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In this section you will find information and guidance developed by the Health & Safety Authority that is industry / sector specific. We have included the most relevant documentation that will help you expand your knowledge in these areas. Further information and guidance is also available to download at our publications section on the Health & Safety Authority webpage.

 

 

 

  Safety Alerts

 

 

 Health & Safety Authority Safety Alerts Webpage 

 

Construction Related Videos

The Role of a Client in a Construction Project

 

The Role of the Project Supervisor for the Design Process (PSDP)

 

The Role of the Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS)

The Construction Stage Safety and Health Plan

The General Duties of Contractors in Construction

 

 

 

 

safety_filePublications

 

Asbestos 

  • asbestos_flyer_coverAsbestos Information Sheet (PDF 2509KB)
  • asbestos_guidelines_coverAsbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) in Workplaces - Practical Guidelines on ACM Management and Abatement (PDF 2432KB)
  • ACM_CoverCarraige of Asbestos-Containing Materials by Road (PDF 953KB)

Chainsaws

  • chainsaw_infosheet_coverChainsaw Safety Training Advice Information Sheet (PDF 560KB) 

Chemicals and Health

  • hazchem_datasheet_coverSafety Data Sheet (SDS) for Hazardous Chemicals Information Sheet (PDF, 252KB)
  • respiratory_protective_equipment A Guide to Respiratory Protective Equipment (PDF 879KB)
  • diesel_exhaust_coverSafe Working with Diesel Engine Exhaust (PDF, 300KB) 
  • Silica_Thumb Silica Dust Information Sheet (PDF, 222 KB)
  • MMMF_Thumb Machine Made Mineral Fibres (MMMF) Information Sheet (PDF, 353KB)
  • SPF_Thumb Safety with Spray Polyurethane Foam Information Sheet (PDF, 350KB)

Electricity

  • Electrical_Inspection_CoverGuidance Note on Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations (PDF 1179KB)
  • gates_guide_coverGuidelines on the Safety of Powered Gates (PDF 1.2MB) 

Emergency Planning and Fire

Explosives in Construction

  • Explosives_in_Construction_GraphicGuide for Use of Explosives in Construction (PDF 0.1MB)

Homeowner Guidance

  • homeowners_guide_coverGuide for Homeowners Getting Construction Work Carried Out (PDF 516KB)

Machinery

  • MEWP_Publicaton MOBILE ELEVATED WORK PLATFORMS (MEWPs) Guidance on Safe Operating Procedures (PDF, 1MB)

Manual Handling

  • Management_of_Manual_Handling_in_the_Constrcution_Sector An Introduction to the Management of Manual Handling in the Construction Sector (PDF 3360KB)
  • cover_of_roof_tiles_publicationReducing the Manual Handling of Roof Panels (PDF 742KB)

PSCS Guidance

  • contractors_guide_coverGuide for Contractors and Project Supervisors Carrying Out Construction Work (PDF 2.1MB)
  • Definition_of_Construction_Work_Cover Definition of Construction Work (PDF 673KB)

Safety Management

  • Safety Statements and Risk Assessments (PDF, 4.1MB)
  • A Guide to Maintaining Best Practices in Safety and Health (PDF, 1.3MB)

Safety Signs

Slips, Trips and Falls

  • slip_resist_coverWatch Your Step - Choosing Slip Resistant Footwear (PDF, 0.4MB)
  • Preventing_Slips_Trips_and_Falls_coverPreventing Slips Trips and Falls at work (PDF, 0.4MB)

Transport

  • site_cabins_IS_coverSafe Load Securing of Cabins and Site Prefabs (PDF, 0.6MB)

Welfare

  • welfare_facilities_cspRequirements for Construction Site Welfare Facilities (PDF, 0.5MB)

Working on Roads

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

appointmentsStatutory Forms

Notifications

  • AF1 Approved Form (AF 1) - Particulars to be notified by the Client to the HSA before the design process begins (AF1 Form)

  • AF2 Approved Form (AF 2) - Particulars to be notified by Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage to the Health and Safety Authority before the construction work begins (Report AF2 online)

Lifting Equipment 

  • GA1z Form GA1 - Report of Thorough Examination (PDF 489KB)

 

  • ga2 Form GA2 - Report of Weekly Examination (PDF 378KB)

Work at Height 

  • GA3 Form GA3 - Inspection of Work Equipment for Working at Height (PDF 369KB)

Personal Floatation Devices

  • af4 Approved Form (AF4) - Results of Inspection & Thorough Examination of Personal Flotation Devices (PDF 556KB)

Fire Safety Checklist

Pressure Vessels - Register and Report of Thorough Examination

  • Picture1 Pressure Vessels Template Register (31KB)
  • X-20120405163729832 Examination of a Pressure Vessel Information Sheet (PDF 71.4KB)

 

 Records_ManagementTemplates, Registers and Forms

Templates

Registers

Forms

Note: Downloading in Rich Text Format (RTF) means you can edit the document

project_management

The Client in Construction

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 defines 'client' as a person for whom a project is carried out. The regulations place certain duties on Clients. These duties are intended to ensure that the project is designed and constructed by competent persons.

 Client Duties

  • Employ competent designers and contractors to carry out the work
  • Appointment in writing, before design work starts, of a competent and adequately resourced project supervisor for the design process (PSDP), as required.
  • Appointment in writing, before construction work starts, of a competent and adequately resourced project supervisor for the construction process (PSCS), as required.
  • Co-operate with the project supervisor and supply necessary information;
  • Keep and make available the safety file (provided by the PSDP) for the completed structure.  The safety file contains information on the completed structure that will be required for future maintenance or renovation .
  • Provide a copy of the safety and health plan prepared by the PSDP to every person tendering for the project.  In the case of projects on a domestic dwelling it is sufficient for the Client to provide the plan to the PSCS when they have been appointed.
  • Notify the Authority where construction is likely to take more than 500 persons days or 30 working days.

Publications

Guide for Homeowners

The introduction of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 places responsibilities on homeowners, called Clients in the Regulations, who are having construction work carried out on their home.The aim of this guide is to provide practical information for homeowners as to what they need to know and do.

 

 

PSCS

Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS)

The role of the project supervisor construction stage is to manage and co-ordinate health and safety matters during the construction stage.  The project supervisor construction stage is appointed before the construction work begins and remains in that position until all construction work on the project is completed.

 

Project Supervisor Construction Stage Duties

  • Co-ordinate the implementation of the construction regulations by contractors;
  • Organise co-operation between contractors and the provision of information;
  • Co-ordinate the reporting of accidents to the Authority;
  • Notify the Authority before construction commences where construction is likely to take more than 500 person days or 30 working days;
  • Provide information to the site safety representative;
  • Co-ordinate the checking of safe working procedures;
  • Co-ordinate measures to restrict entry on to the site;
  • Co-ordinate the provision and maintenance of welfare facilities;
  • Co-ordinate arrangements to ensure that craft, general construction workers, and security workers have a Safety Awareness card, e.g. Safe Pass and a Construction Skills card where required;
  • Co-ordinate the appointment of a site safety representative where there are more than 20 persons on site;
  • Appoint a safety adviser where there are more than 100 on site;
  • Provide all necessary safety file information to the PSDP;
  • Monitor the compliance of contractors and others and take corrective action where necessary;
  • Notify the Authority and the client of non-compliance with any written directions issued;
  • The PSCS may issue directions to designers or contractors.

 

PSCS Guidance

  • contractors_guide_coverGuide for Contractors and Project Supervisors Carrying Out Construction Work (PDF 2.1MB)
  • Definition_of_Construction_Work_Cover Definition of Construction Work (PDF 673KB)

Duties of Contractors

What is the definition of Contractor?

In general a 'Contractor' means any employer whose employees carry out construction work and includes both main contractor and sub-contractor.  A contractor may also include a self-employed person. In addition, a body such as a local authority may also be a contractor, if the construction work is carried out directly by employees of that body.

What are the duties of Contractors?

The contractor has significant duties relating to a wide range of issues.

A contractor must:

  • have an up to date safety statement with appropriate risk assessments carried out for the work that is being carried out
  • co-operate with the PSCS – provide any site specific information, including relevant extracts from Safety Statement
  • promptly provide the PSCS with information required for the safety file
  • comply with directions of the project supervisors
  • report accidents to the Authority and to the PSCS where an employee cannot perform their normal work for more than 3 days
  • comply with site rules and the safety and health plan and ensure that your employees comply
  • identify hazards, eliminate the hazards or reduce risks during construction
  • facilitate the site safety representative
  • ensure that relevant workers have a safety awareness card and a construction skills card where required
  • provide workers with site specific induction
  • appoint a safety officer where there are more than 20 on site or 30 employed
  • consult workers with site specific induction
  • monitor compliance and take corrective action

safesystem

How to create a Construction Stage Safety and Health Plan using BeSMART.ie

When appointed by the client as the Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS) you must develop a suitable construction stage safety and health plan for the project, prior to the commencement of construction work. The plan provides the blueprint for managing and co-ordinating safety and health during construction and needs to explain how the key safety and health issues will be managed. It must be relevant to the particular project and should be developed in conjunction with the Safety and Health Plan prepared on a preliminary basis by the Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP).

  1. Select the business type ‘Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS)’ in BeSMART.ie
  2. Work through the particular risk assessments (non-exhaustive), mandatory site requirements and site welfare checklists
  3. Download your Construction Stage Safety and Health Plan Template.
  4. You must then review and update the template and make it site specific to the requirements of the job

You must then develop your construction stage safety and health plan by adding all relevant information about your project and following the information and guidance contained in the document. Finally keep the construction stage safety and health plan updated and ensure the relevant information is available to anybody associated with the project that may need it. You must keep a master copy of your construction stage safety and health plan that you have developed on a local or secure storage area as BeSMART.ie does not have the capability of editing or saving updated files.

 

Management Screen - Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS)

When you get to the management screen you will be now given the following three options;

  1. Construction Stage Plan - The template plan can be downloaded in RTF (Rich Text Format) and can be saved as a Word or Pages document for development and editing.
  2. Manage Your Action List – Assign dates and people to close out controls that need to be put in place.
  3. Browse Hazards – Here you have access to all hazards on BeSMART.ie. Select any additional hazards that you have in your workplace and risk assess them. You can then print and include them in your construction stage plan.

 

Construction Stage Safety and Health Plan - Contents and Introduction

a Construction Stage Safety and Health Plan - Contents and Introduction (PDF, 0.7MB)

 

 

slipsAccident and Dangerous Occurrence Reporting

All accidents and incidents should be investigated and detailed records kept which could include, photographs, CCTV, witness statements etc. The following forms and link can be used to record and report accidents or incidents that occur in the workplace.

Form IR1 - Notification of Accident

  • Form IR1 - Accidents can be reported to the Health and Safety Authority in two ways, namely by hard copy, i.e. completing the Incident Report Form (IR1) and posting it to the Workplace Contact Unit, Health and Safety Authority, The Metropolitan Building, James Joyce Street, Dublin 1. Forms can be obtained by contacting the HSA at 1890 289389.
  • Or you can report accidents online, via the Health and Safety Authority's website, IR1 Online

Form IR3 - Form of Notification of a Dangerous Occurence

  • X-20120405163729832 Form IR3 - Form of Notification of a Dangerous Occurence (PDF 98KB)

Internal Accident / Incident Investigation Form

  • Picture1 Internal Accident/Incident Investigation Form (RTF 320KB)

Guidance on Reporting of Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences

  • X-20120405163729832 Guidance on the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Reporting of Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences) Regulations 2016 (PDF 1.2MB)

instruction2Training

Tool Box Talks for Construction

Tool Box Talks for Construction Training Register

  • TBT1 Tool Box Talks for Construction Training Register (PDF 88KB) 

 

safesystemCodes of Practice

 

Code of Practice for Avoiding Danger from Overhead Electricity Lines

  • Code of Practice for Avoiding Danger from Overhead Electricity Lines (PDF 605KB)

Code of Practice for Safety in Roofwork

Code of Practice for Working in Confined Spaces

  • Confined_Spaces_COP_CoverCode of Practice for Working in Confined Spaces (PDF 1.6MB)

Code of Practice for Avoiding Danger from Underground Services

  • Code of Practice for Avoiding Danger from Underground Services (PDF 1.0MB)

Code of Practice for Access and Working Scaffolds

  • CoP_Scaffolds_coverCode of Practice for Access and Working Scaffolds (PDF 8MB)

Code of Practice for the Design and Installation of Anchors

  • Anchors_COP_1Code of Practice for the Design and Installation of Anchors (PDF 8.6MB)

Code of Practice - For Contractors with Three or Less Employees 

  • CoP_Construction_3_or_less_employees_coverCode of Practice - For Contractors with Three or Less. This code of practice is designed to reduce accidents and fatalities in the construction sector and assist small contractors comply with safety and health legislation. PLEASE NOTE: THIS PUBLICATION COSTS €50, IS ONLY AVAILABLE IN HARD COPY FORMAT AND CAN BE ORDERED BY PHONING 1890 289389.

 

 

safe_Systems_of_WorkConstruction Safe System of Work Plans

The primary objective of the SSWP is to identify the major hazards associated with your work activities and to ensure that appropriate controls are in place before work commences. The Safe System of Work Plan (SSWP) complements the Safety Statement required under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

 

SSWP Building and Monument Maintenance Form

 SSWP Road Works Form

 SSWP Civil Engineering

 SSWP Demolition

 SSWP House Building

SSWP Commercial Buildings

 

 

mandatory_safety_reqWork Related Vehicles

 

Load Security

  • Safe_Load_Securing_of_Precast_Concrete_Loads_cover Safe Load Securing of Precast Concrete Loads (PDF 1.2MB) 
  • Safe_Load_Securing_of_Structural_Steel_Loads_cover Safe Load Securing of Structural Steel Loads (PDF 1.8MB) 
  • Safe_Load_Securing_of_Plant_and_Machinery_cover Safe Load Securing of Plant and Machinery (PDF 1.3MB) 

Plant

  • Dumper Safe Use of Site Dumpers on Construction Sites (PDF 152KB)
  • dumper_truck_prestart_checks Site Dumper and 360 Excavator Pre-Start Checks (PDF 270KB)

Driving for Work

 

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Positively supporting employee engagement and wellbeing

 
Work PositiveCI is a FREE State and stakeholder supported psychosocial risk management process that helps organisations identify ways to improve employee wellbeing.
 

Use Work PositiveCI to improve employee wellbeing

Work PositiveCI is a completely confidential psychosocial risk management process. It involves a ‘whole workforce’ approach which can be rolled out over a three to six month period and be re-used every few years.

Identify and measure psychosocial risk including critical incident exposure

Work PositiveCI assesses workplace stressors, employee psychological wellbeing and critical incident exposure in the workplace. If not properly managed these stressors can lead to poor mental health and wellbeing, increased sickness absence, presenteesim and lower productivity.

Receive actionable feedback

It provides easy-to-understand online reports, identifies risk areas and provides clear guidance on ways to improve employee wellbeing, enabling focused action to be taken. Work PositiveCIprovides specific support and guidance in addressing critical incident exposure in the workplace.

Improve performance

Work PositiveCI can lead to high impact results, such as reducing sickness absence and turnover, and increasing employee engagement, wellbeing and productivity.

Comply with current legislation

Work PositiveCI helps employers comply with health and safety legislation at a national and European level. Employers are obliged under the Irish Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to ensure safe places of work for all employees, which covers mental as well as physical health and safety.

Free and easy to use

There is no software to download. The surveys take ten to fifteen minutes to complete. You can log in to create surveys, access your response rates and view results 24/7, using any Wi-Fi enabled device. The surveys are completely FREE to use.

Confidential

Work PositiveCI is completely confidential. The data is processed by an independent service provider in compliance with applicable Data Protection legislation.

HomeLink

project_infoeLearning

 

 construction_safety_and_health_1

Safety and Health in Construction

This introductory course aims to help learners to develop an overview of safety and health in construction. It is relevant for those at third level in construction-related disciplines as well as those undertaking apprenticeships in any construction-related areas.

Course Duration: 120 minutes.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this course you should be able to:

• Recognise the importance of managing safety and health in construction and key legislation.
• Report workplace accidents.
• Understand training, first aid and welfare provisions.
• Identify types of hazards and ways to prevent accidents.
• Understand how to plan a safe working environment in construction by implementing safety procedures for electrical equipment, overhead electricity lines, demolition and many more important aspects of safety.