General Site Safety Flashcards

What are the key elements of a good site induction under CDM 2015?

Answer: Site-specific hazards, emergency procedures, first aid arrangements, welfare locations, site rules, reporting procedures, and worker responsibilities

A comprehensive site induction should cover: site-specific hazards and ongoing risks, emergency procedures and muster points, first aid provisions and locations, welfare facility locations, site rules and prohibited areas, PPE requirements, reporting procedures for accidents and near-misses, and workers' legal responsibilities.

Under CDM 2015, what is the principal contractor's duty regarding consultation with workers?

Answer: The principal contractor must engage with workers and their representatives on matters affecting their health, safety, and welfare

Under CDM 2015 Regulation 14(d), the principal contractor must consult and engage with workers, including the workforce and their representatives, on matters connected with the project that may affect their health, safety, or welfare. This can be achieved through toolbox talks, safety committees, and worker forums.

What is the purpose of a construction site sign-in/sign-out system?

Answer: To maintain an accurate record of all persons on site for emergency evacuation purposes and site security

A sign-in/sign-out system ensures an accurate record of all persons present on site at any time. This is critical for emergency situations (fire, structural collapse) where an accurate headcount at the muster point can confirm whether everyone has evacuated safely. It also supports site security and access control.

What is the legal basis for requiring welfare facilities on construction sites?

Answer: The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, Schedule 2

CDM 2015 Schedule 2 sets out the minimum welfare facilities required on construction sites. These are legal requirements, not just good practice. The principal contractor (or sole contractor on smaller projects) is responsible for ensuring these facilities are provided and maintained.

What training should a banksman receive before carrying out their duties?

Answer: Training in standardised hand signals, understanding of plant blind spots, risk awareness, communication procedures, and relevant plant types they will be guiding

A banksman must be trained in standardised signalling (BS 6736), understanding plant blind spots and turning circles, risk assessment of the working area, communication procedures (including radio use), and the characteristics of the specific plant types they will be guiding. Training should be documented and competence verified.

What should be done with RAMS documents before work begins on site?

Answer: Review them with the workforce, ensure workers understand the hazards and controls, and obtain acknowledgement that they have been briefed

RAMS must be communicated to the workforce who will be carrying out the work. Workers should be briefed on the identified hazards, the control measures in place, and the safe sequence of work described in the method statement. Workers should acknowledge they have understood the briefing, often by signing an attendance sheet.