OUR BLOG 

 
Below are a number of posts containing useful tips and insights from the Directors of Auxil Limited, acknowledged industry experts and trusted advisors in the fields of Health & Safety and Human Resources, which will hopefully trigger some thoughts or ideas. 
 
Why not join the conversation? We would love to hear your views… 

Posts tagged “RAMS”

The HSE website states that “There is other legislation governing the proper disposal of waste, ranging from low-risk waste through to hazardous waste. These laws are enforced by the Environment Agency and Local Authorities. 
 
However, all waste produced can also present a real safety hazard to workers if it is not properly managed throughout the project.” 
 
Managers/supervisors therefore need to decide: 
 
How waste produced during building work will be managed; and 
 
Who is responsible for collecting and disposal of waste? Problems arise when company and individual duties are not made clear before work starts. 
 
Top tips for waste management on smaller projects: 
 
Flammable materials - make sure that all flammable waste (such as boxes, packaging and timber offcuts) are cleared away regularly to reduce fire risks; 
Work areas - make clearing waste a priority. Check that everyone is aware of what is required and that it is completed; 
Principal contractor in Greater Manchester sentenced for putting lives at risk. 
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted a principal contractor for failing to safely manage a large, deep excavation during the construction of a dwelling in Greater Manchester. The defendant was Mr Matib of Bradford who was sentenced to sixteen weeks imprisonment suspended for twelve months, ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work and pay costs of £5,673. 
 
The inspectors reported that Mr Matib, who had employed several groundworkers, was found to have supervised unsafe excavation which put workers at risk and rendered the neighbouring property unstable. 
 
In addition, the defendant had failed to prepare a construction phase plan, with risk assessments and method statements, failed to appoint a site manager with suitable skills, knowledge and experience to manage the work. 
Most employers throughout the UK understand, more than ever, how important the Health and Safety of their workforce is, with this in mind our focus this month is on health and safety training and why it is important. 
In the first instance, it is a legal requirement that employees are competent to undertake required tasks in a safe way. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (HSWA) 1974 states that employers need to provide whatever information, instruction, training and supervision is necessary to ensure, "so far as is reasonably practicable", the safety of their employees and others affected by their activities. 
 
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSWR) 1999, outlines where safety training is most important, e.g. when people start work, on exposure to new or increased risks and update skills and knowledge where needed. The MHSWR require employees to consider the capabilities, training, knowledge and experience of workers and ensure that the demands of their work do not exceed their ability to carry out their role without risk to themselves and others. 
You’d be surprised how often we get asked this question, so we thought we’d write up a Case Study of one job we were heavily involved with. 
 
Walmer Yard is a unique development of four spectacular new three storey houses with additional basements in West London, designed by Peter Salter for property developer Crispin Kelly. The project took some thirteen years to come to fruition and the resulting properties are expected to fetch a cool £22 million. 
 
We were involved for nearly four years, dealing with a host of Health & Safety issues that arose from this fascinating development. 

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