It’s never good to find out the hard way that there was a gas, power, water, or communications line buried right where you needed to put something on your site! Safe excavation practices help you to get through the work without injury and avoid hitting critical services.
Digging blind is not the best way forward for your schedule or your safety, so we have put together some key notes for you to bear in mind when excavating to help save you some costs, time and help you avoid tragedy.
Excavation work is any work involving the removal of soil or rock from a site to form an open face, hole or cavity, using tools, machinery or explosives. This includes open excavations, potholing, pit excavations, trenches, retaining walls and shafts and drives.
Employers have a legal duty of care to take reasonable actions to protect both the people and the services which may be affected by their work. Getting and using the appropriate information on the services is an important part of ensuring safe excavation on your site. There is a large range of options this can cover, so we will cover the basics in this article.
If you have more complex excavations and want advice then get in contact with us.
Remember any ground disturbance regardless of depth can damage infrastructure networks like gas, water, electricity so you need to get the right information to keep you & the utilities safe.
Before you start digging, you need to know what’s below the surface. Use Linesearch Before U Dig – a free online service that helps you check for underground assets from over 140 asset owners. However, keep in mind that not all asset owners are part of Linesearch. This means you might need to contact other organizations like the local roads authority, street lighting authority, or National Grid to get their plans and information.
Key Reminder:
Any digging can damage underground infrastructure, so take your time, follow the process, and stay safe!
A safe system of work has three key steps:
Once services are exposed, protect them by:
Key Reminder: Always follow the steps and stay vigilant—digging safely protects everyone on-site!
If you’ve got a question about safe excavation or any other health and safety matter, the HazardCo Advisory Team is here to help. Give them a call on 020 4571 3920
The Linesearch before u dig website has a tonne of resources available With over 275,000 registered Users representing utility companies, contractors, councils, landowners and the public. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also have the HSG47 document which offers guidance on how to avoid underground services.
Worksites tend to be filled with constant noise from tools and machinery. Work-related hearing loss is a real threat for many who spend the majority of their working lives on-site. While noise often means things are getting done, there is a downside to it. Hazardous noise can affect a worker’s physical and mental wellbeing including hearing loss, stress, and lower productivity. So to help you protect your hearing, here are a few helpful tips to manage noise.
The aim of the Noise Regulations is to ensure that workers’ hearing is protected from excessive noise at their place of work, which could cause them to lose their hearing and/or to suffer from tinnitus (permanent ringing in the ears).
Employers must assess the risk to workers when noise is above is 80dB(A) and employers MUST ensure hearing protection is worn when noise is 85 dB(A).
Understanding what makes noise on-site, and how it impacts people and different areas on site is critical. Ask yourself and your workers:
Once you understand the answers to the above, you can start putting plans and checks in place to monitor noise on-site.
Be sure to review the plan throughout the project, as different stages will create varying levels of noise.
The most effective way to reduce noise is to eliminate its source, though this isn’t always possible.
Regular maintenance of equipment is another effective method to minimise noise production. Proper upkeep can significantly lower noise levels.
The HSE has also suggested alternative methods to decrease noise on-site, including:
Additionally, limiting the time spent in noisy areas will significantly reduce exposure.
Isolation involves creating a dedicated space for ‘noisy work’. This could be an enclosed room or area of site where all noisy work and machinery is used. This helps manage the noise by blocking the path of noise and reducing the levels that reach your team.
Having a good understanding of how machinery and tools operate can help modify processes to reduce noise at the source. Engineering controls can include choosing attachments or parts that are noise reducing, or changing the way machinery and tools are used.
Perfect for when you are running a large generator or a dedicated workspace, acoustic enclosures help to trap the noise within its barriers. Setting up an acoustic enclosure that has 2 or 3 barriers/ walls can reduce noise.
What makes a quality acoustic enclosure:
With noise comes vibrations. These vibrations can be just as harmful as the noise itself. Here are a few strategies to help decrease vibrations when using machines or power tools:
It’s not possible to escape noise on-site, however we can manage noise and put steps in place to help reduce the effect that it has on us while we’re working.
If you have any questions don’t forget to reach out to the team!
Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE) is essential gear for protecting you from inhaling hazardous substances. In this blog, we’ll explore the important role of RPE, whether you are dealing with airborne contaminants like asbestos, fumes, or dust, RPE is an essential protective equipment (PPE) that makes sure you can breathe safely. Join us as we deep dive into the different types of RPE, their applications, and how they can protect you from potential health risks.
Before you even get started with RPE, make sure you have other practical control measures in place first; such as local exhaust ventilation or direct dust-extracted tools with a vacuum catchment to get rid of the majority of contaminants in the air. You should also be keeping an eye on your team’s health and workplace conditions to ensure that, over time, they aren’tbecomign unwell or getting injured by their work.
Remember, there is no such thing as healthy dust, even if you are outside!
We’ve gone ahead and put together a quick guide of factors to consider when providing your workers with RPE.
RPE should be the last resort to protect against harmful dust. Before work starts, look at ways of stopping or reducing the amount of dust you might make. Even if you stop some dust this way, you may do other work that could still produce high dust levels. In these cases the most important action is to stop the dust getting into the air with either water or extraction.
Water or on-tool extraction may not always be appropriate or they might not reduce exposure enough. Often respiratory protection (RPE) has to be provided as well. You will need to make sure that the RPE is:
adequate for the amount and type of dust – RPE has an assigned protection factor (APF) which shows how much protection it gives the wearer. The general level for construction dust is an APF of 20. This means the wearer only breathes one twentieth of the amount of dust in the air;
Respirators use replaceable filters to remove contaminants to clean the air for the wearer. They come in disposable, half-face and full-face versions. The cartridge filters are specific to certain types of contaminants, ask your manufacturer exactly which cartridge you should be using for the respirator you have and the contaminants you will be facing.
Remember if you have stubble or any facial hair you may not be getting the seal and the protection you think you are! So if you love your beard as much as your lungs read on to find out what you can do.
Powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs)
Are made up of headgear and fan assembly that take contaminated air, filter it, and then delivers the clean air to the user. These are also known as positive pressure systems. These not only keep you nice and cool but offer the highest protection there is for people who have facial hair. Something to note with these is that the visors and headset can be impact rated if you need it, and don’t fog up because of the airflow.
Supplied air respirators
Provide a supply of clean air to the wearer from a source such as an air compressor or cylinder. It’s important to note that the air supply needs to be checked regularly to make sure that it is safe to use – just think about what you see coming out of your air compressor when you release the valve under the air tank! The user must also be trained in how to use the system.
It’s important for your workers to visually check their RPE for signs of damage before each use to identify any issues, including whether it needs to be cleaned or decontaminated.
Make sure your team keeps their RPE on while working in the hazardous area. Removing it for even a short period of time is a risk to their health.
Did you know that they come in different sizes? One size does not fit all!
Everyone’s face is different, so one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to RPE. If a mask doesn’t fit properly, it won’t do its job, which could lead to serious health issues. Fit testing helps make sure the mask forms a proper seal and keeps harmful particles out. It also helps identify which masks aren’t suitable for certain workers. The manufacturer of the RPE can tell you who can do this testing.
There are two checks which you need to do each time you use RPE:
Keep in mind that if your workers’ safety glasses fog up while they are wearing a half-face respirator, this is a sign that there is a leak at the top of the respirator which means they are not getting full protection.
If your crew is wearing respiratory protective equipment (RPE), they need to be clean-shaven. Even a bit of stubble can stop the mask from sealing properly, which means they’re still breathing in harmful dust and chemicals. A proper fit and the right RPE for the job go hand in hand.
A recent study tested different masks on 15 guys, checking the fit right after shaving and again over the next week. The results? Stubble started affecting the seal within 24 hours and got worse as the hair grew. That means protection can drop fast, putting workers at risk.
As an employer, it’s your responsibility to monitor your team’s health. Make sure you’re doing regular Site Reviews using the HazardCo App to spot risks and put proper controls in place. If you need a hand, the HazardCo Support Team is here to help—just reach out!
Got any questions? Reach out to the HazardCo Team
Whether you’re carrying out extensions, renovations, large landscaping jobs, or you are engaging contractors or have clients living/working on-site, HazardCo can help.
First, you’ll need to establish how you’ll handle health and safety on-site and keep all parties involved, including the homeowner and other contractors, in the loop. That way, everyone knows the site hazards and stays safe while the project’s underway.
A HazardCo Project contains site-specific resources for that job, including:
Managing a construction project isn’t just about bricks and mortar – it’s about keeping everyone safe and compliant. One of the most crucial elements of this is the Construction Phase Plan (CPP). Let’s break down what this means for you and your team.
Size Matters: Choosing the Right Plan
Here’s something many don’t realize: not every project needs the same level of planning. For smaller projects – a simple plan usually does the trick. But when the complexity of your project grows, and risks increase, you’ll need to step up your game with a more comprehensive CPP. If you are unsure, why don’t you speak to the advisory team at HazardCo?
The Main Contractor’s Role: More Than Just Paperwork
As a main contractor, you’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to the CPP. Think of it as your project’s safety roadmap. Your job? Create it, share it, and make sure everyone – from your direct employees to the last subcontractor – knows exactly what’s in it. This isn’t a one-and-done deal, though. You’ll need to keep the conversation flowing about risks and regularly review them on-site.
Smart Contractor Selection: Your Secret Weapon
Here’s a pro tip: using the HazardCo Pre-Qual system isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s your shield against potential issues down the line. It helps you prove you’ve done your homework in selecting contractors, and more importantly, it shows you’re serious about maintaining high safety standards.
Remember, a well-planned CPP isn’t just about compliance – it’s about creating a safer, more efficient workplace for everyone involved. When everyone knows the risks and their responsibilities, projects tend to run smoother, safer, and more successfully.
To streamline your safety management the HazardCo App and Hub are your go-to tools for managing health and safety on site. These digital solutions make it easier to stay on top of your safety responsibilities and keep everyone protected.
To start your day safely before work begins use the Risk Assessment tool to thoroughly check your work area. This crucial step ensures a safe environment for you and your team, helping identify and address any potential hazards before they become problems.
Tackling renovation challenges head-on. Renovation work comes with its own set of unique challenges that need careful attention. Two critical areas you’ll need to focus on are:
Managing Noise and Dust: Construction sites can be noisy and dusty places. You’ll need to pay special attention to:
Planning for Safety Before starting any work, complete a Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS). This isn’t just paperwork – it’s a crucial planning tool that helps you think through and prepare for every aspect of the job ahead.
End-of-Day Safety Checks
When wrapping up for the day:
Staying on Top of Safety Communication Regular communication is key to maintaining a safe site:
Remember, health and safety isn’t about ticking boxes on a form. It’s about ensuring everyone on site returns home safely to their families each day.
Need Help? We’ve got you covered with additional resources and step-by-step instructions. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more guidance on managing your site’s safety effectively.
After years of helping builders in New Zealand and Australia, we’re thrilled to announce that HazardCo is now live in the UK! We know health and safety can be a bit of a headache for builders, which is why our digital system is designed to remove all the guesswork. With over 10,000 businesses and 150,000 users already onboard, we’re confident we can help UK builders get their health and safety sorted too.
While we’ve had great success in New Zealand and Australia, we knew that the needs of UK builders would be unique. That’s why our system here has been built with input from local health and safety experts who understand the ins and outs of the British construction industry. Plus, our dedicated team in the UK is ready to support you with whatever you need. Whether it’s setting up the system or answering your questions, we’re here to help you stay compliant and keep your crew safe.
The construction industry is moving towards more digital tools, and health and safety is no exception. More and more builders are turning to software to manage their projects both on-site and in the office, and we’re here to make that transition as easy as possible. With our simple, guided system, you’ll not only feel confident that you’re staying compliant, but you’ll also be protecting your team and focusing on what you do best—delivering great projects.
Simple, guided health and safety system
The HazardCo system provides builders with a digital system to confidently manage on-site safety. It includes access to the HazardCo Hub, where safety documents like site-specific Construction Phase Plans can be generated in minutes. Builders also receive a Hazard Board for their site, featuring a QR code that guides workers through a digital induction upon entry. With the on-site app, completing important safety documents such as RAMS and Risk Assessments is quick and easy, keeping safety management effortless and efficient.
We get that health and safety can feel like one more thing on a never-ending to-do list. That’s why our system is all about making the process easier. You’ll have access to clear guidance, easy-to-use tools, and support every step of the way.
Whether you’re already thinking about digitizing your health and safety processes or just want to find out more about how it all works, we’re here to help. Reach out to our UK team, or get a free trial to explore the system for yourself. We’re confident you’ll see how much easier health and safety can be with HazardCo by your side.
The construction industry is the most dangerous in Great Britain, with more work-related deaths than any other industry, like manufacturing, transport, or farming. This means that when construction workers go to work each day, they face a higher risk of not coming home safely.
Keeping everyone safe on a construction site isn’t just about wearing hard hats and high-visibility vests. It requires careful planning, preparation, and ongoing attention to the unique risks of each project.
HazardCo provides a system that covers all these legal requirements. The App and Hub make it easy to manage and monitor safety on-site.
For business leaders, following these rules isn’t just about obeying the law—it shows a commitment to keeping workers safe. Using HazardCo’s system helps build a strong safety culture and proves that you are serious about protecting your workforce.
For more information on construction safety statistics, visit the Health and Safety Executive’s official website.
