Construction general
Yes, the law requires head protection (like a hard hat) on construction sites where there's a risk of head injury from impacts, falling objects, or electrical shock, as outlined in regulations such as South Africa's Occupational Health and Safety Act. Employers are legally obligated to provide appropriate headwear and ensure its proper use to minimize risks and protect workers from harm.
First aid requirements for sites involve having adequately equipped first aid kits, clearly marked first aid facilities, a sufficient number of certified first aiders relative to the number of workers and site hazards, and a formal plan for emergency procedures and reporting. A risk assessment is crucial to determine the specific level of first aid needed, considering the number of workers, workplace hazards, and travel time to a hospital.
An appointed person is a designated individual responsible for managing first aid arrangements in a workplace, which involves looking after first aid equipment and facilities and calling for emergency services. Unlike a first aider, an appointed person is not required to have formal first aid training and cannot provide direct medical care. They serve as the primary contact for first aid issues and can provide emergency cover when a trained first aider is unexpectedly unavailable.
Safety
We regularly attend safety seminars, workshops, and maintain memberships with professional organizations to stay informed about any changes in regulations.
We conduct a thorough walk-through, identify potential hazards, consult with workers, and review project plans. I then prioritize and implement controls to mitigate the identified risks.
The hierarchy includes elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). We prioritize eliminating or substituting hazards and only resort to PPE when other controls are not feasible.
