Slips, trips, and falls, don’t let them take you down! Evaluating safety in your workplace is key!
Slips and trips might seem harmless, but on-site they’re one of the biggest causes of injuries. A bit of ground clutter, a wet floor, or poor lighting is all it takes to put someone out of action.
Here’s the breakdown:
What’s your role?
Businesses must make sure slip and trip hazards are spotted early and dealt with properly. That means checking the site, managing risks, and keeping controls up to scratch.
How to tackle the risks
Practical ways to reduce the risk
Reducing slips, trips, and falls starts with simple, practical steps that everyone on site can take.
Good housekeeping makes all the difference. The HazardCo App has handy checklists to keep your site tidy and safe.
Don’t wait for a near miss to remind you. Start managing slips and trips today and if you need a hand, the HazardCo team is only a call away.
The reality is unsafe work at heights can have devastating consequences. Falls from heights are one of the leading causes of fatalities and injuries in the construction industry within the UK. Preventing falls should be actively managed so that people working at heights are kept safe.
Identifying a task that could lead to a fall is the first step to keeping people safe. Before commencing, put in place the highest level of protection possible to prevent falls.
Consider how long the job will take: The duration of the job will impact how you select the level of protection. If the job is ongoing, the structures chosen need to remain stable throughout the job. You may need to reassess things like ladders and scaffolds throughout the job.
The hierarchy of controls outlines the various controls in order from the highest level of protection to the lowest level of protection. Select the safest, most appropriate control measure from the below hierarchy to prevent injuries or fatalities from falls from heights on your site.
Work on the ground or solid construction
If you can avoid working at height it should be your first option and is always the safest option. Some examples of eliminating the fall risk include using long-handled tools, relocating the task to the ground, and using extension poles for tools.
Use fall-prevention measures
If working from a height is necessary, you need to manage the risk of a fall. Fall prevention measures could be something like an elevated work platform, scaffolding, or guard railing.
Use a work positioning system
Check if a work positioning system like a travel restraint system can be used. A travel restraint system enables a person to work in a way that prevents the person from falling e.g. fixed-length lanyards and static line systems
Use a fall arrest system
Check if a fall arrest system like an industrial safety net, a catch platform or safety harness can be used. This system doesn’t prevent the fall but arrests the fall so you don’t come into contact with the ground e.g. shock absorber on lanyard or anchor point.
Ladder use
It may be appropriate to use a ladder. Ladders do not provide fall protection and as such should only be looked at as a last option when selecting the level of protection. Ladders should only be used for short duration works such as changing a light bulb or paint touch-ups.
Click here to view the HSE step by step guide
Seek professional assistance
Working at height can often be high risk and there are experts who make it their job to complete this work safely. It is often safer and more cost-effective to use height specialists even for shorter jobs.
Make sure everyone knows what to do
Give your workers all the info they need to stay safe.. Conduct toolbox talks and remind them the importance of procedures and completing a Risk Assessment and Method Statement. Encourage them to watch out for each other and speak up if something doesn’t seem right.
Consistency is key
It’s important you and your team are actively involved in ensuring any heights related work is carried out in the safest way possible.
Picture this: you’re starting another day on site, and you’re heading out to your work area. You notice a ladder leaning against the wall, but one of the rungs looks cracked. A few metres away, someone’s left a pile of timber stacked a little too high, and the wind’s picking up. None of it looks like a disaster on its own, but these are the small things that can add up to a serious injury if no one speaks up.
That’s the reality of construction sites. They’re full of moving parts, changing conditions, and plenty of ways things can go wrong. A hazard is simply anything that could hurt you or someone else on-site. The trick is learning to spot them before they turn into incidents. Once you know what to look for, it becomes second nature, like checking your mirrors before pulling onto the road.
Some hazards are obvious, like a roof edge without guardrails or a live wire dangling where it shouldn’t be. Others are subtle. Falls are the number one cause of serious injuries on building sites, and they don’t just happen from rooftops. A wobbly ladder, a scaffold missing a plank, or even a wet surface after overnight rain can quickly lead to a fall and serious injury.
Then there’s the danger of being struck by something. A tool dropped from above, a reversing vehicle in a blind spot, or a swinging load from a crane, these moments happen in an instant and can change lives forever. Electricity brings its own set of risks. Damaged cords, overloaded circuits, or working too close to power lines are all hazards that can cause serious harm in an instant.
And it’s not always about dramatic moments. Sometimes it’s the slow-burn hazards that do the most damage: breathing in dust day after day, being exposed to paint fumes, or dealing with asbestos in an old structure. They might not knock you down on the spot, but they can cause long-term health issues that no one wants to bring home.
So how do you get good at seeing hazards before they catch you out? It starts with building a habit. Each morning, take a few minutes to walk around the worksite. Look at what’s changed since yesterday. Is there new equipment? Has the weather caused damage? Are materials stacked differently? That quick scan can save you from nasty surprises later in the day.
Hazard spotting isn’t something you do once and tick off. It’s an all-day habit. At the start of your shift, scan the site. During the day, keep checking, especially after breaks or when conditions change. At the end of the day, tidy up, secure materials, and make sure barriers are still in place. That way, the next crew isn’t walking into danger before they’ve even started.
And when you do find something? Don’t wait. Stop what you’re doing, warn others, and report it. Even better, document it so there’s a record, because the last thing anyone needs is for the same hazard to crop up tomorrow.
Here’s the thing: safety isn’t just the job of the person with the clipboard. Everyone on-site can use their awareness and judgement to spot hazards. The people who make the biggest difference are the ones who keep asking “what if?”, who don’t rush past something that looks dodgy, and who aren’t afraid to speak up. Passing that mindset on to new workers is how you build a strong safety culture.
Of course, knowing how to spot hazards is one side of the story. Keeping track of them and making sure they’re fixed is the other. That’s where HazardCo makes life easier. Instead of scribbling notes on scraps of paper or trying to remember everything until you see your supervisor, you can log hazards in the app as soon as you spot them using our Site Review feature in the HazardCo App. The system guides you through each step, so nothing falls through the cracks.
Site Supervisors see updates instantly, workers know what’s being done, and the whole process is clear and simple. No chasing paperwork, no confusion, just a guided way to manage hazards that gives everyone peace of mind.
Next time you’re on-site, take 10 minutes to really look around the area. What’s stacked where? What’s changed since yesterday? What could go wrong, and what could you do to make it safer? That small step is the start of a habit that keeps you and your crew safe.
And if you want a system that doesn’t just leave hazard spotting up to memory or luck, HazardCo’s got your back. With our guided approach, you’ll have everything you need to identify, report, and track hazards with confidence. Because at the end of the day, safety isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about making sure everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.
Every year in September, people around the world mark Global Deaf Awareness Week (22–28 September 2025). It’s a chance to recognise the importance of communication, accessibility, and inclusion for the Deaf community. For those of us working in construction, it’s also the perfect reminder of how precious our hearing is, and how easily it can be damaged by the noise we’re exposed to every day.
Power tools, heavy machinery, vehicles, and hammering – the soundtrack of a busy site is loud. And while it might just feel like “part of the job,” that constant exposure can take a serious toll on your hearing over time.
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) happens when loud sounds damage the sensitive structures in your inner ear. Depending on the type and extent of damage, NIHL can be temporary or permanent. The good news? Unlike many other forms of hearing loss, NIHL is entirely preventable.
It’s also very common. Research shows that 12,000 people in the UK have hearing problems like deafness or tinnitus due to loud noises at work. People who work in noisy industries, like construction, agriculture, carpentry, mining, oil and gas, and the military, are especially at risk.
You might be surprised at just how quickly noise becomes dangerous. Here are some benchmarks:
On a construction site, these levels are reached every day, sometimes without us even realising.
Hearing loss doesn’t usually happen all at once. Symptoms can creep up slowly, which is why many people don’t notice until it’s too late. Some of the most common signs of NIHL include:
There are two main types of NIHL:
Hearing loss doesn’t just affect you at work. It changes your whole life.
And the effects don’t stop there. Untreated NIHL has been linked to:
In short, it doesn’t just change what you can hear, it changes how you live, connect, and feel day to day.
The good news is, hearing loss from noise exposure is 100% preventable. Here’s how:
If you think you might already be experiencing signs of NIHL, don’t ignore it. Talk to your primary care physician or healthcare provider – they can refer you to an audiologist (hearing specialist) or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) for further tests.
Specialists use a range of hearing assessments to diagnose NIHL and check if there are any other contributing factors. Getting tested early is important: even if hearing loss can’t be reversed, the right support and treatment can help you manage symptoms, protect the hearing you have left, and improve your quality of life.
This week, let’s not just raise awareness, let’s take action. Protect your hearing, look out for your team, and start conversations about noise on-site.
Because hearing isn’t just about safety at work. It’s about being able to connect, laugh, share stories, and enjoy life for years to come.
If someone on your team is working by themselves without other people around and without direct supervision, they’re likely considered a lone worker. Whether it’s a regular thing or just every now and then, it’s your job to make sure they’re safe and supported.
It’s not just remote bush jobs. Lone workers might be team members who:
If this sounds like anyone on your team, there are a few key things you need to think about:
While employing lone workers is permitted under UK legislation, employers retain a legal duty of care towards these individuals. Current regulations require that you take all steps that are ‘reasonably practicable’ to guarantee workplace safety for your staff. As an employer, you must consider:
Lone workers may face more risks, both to their own safety and the equipment or materials they’re using. You need to make sure they’re prepared and protected.Vulnerable workers like apprentices and inexperienced workers shouldn’t be working alone.
Working solo can be lonely. No banter. No team catch-ups. It takes a toll.
Stay connected with regular check-ins like phone calls, group chats, or video calls. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just make it consistent. A quick “How’s your day going?” can go a long way.
Just because someone’s working away from the team doesn’t mean they should miss out on training, updates, or important info. Keep the comms flowing so everyone’s in the know – no matter where they are.
Make sure lone workers have the tools and tech to get the job done safely and stay connected. That includes:
Simple, but it works. Pair your lone workers with a buddy – someone they can check in with daily. Share location, talk through the day’s work, and have a bit of a yarn. It keeps morale up and helps you respond faster if something’s not right.
Create straightforward emergency plans that outline actions to take during incidents such as accidents, health issues, or other urgent situations. These plans must be easily available to lone working staff and updated on a regular basis..
Make sure your team knows what the plan is and how it works. Test it out, and keep emergency contact info up to date.
At the end of the day, look out for your lone workers the same way you would if they were right there beside you. A bit of planning and a good dose of communication make a big difference.
Need help?
If you’re a HazardCo member, the Advisory Team is just a tap away in the app. We’re here to keep things simple and help you keep your team safe, wherever they’re working.
Want an easy way to make your workplace safer without spending a penny? Here’s a simple trick that takes just 30 minutes and can help prevent incidents on the job.
During your next Toolbox talk, get everyone to list their top workplace hazards—the things that could go wrong and cause injuries. This could be anything from slippery floors to dodgy equipment or working at heights.
Once everyone’s shared their list, use the HazardCo Toolbox Meeting feature to record and combine the results into a master list of the biggest hazards in your workplace. This makes sure nothing important gets missed and gives your team a clear safety focus.
Now that you know the biggest risks, it’s time to do something about them. This list can help your workplace:
By using HazardCo’s Toolbox Meeting feature, all of this is tracked and recorded, so your team has solid proof of what’s been done to make work safer.
Incidents at work can be serious, but most of them can be prevented. This simple 30-minute exercise gets everyone involved, so safety isn’t just a rule—it’s part of the way your team works. Plus, with HazardCo’s easy reporting tools, you can keep improving and stay ahead of risks before they become real problems.
So next time you’re in a toolbox talk, speak up—your input could stop someone from getting hurt.
If you have any questions, reach out to the HazardCo team. We are always happy to help.
Summer is here – longer days, sunshine, and the outdoors sound like the perfect conditions to get all that work done but with summer comes a new set of risks you’ve got to stay on top of. Have you thought about what you are doing to protect your team from the effects of the summer sun and heat?
Stay cool, seek shade and stay safe to minimise the risks of sunburn and skin cancer, but we also need to be aware of heat exhaustion, dehydration and fatigue.
Heat exhaustion can sneak up on you when you’ve been sweating a lot and not replacing your fluids. If it’s not treated early, it can lead to heat stroke, which is much more serious.
Heat stroke occurs when the body can’t keep itself cool causing a high body temperature of 39.4 degrees or more.
Heat rash and heat cramps are the early stages of heat exhaustion. Knowing the signs and what to do will help prevent the onset of heat exhaustion or worse, heat stroke.
If you’ve got a health condition that could be made worse by extreme heat, have a quiet word with your manager or supervisor so they can help you manage it.
Make sun safety part of your Toolbox Talks during summer, it’s an easy way to remind the team about the risks and what to do about them. You can record your talk straight into the HazardCo App.
Got questions or want to talk about how heat could impact your work? Give our Advisory Team a call on 020 4571 3920 (option 3), we’re here to help.
Get your team scanning in and out – it’s a no-brainer!
We get it, health and safety chats aren’t always the most exciting. But they are the most important. When everyone on-site takes part, it makes a big difference. And the easiest place to start? Get your team and subbies scanning in and out of site each day.
Your HazardCo QR code (on your Hazard Board) makes it quick and easy and the benefits stack up:
Scanning in each day is also a good nudge to stay switched on about safety. The more we talk about it, the more we act on it, spotting hazards and taking care of each other.
It also helps you:
Need help getting the team onboard? Try this:
There’s no downside, scanning in is fast, easy, and helps everyone go home safe. Got questions? Get in touch with the HazardCo team. We’re here to help.
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is a critical layer of defence for workers exposed to airborne hazards like dust, fumes, vapours, But not all RPE offers equal protection, and even the best equipment won’t keep you safe if it doesn’t fit properly, isn’t suited to the task and things it’s filtering, or isn’t well maintained.
Here’s what you need to know about getting RPE right, from upfront fit testing to choosing the right cartridges, to regular check-ups and health monitoring.
Before a worker ever steps into a hazardous area, they need to be fit tested for the right RPE. Why? Because no two faces are the same. RPE comes in different sizes typically ranging from Small to Extra Large, and a poor fit can mean poor protection, even if the mask looks like it fits.
Fit testing must be:
Fit testing is also a great opportunity to train workers on how to wear and check their masks properly, which brings us to the next step.
Not all filters protect against all hazards. It’s essential to choose RPE that’s targeted to the type of contaminant and the task at hand.
To get this right, consider:
Important: Choosing the wrong size or type of RPE will give the illusion of safety, while leaving workers dangerously exposed. There is a world of difference between “looks safe” and “is safe”
Once the right gear is chosen and correctly fitted, the work doesn’t stop. RPE needs to be maintained, checked, and re-evaluated regularly.
Even with the best gear, health monitoring plays an essential role in a full respiratory protection programme. It’s how you check whether control measures (like RPE) are really working, and catch signs of harm early.
Under The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 , you’re required to monitor workers’ health if they’re exposed to substances that pose a serious health risk.
Health surveilance can include:
RPE isn’t just a piece of kit, it’s a commitment to keeping people safe. By following these three steps:
You’re doing more than following regulations. You’re creating a culture where safety is personal, proactive, and properly managed.
The right mask, worn the right way, backed by the right training and monitoring – that’s how you keep your team safe.
COSHH is a key regulation in the UK that helps protect workers and the environment from harmful substances. Managing these substances properly on-site is essential for everyone’s safety.
What are hazardous substances?
Hazardous substances can harm people or the environment. These include:
Understanding what substances are present in your workplace is crucial for ensuring safety. If you use hazardous substances at work, you must store, use, transport, and dispose of them safely to reduce risks.
What is a hazardous substances register?
A hazardous substances register is a list of all dangerous substances (and hazardous waste) used, handled, or stored at your sites. It helps you:
Keeping a COSHH register
While a COSHH register isn’t legally required, it’s a helpful tool. It’s not the same as a COSHH assessment (more on this below) but lists the substances you’ve assessed, including:
Review your register regularly to keep it accurate and up to date.
How to create a COSHH register
HazardCo members can use the Hazardous Substances Register template in the HazardCo Hub to make this process simple.
What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
An SDS provides important details about hazardous substances, such as:
It’s the business owner’s responsibility to keep SDSs updated and ensure workers can access them.
COSHH assessments
COSHH assessments are legally required for any hazardous substances. These assessments evaluate risks and outline control measures. Here’s how to do one:
Need help?
If you need support with your hazardous substances register or want more information, contact the friendly HazardCo team – we’re here to help!
