those used to divide open

plan offices or to create exhibition stands and displays;

e) Surveying – this includes taking levels, making measurement and examining a

structure for flaws;

f) Work to or on vessels such as ships and mobile off shore installations;

g) Off—Site manufacture of items for later use in construction work (for example roof

trusses, Pre-cast Concrete panels, bathroom pods and similar pre fabricated elements

and components);

h) Fabrication of elements which will for part of off shore installations

i) The construction of fixed off shore oil and gas installations at the place where they

will be used‘

Its is important to define the scope of works in construction to ascertain the areas of law for a

construction project as any project that falls under this category and operates for more the 30 working


days of 500 person days will be notifiable to the HSE how ever all projects unless domestic still apply

the CDM (2007) Regulations.

(Managing Heath and Safety 2007 p.3) asserts that ‘except where the project is for a domestic client,

HSE must be notified of projects where construction work is expected to;

a) Last more than 30 days;

b) Involve more than 500 person days, for example 50 people working over 10 days.’

The HSE is notified through using the Online F10 form and example of this can be found in the

appendices, the F10 should be displayed on site for every one to see.

Taking the above in to account it appears that there are a number of Laws and Legislations in place

along with ACOP, so how did the CDM (2007) effect the construction industry to see the impact this

dissertation looks at the Number of Deaths over a twenty year period shown in Chart 1;

Using the Heath and Safety statics 2011/12 a chart has been produced to show the accidents over a

Twenty-year period.

Table 2 has been produced from Data collected from the heath and Safety Statistics (2011/12) p.9

The Health and Safety Law (2012) notes that ‘ the latest results in construction show:

• 49 fatal injuries. 23 of these were the self-employees. This compares with and average of 59

over the previous five years – including an average of 19 to the self-employed (RIDOR);

• Over 5000 occupational cancer cases are estimated to arise each year as a result of past

exposure in the construction sector (Research report 932 “The burden of occupational cancer

in Great Britain”);

• These were an estimated 74 000 total cases and 31 000 new cases of work related ill health;

• An estimated 1.7 million working days were lost due to work-related ill health and a further

0.6 million due to workplace injuries. This Equates to 0.87 and 0.34 das per worker.’ (p.2)

0

50

100

150

1990/91 1993/94 1996/97 1999/00 2002/03 2005/06 2008/09 2011/12

Num

ber of Deaths

Twenty Year Trend

Twenty Year Trend


The information gathered shows on the surface that the number of Deaths has significantly fallen since

1990s to present day, Currently at 49 Fatal injuries per year, this equates to nearly one a week, the next

part of the dissertation looks at how the information is communicated to the Workforce.

How is Heath and Safety Information is Communicated.

This section of the dissertation looks at understating how Health and Safety information is

communicated to the Taskforce. The term communication is used in the context of how the information

is handed or taught to others by a team member for the purpose of this dissertation.

‘Communication is key in Heath and Safety’ (Macdonald 2013)

Onsite Management communicates to the taskforce through a number of methods;

• Site Induction (this is normally by a pre recorded DVD, operatives are then asked to sign a

document saying they have seen the Induction DVD, information contained on the DVD

related to all aspects of the site risks and should specific to the job.

(CITB, 2008 A5 p.1) Talks about inductions ‘ mention the word ‘induction’ or ‘inductee would case

many people to think of a new person arriving on site or into the company totally new’

• Risk and Method statements are used for a specific task to be carried out and can be

completed form almost every task to be undertaken by onsite operatives. Further information

on risk assessments can be seen in the appendices. A risk assessment reviews the probability

of a risk with a view to lover the severity and risk this is then formulated in to a risk and

method statement

• Tool Box talks, are a way of communicating relevant Health and Safety to a whole team, this

is normally carried out by the site manager who will pick a talk that is relevant to the team at

that time of the project and help communicate new site risks.

• Signage is often used as a way of warning of dangers or prohibited areas, access, signs are

often put around the site at relevant positions, there may also be a number of signs contained

within the site welfare facility’s to communicate the current Heath and Safety risks.

(HSE 2011) its simple messages is that organisations need to manage health and safety with the same

degree of expertise and to the same standards as other core business activities, if they are to effectively

control risks and prevent harm to people (p.1)

Is information being communicated to the onsite teams; The (HSE, 2011, p.29) writes ‘

Communication challenges organisations generally – not just on health and safety issues. It is often

seen as the single most important area requiring improvement. The messages senior management

wishes to communicate are often not the ones employees receive. Two central elements are clear


visible leadership and a common appreciation of how and why the organisation is trying to improve

health and safety’ (HSE, 2011, p.29) further note ‘ Effective communication about health and safety

relies on information; coming INTO the organisation; flowing Within the Organisation; Going Out

from the organisation.’

Figure 1 shows the communication of heath and from the HSE to onsite Staff.

The next part of this dissertation looks at collecting information from various sources to establish if the

communication is working with a view to review the communication.

(Helen Gilbert 2010 from CM website) talks about the lack of heath and safety risk management and

say ‘ construction workers life’s are being put in danger due to the poor management of health and

safety risks, a report revels today.’ Helen Gilbert (2010) then goes on to state ‘the study, which

surveyed contractors working in construction supply chains on larger projects where work was

expected to last more than 30 working days, found little is done to manage risk before people start

work on site – firms are told on Friday to start work the following Monday. And other information

about site health and safety risks is not made available to firms before beginning work – despite a legal

requirement for it to be provided’

However the (HSE 2013) published a Document ‘Management Failing on construction Accident site’

the (HSE 2013) say ‘ a carpenter working on a house refurbishment project at Tegaron, Credigion, In

August 2011 fell more than Seven Meters from the top of an unsecured ladder causing sever back

injuries from which he has yet to fully recover. The Incident prompted and investigation by the Health

and Safety Executive (HSE) which toady (23 January) concluded a prosecution against his employer,

Richard Morgan or Davies and Morgan Carpenters, at Swansea Crown Court, the court heard that

Morgan had not received training in the management of heath and safety on construction sites and had

not appointed a competent person to manage or supervise the work. “This case highlights the Duty that

all construction Contractors have to plan, manage and monitor their work activities appropriately.’

(2013 HSE) Management failing on construction accident site, this report highlights Helen Gilberts

comments.


The Construction Manger website published a report in the 1 march (2013) the website talks about an

interview with Philip White Chief inspector for the HSE about the HSE statement on individual H&S

‘Competence’ In the (CM, 2013, Website) publication Philip White says ‘ Encouraging and promoting

a competent work force remains a key priority from HSE, and we believe developing individual

competence in heath and safety is crucial to the industry in reducing accidents and ill heath. HSE also

considers that these are issues for the industry to resolve and show leadership’

Its clear to see that the HSE are trying to influence the incorporation of all to achieve a reduction on

site accidents, but is the report that mangers are failing and Contractors are failing at high level where

is the information being communicated to?

(Lord j. Sandland, 2013, CM website) says ‘I suggest HSE stop talking and produce a clear ACoPS

document or revise CDM ACoPS to reflect sensible competency standards benchmarks from industry

to prove/achieve. As the individuals may then select what scheme meets their requirements and

standardize such company schemes in private sector. “ The horse has bolted” in terms of number of

schemes, HSE aims are in competency admired, but current thinking is lacking.’

(HSE 2010 Worker involvements in health and Safety what works) says ‘ Worker involvement in

health and safety is a key theme of the HSE’s strategy for the UK’s health and safety system, Be part of

the solution1. The strategy, which was launched in 2009, recognises that the way forward for the health

and safety system is for the HSE to work in partnership with stakeholders. Engaging with the

workforce on health and safety-related issues – irrespective of the sphere of activity – is fundamental to

the success of the strategy.’ (HSE, 2010, p.2)

The HSE (2010) Worker involvements in health and Safety: what works, says ‘Use outside sources to

communicate the message of health and safety – not just coming from the management all the time.’

(p.72) the HSE is setting out guide lines that outside information should be used and individuals should

competent.

Lord J, Sandland point is clear that there are to many different areas of ACoPS although the previous

accident figures show that accidents are falling, and that Managers failing their operatives onsite but

the CDM (2007) notes that every one is responsible yet the above information only focuses on one

individual and the not a overall collection of people as listed in the CDM (2007) Regulations roles and

responsibility’s, So how is the information being communicated to the onsite staff. Both the CITB and

HSE set out responsibilities under the CDM on communication, but is this preventing accidents

happening in construction, The HSE talks about involving workers in Heath and Safety and

communicating to them better, but how is this happening.

The HSE report into preventing catastrophic events in construction (2011) states that ‘in many of the

case studies it was apparent that hazards had not been appreciated and risks managed in a competent

manner. This must spring partly from the concerns about knowledge, skills and experience expressed


earlier but also from the lower degree of competence available on some projects, for a variety of

reasons including smaller, less structured organisations being in control and sometimes the need for

intermittent working by visiting teams, without a continuous site management presence.’(HSE 2011,

p.34)

The HSE report into ‘preventing catastrophic events in construction 2011 states ‘There was also

evidence (from consultation) of in-company resistance to facing up to potentially catastrophic hazards

which had been identified: the ‘good news’ syndrome in which senior managers make it plain that they

do not want to hear about problems – just progress.’ (HSE, 2011, P.34)


Case studies

This Section looks at case studies carried out where accidents have happened in construction project

the information is gathered from the HSE (2011) report into catastrophic disasters in construction and

review the possible causes, this information will be used to see if there is a poor communication and

find a way to best focuses efforts as noted in the CDM (2007) regulations

Case 1

Project Detail Construction of a large leisure centre complex

Major Hazard Event Ceiling collapsed

Consequence The incident happened only days before the complex were due to open to

the public. No one was inside and there were no injuries although the

theatre had the capacity to hold 500 people

Potential Causative

factors

• The designs were unworkable resulting in unauthorised changes

• There was no evidence of inspection or supervision of installation

• Lack of communication between principal contractor and client

• Supporting beam breaking loose due to the extreme weight pressure

• The false ceiling was not adequately secured leading to a supporting

beam breaking loose, causing 200m2 of ceiling which held the

lights and the fire preventing sprinkler system to collapse in one

of the auditoria (theatre 7)

Table 3, information Collected from HSE (2011) p203


Case 2

Project Detail Construction of additional steel framed floors to a former newspaper press building

Major Hazard

Event

A partial collapse occurred during the construction of additional steel framed

floors to the former newspaper press building. The building was being converted

into multi occupancy accommodation, which included a section of new build steel

frame structures and concrete floor slabs from the upper levels of the existing

reinforce concrete framed structure.

Consequence Near to, although not directly accessed by, a populated area. If further collapse

had occurred the problem could have been greater

Potential

Causative

factors

• No calculations were prepared by the consulting engineer. Collapse of the two

temporary steelwork support structures occurred while the concrete was being

placed

• The collapse occurred due to overload of the temporary structure and on-site

(ad-hoc) support requirement

• The principal contractor had no temporary works design ability

• Failure of initial design investigations to identify a service void in the location

of the footing of ��the proposed steel frame structure and of temporary works

• Failure to question the relevance for mortar “buttering up” given the depth of

concrete removed from the wall heads of a service void.

• No mortar specifications provided by the site works engineer

• Construction of the reinforced concrete floor slabs should not have commenced

until the steel ��angle supports were secure

• Principal contractor and site management supervision arrangements were poor

Table 4, information Collected from HSE (2011) p210


Case 3

Project Detail Major redevelopment of a city centre building

Major Hazard

Event

Collapse of 30 metre scaffold system. The access scaffolding collapsed

perpendicular to the building construction

Consequence One fatality and several major injuries. Major disruption to city centre area

Potential

Causative

factors

• Use of non-standard equipment

• Lack of training of site personnel to the new scaffold system

• Poor design of temporary structure

• Failure to follow supply contractors specifications

• Inappropriate use of software to facilitate the design process

• Lack of appropriate temp works design; hoist supplier; and main contractor

• Overloading had rendered the structure unstable.

• The scaffold had not been adequately tied to the building structure

• Lack of proper footing which subsequently compromised strength and

stability

• Temporary removal of adjustment ties and deflection of the scaffold columns

from the main structure by a “jacking out” procedure

• Overloading of building blocks onto 3 separate lifts

• A graduate design engineer was left to bear responsibility for much of the

work

• The specialist scaffolding sub-contractor had not ensured that the design of

the access scaffold (tie, height and pattern) had adhered to the recommended

calculations (Completion or Handover certificate). Under strict compliance,

overloading would not have occurred if the main contractor had ensured that

only two scaffold lifts were operating at any one time

Table 5 information Collected from HSE (2011) p210


Case 1 Key point on case, poor communication between the principle contactor and the client and no

inspections had been carried out to check the installations the HSE found that this lead to the celling

collapsing.

Case 2

Key points from this case were that the was poor arrangements in place between the principle

contractor and the Site management teams and no design was present that leas to a part collapse of the

building.

Case 3

Key pints from this case was that the site operatives using the scaffold had poor training, the design of

the scaffold was poor, and the subcontractor had not followed the correct design procedure

unfortunately the scaffold collapse and there was one death.

Literature review evaluation

What is Heath and Safety in construction? The implementation of The Health And Safety 1974 has changed the face of the construction industry

by making legislations and code of practices that are applicable to the construction industry, the recent

regulation of CDM (2007) has further assisted this by appointing an individuals to deal with client and

principle liaison, the twenty year trend shown that fatalities in construction have reduced by a

significant amount, and further reducing was achieved when CDM regulations came in to force,

however there are still a number of significant dangers as last statics show that on average 49 people

are year are still losing their life whilst working in construction, the reducing is something to admired

but the reducing does make the lesser amount more appropriate, would the sector be happy if just 1 life

a year was lost ? In principle good management and communication and design should eliminate any

life loss to absolute zero.

How is Heath and Safety Information is Communicated and monitored Whilst carrying out an interview with a senior contracts manager I asked the question what is the key to

good safe practice, the reply was ‘Communication is key to date this contracts manager has had no

fatalities on site.

Construction Teams communicate risk through, inductions and risk assessments and permits to work,

each one having their own method of Health and Safety, its clear from the research that both the HSE

and CITB agree on communication being achieved yet, (Helen Gilbert, 2010, CM website) notes that

‘there are still clear area where managers need to process the information received and put this to good

practice on site through better communication. ‘


Who’s responsible?

All three case studies showed that accidents are still happening in the construction industry due to lack

of training, communication, design, and management failures, what the case study’s do not show is

why the HSE have not implement power to be Pro Active rather than reactive, this could be seen now

as the recent response to new HSE inspectors being appointed on a bonus scheme allowing firms to be

charged for danger activates or poor health and safety Management, this may assist in improving sites

but the key element to CDM is to out design these risk therefore this should not be required and better

planning and implementation by all should result in construction firms not receiving fines this maybe

be improved through better communication as discussed by Helen Gilbert.

Further Areas for research Topic raise in the research show that more research could be carried out in the following areas:

a) Greater depth into how construction accidents are happening, were is the primary fault is

b) The research established that further information was required to understand how information

is passed to site workers and if this information is absorbed and achieves the goals set out

c) Further information is needed to review new powers in place by HSE to fine sites and if this is

the correct way of addressing construction accidents.


Chapter 3 – research design and methodology


Introduction This section of the dissertation looks at how the information is to be gatherer and why the information

is being gathered in this method, it approaches various method of data collecting through primary and

secondary data and looks at how quantitate and qualitative research is to be used to answer the

questions and objectives set out in the introduction.

Quantitative Research Quantitative research is describe by (Naoum 2007) as being ‘objective in nature’ . Naoum further

writes ‘Quantitative research is selected under the following headings

1. When you first want to find out facts about a concept, a question or an attribute.

2. When you want collect factual evidence and study the relationship between these facts in order to

test a particular theory or hypothesis’ (Naoum, 2007,p.38)

This dissertation will use quantitative research to for the line of argument and will be used to set the

questions in the dissertation, question that will come from quantitate research will be.

• Have you ever been involved in a accident at work

• Do you hold a CSCS card

• How is Health and safety information communicated

By using this method of research for the questionnaires and interview we find out facts fast and

establish any link with the facts against the literature review, the question will set on the objectives thus

triangulating the information.

Qualitative Research Qualitative research is describe by (Naoum 2007 p.40) as being ‘Subjective in nature’ Naoum further

writes ‘Begin the research question with words What or How. Tell the reader that the study will do one

of the following to discover, explain it seek to understand, explore a process, describe the experiences.

Pose questions that use-directional wording. These questions describe, rather than relate variables or

compare groups. Delete words that suggest or affect, influence, impact, determine, cause and relate.’

The method of qualitative research will be used in the interviews and setting out of introduction letter

to questionnaires, it will used as part of a semi structure interview approach, it will be used as a

question to be set such as; What is your construction background.

Qualitative and Quantitative research will bring dimension to a survey as noted by (Naoum 2007)


Methodology for collecting Data

Figure 2 (Kumar 2011)

Primary data;

Will be collected as in the flow chart produced by Kumar (2011) in figure 2 above, however

information to be gathered for the purpose of this dissertation and time restraints allowed the method of

collecting primary data with be limited to Questionnaires and interviews the interviews will be

structures around the Questionnaires as part of a semi structures interview, the questionnaires will be

delivered to sites across Kent at pre agreed sites and for the purpose of speed for collecting the

questionnaires, this is to guarantee all data can be collected and collated swiftly, the use of construction

site will enable the dissertation data to be from source as the object is aimed at reviewing how

information is communicated on site.

Secondary Data Using the data collection method set out in the flow chart shown in figure 2 the secondary data will be

collected via controlled documents such as;

• On line sources • Research Papers

• Books • HSE Publications

• Codified Laws • Regulations


The use of the secondary data will be collected for statistics and used to form the literature reviewed

with a view to answering the key question by obtaining information listed out in the objectives, the

secondary source of data is critical the research for concluding a lined argument and is critical to the

dissertations objective.

Pilot investigation (Naoum 2007) notes that a pilot study should be carried out to highlight and ambiguous questions or

error with the questions before sending out official questionnaire, the primary questionnaire was taken

to Ashford Hospital to a Construction Team Run and Managed by Steven Dixon.

• Was the Questionnaire clear?

• Were there any errors?

• Were any of the questions offensive?

• Do you have any comments?

The Feed back was that questions 13, had no option for (N.A) not applicable and question’s 17,19 had

no option for Never and Q.16 had no option for unsure individuals, it was established that all the

questions were clear and none of the questions were offensive, only one comment was received and

that was there was no selection for Agency works under Q.2 the above information was amended in to

the questionnaire below.

Rationale for Question’s

The questionnaire will be formed around the objectives and key question to establish the information

desired for this dissertation, using the methodology noted to structure the questions.

(Naoum 2007) discusses the advantages and disadvantage questionnaires these are shown in table 6 on

p34 of this dissertation.

Advantages Disadvantages

• Speeds, Postal Questionnaires are certainly a quick method of completing a survey.

• Must contain simple questions

• Economy, Postal questionnaires are

perceived as offering relatively high

validity results because of their wide

geographic coverage

• Accuracy, People may respond to what

you want to hear.

• Consultation. In certain cases

respondents not have the information to

hand.

• No control over respondents, no

guarantee can be made that the requested

participant will fill out the form

Table 6


To over come the disadvantages established by Naoum, the questionnaire will be hand delivered to site,

this will ensure that the correct people receive the questionnaire, the questionnaire will not state the

topic of the dissertation so to avoid people responding to the what Naoum describes as ‘People may

respond to what you want to hear’ (2007 p.54) although Naoum (2007) discuses that the postal is of

advantage in this case of this dissertation the questionnaires will need to be hand delivered to various

sites across Kent due to the time limitation to my dissertation.

By using the above information the following questions have been formed and will be delivered to the

relevant sites as part of a questionnaire.

Questionnaire

1. How long have you worked in Construction; this question was designed to test and see if the

period worked in constriction brings another dimension to the understanding of Heath and

Safety.

2. Are you Employed, Self Employed, Agency; this question was designed to see if there are any

weaknesses between the Employed and Self Employed in regards to Heath and Safety.

3. What is your trade background; this question was designed to see if certain trades have a

better understanding of Heath and Safety communication.

4. Have you herd of the Health and safety At Work Act (1974); this Question was designed to

test the knowledge of the individual on Heath and Safety.

5. Do you know what information is contained within he HSAWA (1974) this Question was

designed to test the knowledge of the individual on Heath and Safety.

6. Have you heard of CDM; this Question was designed to test the knowledge of the individual

on Heath and Safety.

7. Do you have an understanding of CDM regulations; this Question was designed to test the

knowledge of the individual on Heath and Safety.

8. Do you know who the CDM co-ordinator is on your project; this question was designed to see

if the individual had had communication of the appointed CDM Co-ordinator.

9. Does the project you are working on have a F10 form; this Question was designed to test the

knowledge of the individual on Heath and Safety.

10. When was the last time you had Heath and Safety training; this question was design to see if

the individual had had any training and is designed to link back to questions 4,5,6.

11. If you had training Heath and Safety was it useful; this question was designed to see if the

individual felt that the training was of use to assist with better understanding of

communication.

12. Do you have a CSCS Card; this question was designed to see the qualifications of the

individual and link back to question 2.

13. Did you find the CSCS training made you aware of site dangers; this question is designed to

see if the CSCS training was of benefit to the individual.


14. Have had a site induction; this question was to test the site environment and see if the site

teams are implementing Heath and Safety thr

15. Have to been to site where you did not have a site induction; this question was to test the site

environment and see if Heath and Safety is being implemented by the site teams.

16. Was the Site induction useful in terms of Heath and Safety; this question was designed to see

if the individual felt that the site induction was informative, to see if communication can be

improved.

17. When was the last time you read and signed a risk and method statement; this question was

designed to see if the site Management team had followed the CDM regulations.

18. Do you feel that you are notified of new Heath and Safety risk from the project team; this

question was designed to see if the site Management team had followed the CDM regulations.

19. When was the last time you had a tool box talk; this question was designed to see if the site

Management team had followed the CDM regulations.

20. Have you ever had a accident at work where you was of for more than 3 days; this question

was designed to see if there is a link between poor communication and accidents.


Rationale for interviews

‘The personal interview is another major technique for collection factual information as well as

opinions. ‘It is a face-to-face interpersonal role situation; in which an interviewer asks respondents

question designed to elicit answers pertinent to the research hypothesis’ (Naoum,2007, p55)

According to Naoum (2007) there are three types of interviews these are describes as structured, semi

structured and unstructured. Key point to these interview process are listed below in table 7 as disused

by Naoum (2007).

Unstructured Semi Structures Structured

• Question to be open or

open ended

• More formal than the

unstructured interview

• The interviewer will

have full control on the

questionnaire through

the entire process.

(Naoum, 2007, p56)

• Can be conducted at

the beginning of

research

• Open or close-ended

question are used

• Starting with open

question but moving

toward closed

questions.

• No set order to

questions

• Interview stated with in

direct question to build

up a rapport.

• Questions are

presented to all

interviews in the same

format and wording.

Table 7 - discusses information collected from Naoum (2007)

Using the guidance set out by (Naoum 2007 p.55) the structure of the interview will be a mix of

structured and Semi Structure metod.


Chapter 4 – Findings and Discussions


Introduction

Chapter 4 of this dissertation looks at the information collected through the questionnaires to combine

the data and conclude an appraisal of the data collected.

Questionnaires were distributed to 8 sites across Kent, out of the 115 issued 70 were received and 9

were discarded due to being incomplete as shown in Table 8 below.

Table 8

Question 1 How long have you worked in Construction?

Table 9

The data collected from Q.1 shown in table 9 shows the 29% of the individuals questioned had worked

in the construction industry for 5-10 years and just 14% had worked for 10-20 years while 17% had

worked in the industry for 1 year.

61%

8%

31%

Questionnaire Feed Back

Received

Discarded

No response

17% 19%

21% 29%

14%

Q.1

· 1 Year

· 2 Years

· 3 Years

· 5-‐10 Years

· 10-‐20 Years


Question 2 Are you Employed Self Employed, Agency.

Table 10

The data collected and shown in table 10 shows that the majority of the labour forces is Employed at

40% and the other two thirds are made up of self employed at 27% and Agency workers at 33% the

agency workforce is higher than expected.

Question 3 what is your trade background?

Table 11

The data collected in table 11 above shows the biggest sector of the labour force is Labor’s at 23% this

is higher than expected, the smaller group is Dry liners and Duct workers at just 3% this could be due

to the projects position in its construction phase. Managers make up 3% and this equates to 1 per the 8

sites visited. Electricians, Plumbers and Carpenters make up the next sector and are nearly even in

quantities on site this was expected.

40%

27%

33%

Q.2

· Employed

· Self Employed

· Agency worker

16%

16%

14%

3%

23%

10%

11% 3% 4%

Q.3

Carpenter

Electrician

Plumber

Dry -‐Liner

Laborer

Handyman


Question 4; Have you herd of the Health and safety At Work Act (1974)?

Table 12

Table 12 shows data collected from question 4, this was not expected 74% had heard of the HASAWA

but still 26% had not even though they were working in the construction industry, the signage was

displayed on all of the sites visited.

Question 5; do you know what information is contained within the HSAWA (1974)

Table 13

The data collected from question 5 shown in table 13 shows that out of the 74% of people who had

heard of HWASA as shown in table 12 did not know what information was contained within the

HSAWA while only 17% did this was lower than expected

74%

26%

Q.4

Yes

No

17%

83%

Q.5

Yes

No


Question 6; have you heard of CDM?

Table 14

The information shown in table 14 shows that the 79% of the labour force had heard of CDM and only

21% had not, this was lower than expected.

Question 7; do you have an understanding of CDM regulations?

Table 15

The data collected from Q.7 shows that only 44% had a understanding of CDM regulation’s although

this is higher that those with an understating of HASAWA it shows that 56% of the labour force need

further understanding on CDM as 74% had had Health and Safety Training as shown in Table 18.

79%

21%

Q.6

Yes

No

44%

56%

Q.7

Yes

No


Question 8; do you know who the CDM co-ordinator is on your project.

Table 16

The data collected from question 8 shown in Table 16 shows that only 14% knew how the CDM Co-

ordinator was on their project this is lower than expected as 86% did not know and this is higher than

expected, as 44% of people had an understanding of Heath and Safety as shown in table 15.

Question 9; does the project you are working on have a F10 form.

Table 17

The data collected from question 9 shown in table 15 shows that only 11% was aware of the f10 form,

although at each site visited a F10 was on the notice board and 7% said no and 82% was unsure this is

a lot higher than expected due to the F10 being present on each of the sites, it appears that the

communication through the onsite signage is not working.

14%

86%

Q.8

Yes

No

11% 7%

82%

Q.9

Yes

No

Not Sure


Question 10; when was the last time you had Heath and Safety training.

Table 18

The data collected in Q.10 shows that 26% of people had not had Heath and Safety training, how ever

17% had had Training in the last month and 21% had had training in the last 6 to 12 months this was

higher than expected and over all 74% of the staff had revived training between a 1 month and 2 year

period this was again higher than expected this information is shown in table 18.

Question 11; if you had training in Heath and Safety was it useful

Table 19

Data collected from table 18 and table 19 above shows that from the 74% who had received training

36% found this training to be useful this was lower than expected and 42% said no this was higher than

expected and 21% were unsure this equates to 64% of those who had revived training not finding the

training useful this is much higher than expected as Heath and Safety information had been

communicated to the workforce.

17%

16%

4% 21%

16%

26%

Q.10 1 Month

2 Months

3 Months

6-‐12 Months

1-‐2 Years

Never

36%

43%

21%

Q.11

Yes

No

Unsure


Question 12; do you hold a CSCS Card

Table 20

Information shown in table 20 shows the Data collected and shows that 40% hold a CSCS card this was

lower than expected and further detailed research is required into the types of training being

communicated to the Workforce.

Question 13; did you find the CSCS training made you aware of site dangers

Table 21

Question 13 data shown in table 21 was designed to link to Question 12 from the 40% who had

received training only 21% shown in table 19 found that the training made them aware of site dangers

this is lower than expected.

40%

60%

Q.12

Yes

No

21%

19% 60%

Q.13

Yes

No

NA


Questions 14; have you had a site induction for this project.

Table 22

Question 14 as shown in table 22 shows that out of the 8 sites visited 83% had been site inducted and

17% had not this was expected, and potentials was to be that 100% had received a site induction, it

shows that the current sites are not communication Heath and Safety risk to the Workforce.

Question 15; have to been to site where you did not have a site induction?

Table 23

Table 23 shows that and alarming 97% had been to a site where they had not been inducted and just 3%

this is a lot higher than expected, as all site should be carrying out the basic induction as a way of

communicating the site risks.

83%

17%

Q.14

Yes

No

97%

3%

Q.15

Yes

No


Question 16;was the Site induction useful in terms of Heath and Safety?

Table 24

Question 16 is linked back to question 14 and shows that from the 83% of worker who had been

inducted only 40% found the induction useful in the terms of Heath and Safety and 34% found that the

site induction was not useful this could be due to the repetitive nature of some site induction, 26% is

the key area as this group of people were unsure this target area could show that they have no

knowledge of Health and Safety as shown in table 24.

Question 17; when was the last time you read and signed a risk and method statement?

Table 25

Table 25 shows the data collected from question 17, the data shows that 27% had never signed a risk

assessment or method stamen this is a lot higher than expected. However 73% had signed a risk and

method statement between a period of 1 month and 2 years this was expected, linking this back to table

18, it shows that although people have had Health and Safety training the communication of Risk and

Method statements are not being used to communicate and educate the team of the risks.

26%

40%

34%

Q.16

Unsure

Yes

No

10% 12%

4%

4% 43%

27%

Q.17

1 Month

2 Months

3 Months

6-‐12 Months


Question 18; do you feel that you are notified of new Heath and Safety risk from the project

team?

Table 26

The data collected and shown in Table 26 shows that 64% do not feel that new Heath and Safety risk

are communicated from the site team, in comparison to table 24 it could be seen that the

communication is not clear.

Question 19; when was the last time you had a toolbox talk?

Table 27

The data collected from question 19 and evaluated in table 27 shows that the toolbox talk

communication is not working as 43% of staff had not been notified of new risks while 34% had this is

lower than expected.

36%

64%

Q.18

Yes

No

34%

2% 0% 21%

43%

Q.19 1 Month

2 Months

3 Months

6-‐12 Months

1-‐2 Years


Question 20; have you ever had an accident at work where you were off for more than 3 days?

Table 28

The data collected in table 28 related to accidents and was used for reference only on average ¼ of the

total team had been off for more than three day in comparison to the induction q.14 these figures could

be used to cross-reference the lower percentage of induction with rates to accidents. Further research in

this area is required

Further Findings into the Data reviewed

Tables 29 to 30 evaluate the difference of heath and safety knowledge between the onsite trades from

the data collected in the site questionnaires;

Table 29

26%

74%

Q.20

Yes

No

22%

27% 24% 0%

14%

5% 3% 5% 0%

Understood CDM Carpenter

Electrician

Plumber

Dry -‐Liner

Laborer

Handyman


Using the data from q.7 three main trades were identified to have an understating of Heath and Safety

these were Electricians, Plumbers and Carpenters, this could be due the Apprenticeships required to

gain knowledge of the industry to each trade and may show that those who have been educated have a

clearer understanding of Heath and Safety.

Table 30

Table 30 uses data collected from q.7 to see what trades did not understand CDM the highest area was

the Laborers at 34% followed by the handymen at 15% on using the data collected in Q.2 87% of the

Handymen and Laborers came from Agency’s, this may highlight a area of training required for

Agency workers.

Table 31

9% 3%

3% 6%

34% 15%

21%

0% 9%

Did not Understand CDM Carpenter

Electrician

Plumber

Dry -‐Liner

Laborer

Handyman

12%

40% 36%

0% 4% 0% 0%

8%

0%

Felt they was noti]ied of new dangers

Carpenter

Electrician

Plumber

Dry -‐Liner

Laborer

Handyman

Roofer

Manager

Duct worker


Table 31 uses date collected from q.3 and q.18 to examine the link between the site teams and sectors

of the construction industry, we know from table 29 that the carpenters and electrician and plumbers

had a better understating of CDM and this is aging linked here the data in table 31 shows that these

three sectors again feel that information on new dangers is being communicated, further research in this

area is required

Table 32

Table 32 uses data from q.3 and q.18 to conclude information, 35% of roofers felt that they was not

notified of new dangers, this is higher than expected and falls from heights are the major cause of

deaths in the construction industry as noted in the Construction HSE (2012) statistics, communication

could be a factor here.

15% 2% 2%

4%

36%

16%

18%

0% 7%

Felt they was not noti]ied of new dangers

Carpenter

Electrician

Plumber

Dry -‐Liner

Laborer

Handyman

Roofer


Interview As part of my methodology an interview was conducted to gather a more in depth analysis of the

questions set out in the questionnaires, from the view of a manger in construction with a view to link

the data recorded back to communication of Health of Safety and gather further knowledge into the

objectives set out in this dissertation the following information was gathered.

Knowledge of Heath and Safety identified:

• An understanding into Heath and Safety with regards to the HASAWA

• A understanding of CDM

• Communication is part of Heath and Safety

Problems and tests associated with Heath and safety Communication:

• Tool box talks were carried out at the Mangers discretion

• Risk and Method statements take up valuable time

• Experienced workforce aid Heath and Safety

• Communication can be difficult when busy

• Site inductions are to generic and ignored by the site teams

Training in Heath and Safety:

• The Importance of Heath and Safety Training was established

• The Importance of site inductions

• The Importance of risk and Method Statements

Factor affecting Heath and Safety:

• Experience of workforce

• Training

• Knowledge

• Attitude towards Health and Safety

Discussion of the interview held: The interviewee made comments on previous training Heath and Safety that he had achieved, although

at time I felt that the answers were generic, and the relevance of Health and Safety was not critical,

how ever a comment was made about communication and that this was paramount to keeping the work

forces safe while later in the discussing its was noted that a good team with knowledge was better

although, the approach to reducing risks through Risk and Method statement appeared to be to much

hard work and was only apply when really appropriate, and the view of the on site Induction was that it


was there to cover the an area that needed to be ticked rather than the design of the DVD induction

which is aimed at exposing new risks and relevant risk to a project. The Interviewee however made

clear that he had had Heath and Safety training and that it was relevant to him, my thoughts are that the

communication of the information that had been taught was not being filtered to the onsite team

through a good communication method.

It was stated in the interview that:

‘the problem with Risk Assessments and Method Statements is time and cost and through my own

experience too generic, I have a team of guy who I trust and work safely that why most of them I have

worked with for over 10 years now’

‘Do you mean the 40-page document, yes I’m aware of the Act but not familiar with its contents other

than the poster we display on site.’

‘I think that it ticks a box and that our onsite presents enforces Heath and Safety but the DVD does

introduce the site rules such as the basic requirements for PPE, however getting the chaps to keep it on

in this heat is difficult’

‘I should note that on all project communication is key to Health and Safety, and regards to Heath all

of our projects are survey for Asbestos before commencement of works and other substances hazards

to health.’


Interpretation of findings From the data collected from the Surveys and interview, Heath and Safety training is apparent in the

construction industry. However there is a clear break between the knowledge in both the managements

and the site team, it is found that those who requiring training for their jobs have a better understanding

of the Health and Safety at works and the CDM regulations, although the knowledge of the subjects is

varied through each trade and skill, Although the knowledge of CDM was present the roles and

responsibility’s were not this was evident by just a handful of questionnaires being returned who knew

who their CDM Co-ordinator was.

A majority of the surveys returned showed that they had had Heath and Safety training but the

knowledge gained from this was of little use in the construction industry to them and there were areas

where improvements could be made in communication.

It was clear that there was a presents of onsite education of Heath and Safety risk through site

inductions and tool box talks and Risk and Method statements, but the survey and interview showed

that these only took place when necessary and the parties who received the information had not

acknowledged the importance of this, the survey also showed that when the management were

communicating new risks to the team but this was of little use to the site members and better

communications could be accomplished.

The communication of Heath and Safety advertisement was also being over looked by both the onsite

teams, this was evident as all sites visited was displaying a F10 notification and the HASAWA in the

induction rooms and the names of safety advisers and CDM- Co-ordinator yet only a hand full of

people who filled in the questionnaires was aware of the F10 being on site and who their CCM Co-

ordinator was.


Chapter 5 – Conclusions and recommendations


Introduction

The area of key study for this dissertation is:

‘Is Heath and Safety being communicated to the taskforce’

This chapter draws conclusions to the key aim and objectives to determine a reconditions on the key

aims and objectives, This section of the dissertation will put forwards areas required for further

research and limitations of this dissertation.

To evaluate heath and safety

The literature review determined the area of work that is defined by law as being a construction project,

the review showed that since 1974 the Health and Safety Act has brought in has a significant impact to

the construction industry for the better, this was show in the Fatalities falling over the twenty year

period, The Heath and Safety Act (1974) changed the face of the construction industry in turn this

brought new ACoPs and Regulations, significantly the CDM (2007) Regulations, the CDM (2007) set

new standards of communication, that makes every one responsible on the it established

responsibilities of Clients, Principle Contractors, Sub Contractors and Designer to eliminate risks and

makea people of the risks through better communication, it put emphasis that time should be used in

the best served areas.

To conclude this all Designer’s, Principle Contractors, Sub Contractors, Clients and Everybody has a

responsibility to communicate though the flow of information within the project, even if the project is

notifiable or not, the only exclusion to this clause is if the project is a domestic project.

To review how Health and Safety information is communicated and Case studies associated with

this.

The literature review determined the methods available of communication with in the construction

industry, the review found a number of methods through which information is communicated, methods

of learning such as CSCS or SMSTS, Risk and Method Statement, Signage, Toolbox talks, and

inductions. It was established that the Key body CITB and HSE state that good communication is

required.

On reflection of the literature review of the information it shows that some managers at high level may

only want to hear about progress and good news rather than the facts, this may be due to the current

climate, it found that principle contractors were not allowing sub contractors time to carry out reviews

of safety files and collate and communicate new Heath and Safety risks, it found that Sub Contractors


were not being responsible in managing themselves and the training that they require to manage their

own teams.

However the review established that this information was either not having to time to be communicated

and that the Management were failing to do so, in conjunction with this in the case studies designers

were also responsible, this a key area for communication as it’s the designers who are at the forefront

of the project.

HSE spoke about how communication of Heath and Safety should also be covered by outside sources,

on an over view there to many communication routes and are the Workforce is becoming bogged down

with mundane information and the clearer objectives of Heath and Safety are not being communicated

To test If Health and Safety if Health and Safety is being communicated to the Workforce

By evaluation of the questionnaires the data collected showed that information on Heath and Safety is

being communicated to the Work force though CSCS schemes and Site Inductions and through Risk

and Method Statements and Toolbox talks.

The objective was to establish if information was being communicated the results demonstrated that

information was being communicated to the workforce, but not to all areas and parts are being missed

and the basic site inductions are not being achieved, these are the basic site communication tools and

should not be over looked.

To establish if Heath and Safety risks need to be better communicated to the Workforce

The data collected and evaluated showed that the information that was being communicated both from

the Site Management the outside information, however on review of the data it concluded that the

information being communicated was of little use in terms of Heath and Safety, Although on sites

visited signage was appropriate and in place and the Workforce had not acknowledged this.

Concluding the above the information being communicated seems to be of little use or benefit to the

site teams and further research is required in to the deliver of new and current Health and Safety

information both from the HSE and company’s own reviews and evaluations.

Is the communication of health and safety getting through to the Workforce?

Yes the Information of Heath and Safety is being communicated through various channels, however

the team’s questions felt that the training and information was of little use to them in regard to Health

and Safety.


Recommendations

It seems that information is being communicated but the quality of the information or delivery is

missing, the workforce are not digesting the information, but also seem that Managers and Contractors

are also failing themselves by not communicating or training operatives, on reflection of the

information collected to better Heath and Safety on sites its recommended that Site Manager and

Project Mangers are tasked with Risk And Method Statement along with their own training in to Heath

and Safety, this will help Managers understand the risk better, and through the communication of the

Method Statements the Mangers can ensure that the works care carried out as specified are in

accordance with the managers works descriptions, however this will not ensure that the operative

works in a safer manor neither will a CSCS card, and an onsite presents should always be maintained,

by enforcing Risk and Method Statements to work with a permit system to be monitored by the onsite

staff, the communication that was originally the purpose of the Risk and Method statements can be

acknowledged and channeled through. To achieve this the workforce should have a good report with

the Site team and encourage communication between all on site by incorporating the scope of works

into the planning od Heath and Safety.

Limitations

Due to two mitigating circumstances the research paper was produced in a very short period of time as

set under the referral period, this meant that only a small number of people could be contacted and used

in the research and was less than I had hoped for to conclude the whole document as returns on

questionnaires was limited and interview were restricted to the time frame allowed.


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Appendices


Dear Sir/Madam

I am currently studying for a BSc Hons in Construction Management at the University of Westminster,

as part of my final years work I am producing a dissertation on the Communication of Heath and

Safety with a view to answer the following objectives and Key questions;

1. To provide an over all view of Health and Safety and current legislations

2. To review case studies in terms of responsibilities

3. To review how Health and Safety information is communicated

4. To test the knowledge of the site team understating of health and safety

5. To establish if the site teams need to have a better understand of Health and Safety

6. Is the communication of health and safety failing the site teams?

The view is to establish a link between the communication of onsite Mangers/Project Mangers and the

views of the workers in relation to Heath and Safety

I would be grateful if you fill out the attached questionnaire and return this to your site manger/project

manager.

Your Faithfully

Matthew Austen

Record of interview with XXXX XXXXXXXX from Cardy Construction 1/7/2013


XXXX has extensive knowledge of the construction industry and working as a Project/Contracts

manger for over 40 years the questioned raised were those relating the questionnaires.

Interviewer- xxxx Can you tell me how long you have worked in the construction industry.

Interviewee – Matt I have worked in construction since leaving school in the 70s so that make my span

in construction over 40 Years, and in that time the project have got shorter but bigger.

Interviewer – You must have gained so knowledge over the years, can you tell me are you currently

Self employed or Employed at the moment.

Interviewee – Yes I learned a lot over the years but enough to make millions, I have always been

employed.

Interviewer - Would you mind telling me what your background is in construction please

Interviewee – Carpenter for the first decade then site manager for a few year before moving in to

Contracts and Project management.

Interviewer – Are you aware of The Heath and Safety Act (1974) and the contents of the (1974) Act

Interviewee – Do you mean the 40-page document, yes I’m aware of the Act but not familiar with its

contents other than the poster we display on site.

Interviewer – Who is the Cdm Co-ordinator here on this project are you familiar with the roles and

responsibilities of the appointed persons.

Interviewee – On this project we are the appointed CDM- Co-ordinators, the office deals with the

CDM co-ordination.

Interviewer – I can see on the wall you have the F10 form displayed

Interviewee – Yes all our project are notifiable unless domestic

Interviewer – When was the last time you had your own Heath and Safety Training

Interviewee- - around six months ago, I was sent on a SMSTS course

Interviewer – did you find the course useful in terms of Heath and Safety?


Interviewee – yes Matt the course focused on the CDM regulations and communication in the

construction industry I should note that on all project communication is key to Health and Safety, and

regards to Heath all of our projects are survey for Asbestos before commencement of works and other

substances hazards to heath.

Interviewer – Do you have or had a CSCS card

Interviewee – No I have never seen the requirement for one

Interviewer- Do you do all your own site inductions and sat through one yourself?

Interviewee – To be honest we have a generic DVD that we use and I have never actually sat through

one myself as they came in after I started managing project but believe me I know the DVD from front

to back

Interviewer – Do you think that the information contained with the DVD is of use to the site teams?

Interviewee – I think that it ticks a box and that our onsite presents enforces Heath and Safety but the

DVD does introduce the site rules such as the basic requirements for PPE, however getting the chap to

keep it on in this heat is difficult

Interviewer - Yes I can appreciate that, is this something that could be managed via a risk assessment

and method statement? Have you done one recently

Interviewee - the problem with Risk Assessments and Method Statements is time and cost and through

my own experience to generic, I have a team of guy who I trust and work safety that why most of them

I have worked with for over 10 years now

Interviewer – Do you carry out toolbox talks?

Interviewee – Yes on occasions if I feel there are a number of Safety issues to be address or general

site practices that need enforcing

Interviewer – Have you ever had time off work with an injury caused at work?

Interviewee – only once and it was a very long time ago I fell off a roof while installing a ridge

between two buildings.

Interviewer – xxxx Thank you for your time today I can see you are very busy


Interviewee – Matt good luck with your dissertation feel free to pop back if you need to cover any

other aspects.

Interview Ended 14.24pm Monday 1st July 2013

Location Ashford Kent

Present Matthew Austen - XXXX XXXXXXXX

Questionnaire sample;


Please Circle each question 1. How long have you worked in Construction?

• 1 Year

• 2 Years

• 3 Years

• 5-10 Years

• 10-20 Years

2. Are you Employed or Self Employed or though a Agency?

• Employed

• Self Employed

• Agency worker

3. What is your trade background?

• Carpenter

• Electrician

• Plumber

• Dry -Liner

• Laborer

• Handyman

• Roofer

• Manager

• Duct worker

4. Have you herd of the Health and safety At Work Act (1974)?

Yes No

5. Do you know what information is contained within he HSAWA (1974)?

Yes No

6. Have you heard of CDM?

• Yes


• No

7. Do you have an understanding of CDM regulations?

• Yes

• No

8. Do you know who the CDM co-ordinator is on your project?

• Yes

• No

9. Does the project you are working on have a F10 form?

• Yes

• No

• Not Sure

10. When was the last time you had Heath and Safety training?

• 1 Month

• 2 Months

• 3 Months

• 6-12 Months

• 1-2 Years

• Never

11. If you had training Heath and Safety was it useful?

Yes No Unsure

12. Do you have a CSCS Card?

Yes No

13. Did you find the CSCS training made you aware of site dangers?

Yes No Na

14. Have had a site induction?

Yes No


15. Have to been to site where you did not have a site induction?

Yes No

16. Was the Site induction useful in terms of Heath and Safety?

Yes No Unsure

17. When was the last time you read and signed a risk and method statement?

• 1 Month

• 2 Months

• 3 Months

• 6-12 Months

• 1-2 Years

• Never

18. Do you feel that you are notified of new Heath and Safety risk from the project team?

Yes No

19. When was the last time you had a toolbox talk?

• 1 Month ago

• 2 Months ago

• 3 Months ago

• 6-12 Months ago

• 1-2 Years ago

• Never

20. Have you ever had a accident at work where you was of for more than 3 days?

Yes No


This Page has been left Blank for Notes

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