Construction
Urgent HSE Inspection Update for Construction Businesses
Construction companies need to be prepared for surprise HSE site inspections over the coming months, following HSE’s announcement that they will be investigating the adequacy of measures implemented to safeguard against the long-term health complications caused by asbestos and dust exposure.
It’s estimated that there are 8,000 work-related cancer deaths each year, with 3,500 of these fatalities stemming from the construction industry – asbestos and dust exposure representing the primary causes of these deaths.
Simon Gubbins, Managing Director at Robison & Co., said: “This latest inspection initiative from the HSE is focused on protecting construction workers’ lungs from exposure to harmful substances which can cause long-terms health issues, such as occupational lung disease. Employers can expect HSE inspectors to assess workers’ understanding of safety and procedures for preventing and controlling potential risks, and if poor standards are found, organisations could suffer enforcement action and costly fines.”
The latest news bulletin from the HSE highlights that priority is often given to safety and workplace accidents, but thousands more workers suffer ill-health as a result of inhaling harmful substances, such as asbestos, silica, wood and other dusts. Construction businesses and workers need to be aware of how dangerous and hazardous to someone’s health such substances can be and have procedures in place to manage these risks.
Simon continued: “Organisations should be able to demonstrate they have a risk management plan in place to mitigate these potential risks, but also workers must be aware of this plan and trained to actively follow the necessary procedures to reduce the risk of asbestos and dust exposure. With the HSE’s ‘Dust Buster’ campaign in full swing, this is an area of workplace safety that construction businesses should review. Our construction insurance specialists can help businesses assess their risk, identify exposure hazards in the workplace and put together bespoke insurance policies that will help protect them in the event of an incident.”
As specialists in construction insurance, Robison & Co. understand the risks faced by businesses operating in the construction industry and will work with you to develop comprehensive, bespoke policies based on your individual needs. We have extensive experience dealing with different levels and types of construction insurance cover, including employer’s liability, contractors all risks, contract works, latent defects and plant and equipment cover.
If you’re a building contractor and would like an audit of your existing policies, or guidance relating to employer’s liability insurance for construction workers, please call Robison today on 01730 265500. We’d be happy to discuss your current needs and ascertain your level of risk.
General Risk Assessment Template
Use this risk assessment template to establish a general framework for identifying, mitigating and potentially eliminating risks within your organisation. Customise to fit your specific business needs.
Download the Risk Assessment template here: Risk Assessment Template
HSE Construction Site Inspections to Focus on ‘Slow Killers’
Beginning 1st October 2018, the HSE will be conducting its latest inspection initiative, focused on the construction sector.
Employers can expect HSE surprise inspections to place an emphasis on ensuring workers are protected from long-term health complications, such as occupational lung disease, that typically result from asbestos, silica, wood or other dust exposure.
These harmful substances are known as slow killers and are the focus of the HSE’s #DustBuster campaign to protect construction workers’ lungs. In a recent news bulletin, the HSE explained that although the impact is not as immediately evident as that of safety flaws, a failure to prioritise workers’ health and guard against slow killers could lead to serious complications later in life. Indeed, the HSE estimates that there are 8,000 work-related cancer deaths each year, with 3,500 of those fatalities stemming from the construction industry. What’s more, asbestos and dust exposure are the primary causes of these deaths.
This News Alert summarises what employers can expect HSE inspectors to focus on as part of these inspections.
Read More: News Brief – Surprise HSE Inspections to Focus on Slow Killers
Robison & Co. Insurance Brokers offer bespoke insurance solutions for the construction industry. If you’re interested in learning more about Construction Insurance and how we can protect your business, please give us a call on 01730 265500 or email one of our Construction Insurance specialists.
Government Releases Guidance for Possible ‘No Deal’ Brexit
As Brexit approaches on 29 March 2019, only months remain for the UK government and the EU to sign a withdrawal agreement, ratified by both the UK Parliament and European Parliament.
Without a concrete agreement established under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, Brexit would result in a no-deal scenario, forcing the UK to leave the EU and become a third country without the proper framework in place for a future relationship between the separated entities.
Although the government remains confident that a deal will take place, it recently announced that the shrinking time frame calls for proper preparation for a no-deal scenario, publishing a series of articles and 25 technical notices containing industry-specific guidance. The publications highlighted several broad areas in which significant changes could result from a no-deal scenario, including credit card crisis, medicinal hurdles, produce problems, business barriers and issues with ongoing scientific research.
This News Brief briefly summarises each of these areas of potential change.
Read more: Government Releases Guidance for Possible No Deal Brexit
