Techniques of accident prevention

Accident prevention in construction Is not just a matter of setting up a list of rules and making safety Inspections, although both of these have their place. What Is required Is a system for managing health and safety which meets the needs of the business and complies with the law. A discussion of the Ideas Involved In safety management can be found In Chapter 4, and most of the law on construction safety Is covered in Part 3 of this book. 

There are seven principles to be observed in setting up strategies for control and management of health and safety at work In the construction Industry. If they are followed, accident prevention Is more likely to be achieved. 

If possible, avoid a risk altogether by eliminating the hazard 

It Is always more effective to remove a problem altogether rather than to establish a control strategy, especially one which relies upon people to work In the correct way. This and the next principle demonstrate the fundamental Importance of design and planning In safety management. 

Design and specification can make a significant difference to site conditions. Design Is likely to dictate the way the construction work Is carried out on site, and particularly to force contractors to work In potentially unsafe ways. A review at the design stage repays the time spent handsomely because of later savings In time and money, and possibly even lives. 

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To guide, educate, train, and motivate all levels of management, unions, contractors, and the workforce in the techniques of accident prevention/ occupational hygiene and environmental control, in an ongoing effort to reduce risk to an acceptable level in order to prevent injury and illness to employees, damage to property, and environmental harm. 

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