Why health and safety are so important on a demolition site?

Demolition sites are notoriously one of the most dangerous work environments to be around. With large, heavy machinery in operation and building materials and debris falling down – it’s easy for accidents to occur if the right safety precautions aren’t adhered to.

In this article, we share a few different ways to maintain health and safety on the jobsite alongside why it’s so important to do so.

Provide health and safety training

All workers on a demolition site must undergo rigorous health and safety training to know how to conduct safe practices while on-site. A lack of knowledge in this area can lead to serious accidents if people don’t know which safety regulations to stick to. By promoting health and safety on the jobsite, you can reduce the risk of injuries and help to keep everyone safe across the team.

Wearing PPE

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a legal requirement for anyone who is working on a demolition site. This helps to protect workers from sustaining injuries while on-site. It is the responsibility of any project manager to provide the relevant PPE  throughout any construction project.

PPE includes:

• * Hard hats – to protect against any potential head injuries
• * Goggles – to protect eyes from any on-site debris
• * Hi-vis vests – to ensure full visibility on the jobsite
• * Face masks – to help prevent workers from inhaling harmful fumes
• * Gloves – to protect hands when handling equipment and heavy machinery
  

Alongside the regulated PPE, protective ear plugs are advisable to help block out the noise of loud machinery when in operation on-site.

Be aware of asbestos

Before any work can take place, a Demolition and Refurbishment Asbestos Survey must be carried out – and any asbestos found must be removed in a safe and compliant manner. 

When asbestos it’s damaged or disturbed, tiny fibres can be released into the air which can be easily inhaled. Breathing in asbestos fibres has serious health consequences that can lead to damaged lungs. Symptoms can take many years to appear after the original exposure to asbestos – making it a silent yet deadly disease. Removing all asbestos before demolition proceedings begin will protect workers from sustaining these symptoms over time.

Keep workers out of unsafe areas

If an area on-site has become precarious and unsafe, it’s important to evacuate this location until it’s safe to return. This could be clearing the floorspace beneath unstable fixtures. If any loose building materials are at risk of toppling over, particularly from significant heights, this is an immediate danger to workers. Ensuring everyone is aware of these dangers will help to keep everyone safe while on the demolition site.