TITLE: CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM HANDBOOK

INTRODUCTION

The occupational illnesses affecting construction workers have not been accurately measured,
but an educated guess is that construction workers suffer both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-
term) illnesses from their exposure to chemicals, dusts, fibers, radiation, vibration, and temperature
extremes. Precautions need to be taken to limit exposures which have the potential to cause
detrimental health effects to construction workers since accurate exposures cannot be determined due
to the transient nature of the work.

Safety is duty of all. It is imperative that all personnel involved in construction works should play
their respective roles towards the provision and upkeeping of a safe and healthy working environment.
This handbook outlines safety, health, and environmental requirements and guidelines that all
employees must follow. All staff should therefore be conversant with essential safety knowledge and
have a high degree of safety awareness so that they are able to identify unsafe acts/conditions and ask
for rectification.

PURPOSE

Most accidents can be prevented by taking simple measures or adopting proper working
procedures. This handbook is intended to outline important issues on safety and that should be paid
attention to on construction sites for easy reference by the workers. if we work carefully and take
appropriate safety measures, there will be fewer work injury cases, and our sites will become a safe and
secure place to work in.

OBJECTIVES

To ensure the success of safety and health programs, it is essential to implement the policies in
this manual. These programs are designed to accomplish the following objectives:

1. Prevent injuries and illnesses to workers.

2. Promote sound safety, health, and environmental practices.
3. Prepare for and minimize interruptions to operations.
4. Fill a knowledge gap on some site safety issues.
5. Provide handy reference of best practices for frontline management teams.
6. Offer some site safety management techniques and tools for use.
7. Encourage management to make corrections when necessary.
8. Emphasize continuous improvement.

SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY

The health and safety of workers supplied under contracts of services is of the utmost
importance. The company places high value on the safety for all employees and is committed to
providing a safe workplace for all employees and has developed this program for injury prevention to
involve management, supervisors, and employees in identifying and eliminating hazards that may
develop during our work process.

Management and supervisory staff have the responsibility for implementing the policy
throughout the company and must ensure the health and safety considerations are always given priority
in planning and day-to-day supervision of all work. All employees and sub-contractors are expected to
co-operate and assist in the implementation of this policy, whilst ensuring that their own works, so far
as is reasonably practicable, are carried out without risk to themselves, other or the environment. This
includes co-operating with management on any health, safety, or environmental related matter. All
employees will be provided with the necessary instruction and training in safe methods of work, and the
safe and efficient operation and maintenance of tools and equipment. The operation of this policy and
the associated procedures will be monitored and reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that they remain
current and applicable to the company’s activities.
Section 1. SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAMS

 Safety Training
The company recognizes that all employees play a crucial role in ensuring the success of
operations and is therefore committed to providing training and development to improve the
skills and competence of all employees.
The company will provide you with appropriate training to develop the knowledge and
skills necessary for you to perform your duties effectively. Wherever possible, the company will
ensure you have every opportunity for career development.

The types of trainings the company will provide include:

1. Induction Training
The employees will be given a comprehensive introduction to the
workplace, your colleagues, catering facilities, duties, health and safety, and
other procedures. Supervisors will assess the training requirements and arrange
for that training to be provided. As fas as possible, the company will meet your
training need by a combination of occupational, internal, and external training.
2. Occupational Training
Throughout the employment with the company, there may be a need to
acquire new skills. These can be gained through occupational training delivered
by colleagues.
3. Internal Training
Occasionally, the company may arrange for external training providers
to deliver training course in the workplace. This form of training might be
triggered by the introduction of new equipment or working method and will be
arranged when the company feels the training cannot adequately be provided
in-house.
4. External Training
External training may be provided in a variety of forms, ranging from
short courses of a few hours through to lengthy courses leading to the award of
qualifications. Where necessary, the company will arrange for you to undertake
external training if this cannot be provided internally.
 Risk Assessments
Definitions:
 HAZARD: Something with the potential to cause harm
 RISK: A measure of the likelihood/probability and severity/consequence of an
adverse
 RISK ASSESSMENT: The process of evaluating the impact of risk
 MITIGATION: The measures taken to control risk
 RESIDUAL RISK: The risk remaining after the design phase which have to be
managed by others

Five steps to Risk Assessments:

1. Identify the potential hazards.

2. Determine the likelihood and consequence of the risk.
3. Decide on the necessary action, through wherever possible the hazard should
be eliminated.
4. Implement your decisions and record the findings on design risk assessments
and drawings.
5. Regularly review your assessment and revise it if necessary, and ensure
sufficient information is provided to the contractor and others.
Section 2. HOUSEKEEPING

Everything at work must be in its proper place and put things away after they are used. The
following are included in housekeeping for a safer workplace:

 Keep work areas free from rubbish and obstructions.

 Maintain all floor surfaces safe, suitable, and free from slip or trip hazards.
 Ensure floor openings covered or otherwise fenced off.
 Materials are properly stacked and stored safely
 Keep all passageways in good condition:
 Unobstructed and clearly defined
 Provide adequate lighting
 Ensure clear sightline at breaks and corners
 Lightings should be maintained in good working order:
 Adequate and free from glare
 Lighting clean and efficient
 No flickering
 Maintain steady lights
 Provide and maintain all emergency lighting systems
 Stacking of all materials:
 Ensure the proper heights and correct stacking
 Allow sufficient space for moving stock
 Store materials in racks/ribs
 Keep shelves free of rubbish
 Keep floors around stacks and racks clear
 Check drums and ensure pallets in good repair
 Heavier items stored low and without danger of falling objects
 Avoid sharp edges and provide safe means of accessing high shelves
 Maintain all stairs, steps, and landings:
 Replace or remove worn-out or broken steps
 Keep handrails and fencings in good repair
 Keep clear of all obstructions
 Ensure non-slip treatment/treads in good condition
 Keep clear of debris and spills

Section 3. BASIC RULES ON SAFETY

 Tidy up construction sites

 Keep passages clear all the time
 Sort out materials and pile them up safely. The stacks should not be too high
 Beware of floor openings and ensure that they are fenced or covered
 Remove refuse as soon as possible
 Provide sufficient lighting
 Familiarize with the location and the operation of fire-fighting equipment
 Safety Measures
 Before you operate a machine, ensure that the dangerous part of the machine has been
installed with a guard
 Avoid going to any area with insufficient lighting as there may be some dangerous
places which have not been provided with fencing
 Keep vigilant all the time and watch out for moving cranes, hooks, or other lifting
equipment
 Before you use any electrical installation or tool, check the condition of its electric
cables.
 Avoid dragging electric cables on the ground or allowing cables to come into contact
with water.
  Use electrical tools installed with an earth leakage circuit breaker
 Use and handle chemicals with care
 Personal Safety
 Wear protective equipment
 Do not or take drugs while working
 Pay attention to personal hygiene
 Do not play in the workplace
 Report to your supervisor immediately if you notice any unsafe condition

Section 4. WORKPLACE SAFETY

A. PERSONAL PROTETIVE EQUIPMENT

 You will be advised if protective equipment is required on any specific job, which will be
supplied to you by the client unless you have been notified otherwise. You must wear
clothing appropriate for the job you do and if PPE is provided or requested, please use
it. Remember you have a legal responsibility not to interfere with or misuse anything
provided to you for your health, safety, or welfare.
 If you are asked to supply any PPE, it must be suitable for the purpose, properly
maintained and stored and in good condition. If you are in any doubt, speak to the site
safety supervisor.
 If PPE is damaged or faulty, please report this to your supervisor. If you have any
concern that PPE has not been provided, or is not suitable, contact your supervisor.
 The standard PPE to be worn in the site is as follows:
 Safety boots including mid-sole protection, ankle support
 Full length trousers
 Long sleeves
 Hi-vis vests
 Safety gloves
 Safety glasses
 Safety helmet
B. FALL PROTECTION
 Provide a suitable barrier at the edge from which a person is liable to fall more than 2
meters. Suitable temporary protection measures should also be considered for
preventing workers from being endangered by falling or displacement of earth or rock
materials.
 Provide suitable working platforms whenever workers are at risk of falling more than 2
meters. If it is not practicable, suitable safety nets, and safety belts (preferably safety
harnesses) attached to suitable anchorage points should be provided. Note that safety
belts anchored to suitable anchorage points should only be used as a last resort.
 Where lifelines are used and where anchorage points are reliant on certain projections,
or certain temporary fixtures or any structure around, they should be checked regularly
for damage or change in stability which may have been induced as the work progress.
 Ensure that workers are adequately trained in the proper use of all personal protective
equipment.
C. LADDERS
 Use ladders only for simple work of short duration. They should not be used primarily as
a means of access and not as a working platform.
 Ladders shall be of good construction with no missing or defective rungs, of sound
material and of adequate strength for the purpose for which it is used and is properly
maintained.
 Only erect ladders on a firm and level base. Do not erect straight ladder at a base angle
exceeding 75 degrees or a 4:1 rise-base ratio. For vertical access ladder, provide a
landing point for rest purposed every 9m.
  Secure a straight ladder at the top. When it is impracticable to do so, firmly secure the
ladder at the base by some effective means or by any person.
 The rungs shall be free from moisture, dirt, and grease. The footwear of the user shall
be in good condition and free from moisture, dirt, and grease.
 Inspect the ladder for any defects before each use. Do not use wooden ladder that has
been painted as painting may cover up the defects. Display warning label to the
defective ladder.
 Always face a ladder when going up or down and use both hands to grasp the rungs for
support. Do not carry tools or materials in hand when climbing up or down. If necessary,
use a tool holster to carry hand tools or spare hands for holding the ladder.
D. HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS AND SUBSTANCES
 Always substitute hazardous chemicals with harmless or less hazardous ones.
 Enclose the process using chemicals or provide other engineering controls such as local
exhaust ventilation, a fume cupboard, or a safety cabinet.
 Exercise great care in the storage and use of chemicals, at all times because they may be
explosive, poisonous, corrosive, or combustible. Physically separate different chemicals
and store classified as dangerous good in a properly constructed and approved
dangerous good store. Keep proper records of all chemicals and hazardous substances
delivered, stored, and used on site.
 Unknown substances and liquids should be regarded as dangerous unless known to be
otherwise. All containers should be clearly labelled to indicate contents. Never use a
wrongly labelled container for chemicals.
 Check that you are wearing the correct personal protective equipment before you hand
chemicals.
 Safety instruction for handling emergency situations should be displayed prominently in
the chemical storage and workplace.
E. SCAFFOLD
 Do not use scaffolds unless they have been erected by a trained workman and under the
supervision of a competent person.
 Do not use a scaffold unless it has been inspected and certified safe by a competent
person before use.
 Strictly follow the instructions of a competent person. Do not alter the scaffold unless
authorized to do so. Do not work on an unfinished scaffold.
 When it is necessary to work on a mobile scaffold, lock the wheels of the scaffold before
you start working.
 Do not work on a scaffold unless It has been provided with a suitable working platform.
F. EXCAVATIONS
 Ensure that the excavations are inspected daily and thoroughly examined by a
competent person on weekly basis.
 Ensure an adequate supply of suitable timber or other shoring material and that they
are installed in accordance with planned method/method statement.
 Ensure that the working faces are secured or protected, and the workers working in the
trench are protected against falls of earth and materials, etc.
 Provide suitable ladders for access/egress into and from the excavated trench and
gangway across the trench where necessary.
 Provide an adequate supply of suitable barriers and traffic notices, and ensure adequate
protection and warning are provided for members of the public.
G. CRANES, HOIST, AND OTHER HEAVY EQUIPMENT
 Never attempt to operate a crane, excavator, forklift, or similar lifting machines unless
you are certified and trained.
 Carry out and record brake testing to manufacturer’s specifications.
 Inspect the respective machine before commencing work for defects and obstructions.
Report any defects to your supervisor.
 Carry out and record statutory inspection and routine maintenance.
 Make sure that you know the “Safe Working Load” of your machine and the weight of
any load you are required to lift. Try the load by lifting it slightly and halting to see if the
machine can take the load. Never leave the cab whilst the load is suspended.
 Only the persons trained in slinging practice and signaling systems may act as a slinger
or a banksman.
 Never stand under a load whilst it is suspended.
H. HAND TOOLS
 Wear safety glasses whenever you hammer or cut, especially when working with
surfaces that chip or splinter.
 Do not use a screwdriver as a chisel. The tool can slip and cause a deep puncture
wound.
 Do not use a chisel as a screwdriver. The tip of the chisel may break and cause an injury.
 Do not use a knife as a screwdriver. The blade can snap and injure an eye.
 Never carry a screwdriver or chisel in your pocket. If you fall, the tool could cause
serious injury. Instead, use a tool belt holder.
 Replace loose, splintered, or cracked handles. Loose hammer, axe, or maul heads can fly
off defective handles.
 Use the proper wench to tighten or loosen nuts. Pliers can chew the corner off a nut.
 When using a chisel, always chip or cut away from you. Use a soft-headed hammer or
mallet to strike a wooden chisel handle. A metal hammer or mallet may cause the
handle to split.
 Do not use a wrench if the jaws are sprung.
 Do not use impact tools, such as chisels, wedges, or drift pins, if their heads are
mushroom shaped. The heads may shafter upon impact.
 Direct saw blades, knives, and other tools away from aisle areas and other employees.
 Keep knives and scissors sharp. Dull tools are more dangerous than sharp tools.
I. POWER TOOLS
 Read all manufacturers guidelines before working with a tool and follow all safety
guidelines.
 Make sure all guards are in place and in proper working condition.
 Make all adjustments with the power off.
 Always wear PPE according to the PPPE hazard assessment.
 Operate a machine only after you have received thorough instructions and been advised
by your supervisor that are qualified to operate that machine or tool.
 When working around machinery, do not wear loose clothing, torn sleeved, ties, key
chains, rings, watches, or any item that could become entangled in the machinery.
Contain long hair when working around machinery.
 Never attempt to repair on live circuits, electrical appliances, power tools, cables, or
wiring unless you are qualified.
 Inspect all portable power tools before operating. Do not use if defective or damaged.
 Do not operate equipment unless the safety guards and ant-kickback are in place and
operational.
J. ACCIDENT REPORTING AND PROCEDURES
 In case of accidents, if the injured is a civil servant, the departmental procedures for
accident reporting should be followed.
 All injuries resulting from accidents on site or in other workplaces will be reported by
the Contracts Manager, on the Accident Report Form and sent to the office. This applies
to injuries received by member of the public, visitors, etc. as well as company
employees.
 An accident book will be available and maintained at each site office to ensure any
injured employee can record detail or his/her accident. It is important that all accidents,
no matter how minor are reported and recorded within the accident book.
  All accidents, including near-misses and incidents that result in damage to properties or
plant and machinery on site will be thoroughly investigated. The purpose of the
investigation is to establish the root cause of the incident with a view to amending or
developing procedures to help prevent a recurrence in the future.

Section 5. ERGONOMICS

A. MANUAL HANDLING OPERATIONS

 Avoid manual handling operations as far as possible to minimize the risk of injury.
 Estimate the weight of the load.
 Lift an object with a correct posture.
 Wear suitable protective equipment. Put on gloves as far as possible to protect your
hands from any cut, scratch, or puncture, and wear safety boots or shoes to prevent
injury to toes by heavy falling objects.
 Seek assistance from someone in lifting a load if necessary.
B. VIOLENCE AND HARASSMENT
 By the nature of the business, employees are required to work in a range of different
environments, some of which may pose a risk of verbal abuse and in extreme cases,
physical assault. The company is aware of its obligations to ensure both the mental and
physical health of employees as affected by systems of work.
 The risk of such instances is to be controlled by arrangements including:
 Constant supervision by site representatives in high-risk areas of sites such as
prisons, remand centers, or sites occupied by persons suffering from metal ill
health.
 Employees being instructed to diffuse potential hostile attacks by remaining
calm, summoning assistance and/or leaving the area when safe to do so.
 Incentives to violent attacks should be reduced by avoiding exposure of valuable
items in public areas as far as possible.
 Any hostile act towards employees, whether verbal or physical, shall be taken
seriously and immediately reports to the supervisors and recorded as an
incident in the accident/incident book.
 Any employee suffering from emotional distress due to acts of violence should
report this to management who shall offer counselling and assistance as is
necessary.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO ACCIDENTS

 You should have a good understanding of your working environment and the instructions given
by your supervisor. When evacuation is required in an emergency, you should keep calm and
find out:
 What dangerous situation the alarm refers to.
 The routes of evacuation
 The safe place that you should go to as designated by the company
 When someone is found seriously injured, you should:
 Keep calm
 Seek help immediately
 Accompany the injured person
 Assist in the immediate rescue work as far as possible
 Call the site safety staff
 Do not try to move the injured person unless it is necessary to do so
 Do not tamper with the accident scene while waiting for the arrival of the investigation
team
 When a fire breaks out, you should remember:
 Put out the fire with a fire extinguisher if it is a small fire
  If the blaze is out of control, do not try to extinguish the fire on your own. Call the fire
services department right away.
 Always pay attention to the emergency telephone numbers posted on the notice board in the
sire office.

Section 6. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS OBSERVED

 D.O. No. 13, Series of 1998 – Guidelines Governing Occupational Safety and Health in the
Construction Industry
 Section 5. – Construction Safety and Health Program
 Section 6. – Personal Protective Equipment
 Section 7. – Safety Personnel
 Section 8. – Emergency occupational Health Personnel and Facilities
 Section 9. – Construction Safety Signages
 Section 10. – Safety on Construction Heavy Equipment
 Section 11. – Construction Safety and Health Committee
 Section 12. – Safety and Health Information
 Section 13. – Construction Safety and Health Training
 Section 14. – Construction Safety and Health Reports
 Section 15. – Construction Workers’ Skills Certificates
 Section 16. – Workers’ Welfare Facilities
 Section 19. – Violations and Penalties