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102 Construction Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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Construction is a vast field that encompasses various aspects, ranging from building structures to project management. If you are studying construction or related disciplines, you may find yourself in need of essay topics to explore and analyze. To assist you in your academic journey, we have compiled 102 construction essay topic ideas and examples. Whether you need to write a research paper, argumentative essay, or any other type of construction-related essay, these topics will provide you with ample inspiration.

• The impact of climate change on construction practices.
• The role of sustainable materials in green building.
• The challenges of implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM) in construction projects.
• The advantages and disadvantages of prefabricated construction methods.
• The impact of robotics and automation on construction industry jobs.
• The importance of safety regulations in the construction industry.
• The impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry.
• The role of construction project management software in improving efficiency.
• The ethical considerations in construction project bidding processes.
• The role of architects in the construction industry.
• The future of construction: exploring innovative technologies.
• The impact of urbanization on construction practices.
• The challenges of managing construction projects in developing countries.
• The role of government regulations in sustainable construction practices.
• The use of drones in construction site monitoring and surveying.
• The impact of globalization on the construction industry.
• The importance of effective communication in construction projects.
• The challenges of constructing earthquake-resistant buildings.
• The role of construction industry apprenticeships in fostering skilled workers.
• The impact of social media on construction marketing strategies.
• The use of virtual reality (VR) in architectural design and visualization.
• The role of construction industry trade unions in protecting workers' rights.
• The challenges of implementing green building certification systems.
• The impact of Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) on energy efficiency in buildings.
• The role of construction waste management in sustainable construction practices.
• The challenges of managing construction projects with limited resources.
• The importance of risk management in construction projects.
• The impact of cultural diversity on construction project teams.
• The advantages and disadvantages of public-private partnerships in construction projects.
• The role of construction industry associations in promoting professionalism.
• The challenges of incorporating renewable energy sources in construction projects.
• The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in construction site monitoring.
• The importance of quality control in construction projects.
• The role of Building Control in ensuring compliance with regulations.
• The challenges of constructing environmentally friendly infrastructure.
• The impact of population growth on urban construction.
• The role of Building Performance Evaluation (BPE) in assessing building performance.
• The importance of sustainable water management in construction projects.
• The challenges of constructing in remote and harsh environments.
• The impact of modular construction on affordable housing.
• The role of construction industry certifications in career development.
• The challenges of integrating renewable energy systems in existing buildings.
• The importance of inclusive design in construction projects.
• The impact of cultural heritage preservation on construction practices.
• The role of construction industry research and development in innovation.
• The challenges of managing construction projects with tight deadlines.
• The importance of stakeholder engagement in construction projects.
• The impact of building codes on construction practices.
• The role of construction industry training programs in addressing skills shortages.
• The challenges of sustainable transportation infrastructure construction.
• The impact of Building Performance Simulation (BPS) on energy-efficient design.
• The importance of construction project risk assessment and mitigation.
• The role of construction industry collaborations in fostering innovation.
• The challenges of sustainable materials sourcing in construction projects.
• The impact of building envelope design on energy performance.
• The role of construction industry standards in ensuring quality.
• The importance of effective project scheduling in construction management.
• The challenges of constructing in areas prone to natural disasters.
• The impact of building information exchange platforms on project coordination.
• The role of construction industry mentorship programs in developing future leaders.
• The challenges of integrating smart technologies in buildings.
• The importance of construction project cost estimation and control.
• The impact of construction site waste management on environmental sustainability.
• The role of construction industry collaboration platforms in streamlining communication.
• The challenges of constructing tall buildings and skyscrapers.
• The importance of construction project documentation and record-keeping.
• The impact of mass timber construction on sustainable building practices.
• The role of construction industry professional ethics in decision-making.
• The challenges of constructing in areas with limited infrastructure.
• The importance of building information handover in facility management.
• The impact of construction industry mergers and acquisitions on competition.
• The role of construction industry insurance in risk management.
• The challenges of constructing in areas with extreme climates.
• The importance of construction project procurement strategies.
• The impact of 3D printing in construction.
• The role of construction industry research centers in advancing knowledge.
• The challenges of constructing in historic and heritage sites.
• The importance of construction project quality assurance and control.
• The impact of off-site construction on project timelines.
• The role of construction industry digitalization in improving productivity.
• The challenges of constructing sustainable healthcare facilities.
• The importance of value engineering in construction projects.
• The impact of construction industry globalization on labor rights.
• The role of construction industry sustainability certifications in market differentiation.
• The challenges of constructing in areas with limited access to resources.
• The importance of construction project dispute resolution mechanisms.
• The impact of construction site noise pollution on worker health.
• The role of construction industry software in project collaboration.
• The challenges of constructing in areas with unstable soil conditions.
• The importance of construction project change management.
• The impact of construction industry gender diversity on organizational performance.
• The role of construction industry professional associations in knowledge sharing.
• The challenges of constructing sustainable educational facilities.
• The importance of construction project value management.
• The impact of construction site safety culture on accident prevention.
• The role of construction industry sustainability reports in corporate social responsibility.
• The challenges of constructing in areas with limited access to utilities.
• The importance of construction project procurement ethics.
• The impact of construction industry workforce aging on skills shortages.
• The role of construction industry innovation hubs in fostering creativity.
• The challenges of constructing sustainable sports facilities.
• The importance of construction project lessons learned and knowledge transfer.

These 102 construction essay topics cover a wide range of subjects within the field. Whether you are interested in sustainability, technology, project management, or any other aspect of construction, you are sure to find a topic that piques your interest. Remember to conduct thorough research and analyze different perspectives to develop a well-rounded essay. Good luck with your construction-related academic endeavors!

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Understanding the role and importance of construction labor in the united states.

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With various infrastructure projects constantly underway and a high demand for real estate, the construction industry heavily relies on its labor force for success. In this article, we will explore the significance of construction labor in the US economy and its impact on employment and economic growth. We will also delve into the current landscape of the construction labor force, discuss the importance of skilled labor, and examine the role of technology in the industry. 

Additionally, we will highlight the value of construction labor in infrastructure development and discuss the future of this vital workforce in the United States. Join us as we uncover construction labor's essential role and importance in shaping the US economy.

The Impact of Construction Labor on the US Economy

The construction industry significantly contributes to the US economy, and its success relies heavily on the labor force. Construction labor plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and employment opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction sector employed over 7.6 million workers in 2020, making up around 4% of the total US workforce. This shows the immense impact of construction labor on the economy.

Not only does construction labor provide employment opportunities, but it also contributes to the growth of other industries, such as manufacturing and transportation. The demand for new construction projects and infrastructure development also leads to a ripple effect, creating more jobs and boosting economic activity. In fact, for every $1 billion invested in construction, approximately 28,500 jobs are created.

Construction labor also generates significant revenue through taxes, contributing to the economy. The construction industry also has a multiplier effect, meaning that for every direct job created, additional jobs are created in other industries. This highlights the crucial role construction labor plays in sustaining the US economy.

The Current Landscape of Construction Labor in the United States

The construction industry is a major contributor to the US economy, employing over 7.5 million workers and accounting for 4% of the nation's GDP. However, the current landscape of construction labor in the United States faces several challenges.

The demographics of the construction labor force in the US are changing, with an aging workforce and a shortage of new entrants. This has decreased skilled workers, resulting in lower productivity and potential safety risks on construction sites.

Moreover, the construction industry faces a labor shortage due to the high demand for new infrastructure projects and the retirement of experienced workers. This has led to increased competition for skilled labor, driving up the costs and impacting the overall efficiency of projects.

To address these challenges, investing in training and upskilling programs is crucial to attract and retain a skilled construction labor force. This will benefit the industry and support economic growth and development in the United States.

The Importance of Skilled Labor in the Construction Industry

Skilled labor plays a crucial role in the construction industry as it requires diverse specialized skills to complete projects successfully. From carpenters to electricians to plumbers, each skilled worker contributes to a construction project's overall quality and safety.

Skilled labor is essential in ensuring that construction projects meet building codes and regulations and that structures are built to withstand the test of time. Hiring and training skilled workers also contributes to the overall efficiency of a project, reducing costs and timelines.

Moreover, skilled labor directly impacts a construction company's reputation and its clients' satisfaction. Quality workmanship leads to satisfied customers and potential referrals, leading to the growth and success of a company.

Investing in training and retaining skilled workers is crucial for the sustainability of the construction industry and economic growth. As technology continues to advance, it is important for construction workers to continually upskill and adapt to new methods and equipment to remain competitive in the industry. With a strong and skilled labor force, the construction industry will continue to thrive and contribute to the development of the United States.

The Role of Technology in the Construction Industry

The construction industry has significantly evolved with the increasing use of technology and automation. Technology has transformed how construction projects are planned, designed, and executed, from advanced machinery to software and digital tools. This has greatly impacted the role of construction labor in the industry. Construction workers now require a mix of traditional and technological skills to stay relevant and competitive in the job market. Technology has also increased efficiency and productivity in construction projects, allowing laborers to accomplish tasks faster and with greater precision. However, it is important to note the potential impact of technology on construction jobs, as certain tasks may become automated, leading to a decrease in the demand for certain labor roles. As we move towards a more technologically advanced construction industry, it is crucial for workers to continuously upskill and adapt to new technologies for sustainable growth and success.

The Value of Construction Labor in Infrastructure Development

Infrastructure development is crucial for the growth and progress of any country. In the United States, the construction labor force plays a significant role in building and maintaining infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports, and buildings. The value of their work goes beyond just physical structures, as it also contributes to the economic and social development of the country.

Construction labor ensures the completion of infrastructure projects, providing employment opportunities and driving economic growth. These projects improve citizens' overall quality of life, attract investments, and support various industries. With the help of skilled labor, the construction industry has played a vital role in expanding transportation systems, communication networks, and other critical infrastructure in the US.

Moreover, the value of construction labor goes beyond the initial construction phase. These workers are essential in maintaining and repairing existing infrastructure, ensuring its longevity and safety. The quality of construction labor directly impacts the quality and durability of infrastructure, making it a crucial aspect of infrastructure development in the United States.

The Future of Construction Labor in the United States

As we continue to witness technological advancements and changes in the construction industry, the future of construction labor in the United States is also evolving. While this may bring about certain challenges, it also presents new opportunities for growth and development. Technology and automation in construction projects will require different skills and expertise, highlighting the need for upskilling and retraining the current labor force. Additionally, as the demand for infrastructure development increases, there will be a greater emphasis on investing in construction labor to ensure sustainable economic growth. Addressing the challenges construction workers and the industry face, such as labor shortages and safety concerns, will also be crucial in shaping the future of construction labor in the United States. With continued support and investment, the construction industry and its labor force will significantly drive the US economy forward.

In conclusion, construction labor is vital in driving economic growth and development in the United States. The construction industry heavily relies on a skilled and diverse workforce to build and maintain infrastructure, contributing significantly to the country's economy. However, construction workers face various challenges that need to be addressed for the industry's sustainability. With the increasing use of technology and automation in the construction sector, the labor force needs to upskill and retrain to adapt to these advancements. Additionally, investing in construction labor is crucial for the future of the industry and the overall growth and development of the US economy. It is essential to support and prioritize the needs of construction workers to ensure a strong and sustainable construction industry in the United States.

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224 Construction Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best construction topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on construction, 📌 most interesting construction topics to write about, 💡 good research topics about construction, ✅ simple & easy construction essay titles, 📑 interesting topics to write about construction.

• The Vernier Caliper Tool Construction and Usage It is worth to note that a vernier caliper has two pairs of jaws on the top and bottom sides as shown in the diagram below.
• The Berlin Brandenburg International Airport Construction Project During the expansion, the process to form Berlin Brandenburg International Airport involved the German federal government, the airlines, the city mayor, the Brandenburg state, the workers, Berlin citizens, and the passengers.
• Risks in International Construction Projects The construction industry is one of the largest and most stable industries in the world, with the overall value of the industry ranging between 2.
• Causes of Kuala Lumpur Abandoned Construction Projects Abandoned construction projects are characteristic of the Malaysian construction industry because different literatures have documented hundreds of projects abandoned in the city because of a myriad of reasons. 5 billion adds to the total number […]
• Burj Khalifa Construction and Operation Cycle The task of creating the tallest construction in the world required designers, engineers, and constructors the creation of a new form and implementation of innovative technologies.
• Risks in Construction Projects: Empire State Building The way the project managers in construction projects handle the identified risks is proportional to the success of the project. Depending on the nature of the project, the managers will come up with the possible […]
• Villa Construction Project Management The project I have chosen is the construction of a villa. The aim of the project is to construct a villa and have it ready for use within three months.
• Construction Solutions in Saline Environment The researcher concluded that, indeed, salinity is one of the major causes of concrete disintegration and reduces the durability of buildings in saline environments.
• Queens Midtown Tunnel: Construction History Besides, the time the engineers spent working in the Holland tunnel was three years longer than it took them to create the Queens Midtown tunnel, this is one of the advantages of the experience received […]
• Crane Types Used in Construction There are two major factors that are considered when designing a crane: the first consideration is the weight the crane is expected to lift, and the second consideration is the crane stability.
• The Crossrail Project’s Construction Process The case study report was written to review and analyze the current scheme of the Crossrail project in London to assist the Infrastructural Planning Committee of the Crossrail project.
• House Construction Project Management The construction project is the basis of project scheduling and cost control. The project will increase the product portfolio of the company.
• Iron and Glass Construction During and After the Industrial Revolution The materials used in the construction of the Crystal Palace for the Great Exhibition building were glass, wood, and cast iron.
• Safety at the Construction Sites As the supervisor and the employees heard the estimator fall, they hurried to the scene of accident. The manufacturers of the equipment should ensure that the equipments meets all the measures and standards set by […]
• Building Design and Construction Methods This means that the ground where construction is intended to be put up must be strong enough to bear the weight of the building.
• Arc de Triomphe. History. Construction Guillaume-Abel Blouet became, in 1832, the architect who finally finished the construction of the arch which was later devoted to the armies of the Revolution and the Empire.
• Project Charter for Construction of Football Pitch at Coventry University The main purpose of the project is to construct a high-tech football pitch for use of the students at Coventry University, which shall minimize the cost of renting playgrounds and avail easy access of the […]
• Construction of the Empire State Building The size of the building demanded for the erection of 64 elevators that could be used to convey people and materials up and down the construction.
• The Construction Industry’s Microeconomic Analysis The construction industry is of great importance in the development of the state: the economic efficiency of related sectors of the economy is primarily ensured by the intensive development of construction.
• Audi Car Dealership: Building and Construction Description Other issues discussed include: Site selection for the building Role of the building and the challenges encountered during the entire process of coming up with the wonderful structure Relationship between design, materials used and structural […]
• Comparison of the Construction Practices in China, the U.S., and India According to the Global Construction 2020 report, India is likely to be the 3rd biggest construction market globally, with the USA and China taking the first positions.
• Construction of Regular Polygons: Octagon The corners or vertices of a polygon are the positions where two of the lines of the polygon intersect. To obtain a single interior angle, then As illustrated, the following steps can be used to […]
• Wood Technology: Blenheim Bridge Construction The image below shows the site of the bridge: Nicholas Powers, the man who is credited for the design of the longest wooden bridge in the world went to Schoharie in New York to carry […]
• Saudi Arabian Construction Industry: Delay and Poor Quality The development of the construction industry has widened the scope of the projects and by maintaining the overall profits for the country.
• Kuwait Walls Construction Periods Some of the most popular features include the four walls of the country that have since been reduced to three following the demolition of one of the walls to create room for the development of […]
• Risk Management in Construction Projects In terms of risk management, a risk plan created at the planning phase of a project helps in further identifying risks and developing a plan to mitigate them.
• Ethical Issues in Road Construction This issue needs to be considered in detail, including relying on the Code of Ethics and the Code of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
• Evolution of Construction Management From 1960s to Today Thus, the basic features of management within the scope of construction were visible already throughout the undertakings of the first people.
• The UK Construction Industry’s Risk Management The construction industry is a major generator of waste, and accounts for 50% of the waste deposited in a typical landfill.
• Unions in Construction Sites in Melbourne, Australia The contractor has to show the overall benefit of the construction and the adherence to the standard rates of remuneration to the construction workers.
• Risk Management in Fly-Fishing and Construction Projects In this case, it is possible to think of the following risks: bad weather conditions, traumas, delays, damage to a boat, misroute. It is possible to think of the following risks: bad weather conditions, gas […]
• Procurement Methods of the Construction Projects The vital significance of procurement in the success of any project necessitate for deliberate measures and consideration in the selection of the most appropriate procurement method.
• Lawsuits in Construction: Carvalho vs. Toll Brothers Case The defense also asserted that the engineering firm was not liable for the worker’s death as none of its services were involved in the cause of the accident, not mentioning that the engineer had no […]
• Whole Life Costing vs. Life Cycle Cost in Construction The primary advantage of WLC is the analysis of the costs outside the scope of LCC. In other words, a thorough overview of non-construction costs, income, and externalities is crucial to determining the validity of […]
• Product Tanker: Construction Precedents and Structural Specifications The latter had a LOA of 56 meters, a beam of 8. Ludwig became the first to float a tanker of 104,500 long tons displacement.
• SWOT and Construction Management In another study that concentrated on the Azzaro Construction Project, contractors were asked to detail the relevance SWOT had on the effectiveness of the project. In the study of the Azzaro construction project, the contractors […]
• Exposition for the Application to Master in Construction and Real Estate Management at HTW Berlin Countries around the world have realized that the best way of managing the competitiveness of the market is to successfully government and private projects completed in time and as per the expectations.
• Design: Construction Also to be found on site, is the call forward sheets document that provides a summary of the programme and has details of the supplies needed, including the name and address of the supplier and […]
• The Bridge Construction Methods The prefabricated bridge component is a primary design of the accelerated bridge construction method for new construction project, renovations, and replacement work.
• Pyramids of Giza and Their Construction Mystery One rather outstanding theory is the one proposing the use of ramps in the construction of the Pyramids. In this theory, Herodotus proposes that the stones used to construct the pyramids were lifted using a […]
• Construction Technology Is Reshaping the Industry Many procedures should be followed from the time the construction of the foundation of the house starts till the completion of the house.
• JP Phentar: Construction Project Management Tools Due to the unique nature of the project, there is a need for the establishment of an effective managerial framework. One of the most crucial aspects of the construction project is the quality of work.
• Real Estate and Construction Sector in the UAE and the Effects of the Crises on the UAE and the Gulf Real estate and construction sector in UAE The study covers the actual effects of the crisis to the construction and real estate sector in the region which is among the key sectors in the economy […]
• Construction Failure: Swanston Street Wall Collapse According to the data from the Bureau of Meteorology, the estimated speed of the wind was 102 km/h at the time the wall collapsed.
• Housing Construction Industry and Economic Shocks The graph below shows the changes in the prices and demand for the housing construction products and services. The demand for housing construction products and services will decrease.
• The National Petroleum Construction Company There are a number of rules and principles that the NPCC employees should observe to meet the code of ethics introduced in the company.
• The Role of Building Design in Building Construction These procedures require the collaboration of the team of designers and architects as well as the owner of the building at all the phases of the project.
• Quality Assurance System in Construction On the other hand, it is required to recognize and deal with the risk of loss of value with the same vigilance as has been shown in dealing with the other difficulties so far.
• Innovation in Construction: Green Technology Innovative solutions for buildings with low energy consumption are actively developed and introduced into modern practice.
• Globalisation in the Construction Industry The globalization of construction industry provides the opportunity for the Australian companies to enter the international market and deliver the projects, for example, in the Middle East or Africa.
• Built Facility & Construction Industry Studies Below are the descriptions of these types of organizations: In this category the contractors are referred to as general contractors and these will generally build residential, industrial, commercial, and other related buildings in the industry.
• Williams Construction Co. vs. OSHA In this case, the violation of the Occupational Safety Health Act laws and regulations was the center of the legal procedure.
• The Real Estate and Construction Industry in Saudi Arabia The construction of real estate in Saudi has grown at a very high rate in recent years mainly due to the increasing number of tourists visiting the country and good returns from the oil sector.
• Pyramids Construction Theories In this article, I will examine two of the theories which have been forward to explain in part the construction of the pyramids.
• Emirates: Eco Friendly Construction The goal of advancing eco friendly principles in the UAE The concept of sustainable development is a direct response to the concerns for environmental degradation and the energy crisis.
• Using Agile to Minimize Cost and Timeframe in Eiffel Tower Construction Eifel Tower is 1,067 feet tall and was a success from a financial and time perspective due to the use of the agile methodology in the construction process.
• Road Construction With the Use of Asphalt One of the main reasons for the low prevalence of cement concrete roads is the lack of cement produced based on standardized clinker, which is used for constructing such road surfaces.
• Building Materials and Technologies in Construction As shown in the figure below, the inconsiderate use of modern materials aggravated the damp problem in that particular building. During the visit, the team investigated the owners of the building to understand how the […]
• Navigating the Construction of a 100-Bed Special Hospital In the project involving the construction of a 100-bed specialized hospital, key stakeholders include the government, which is the recipient or the customer of the project, regulatory bodies, union workers involved in the process of […]
• Optimization of Modular Integrated Construction Logistics Both the research design and philosophy complement each other because the core of the research is the practicality of the observations, analyses, and recommendations.
• Medical Imaging Center Construction in Abra Minch Town, Ethiopia It will strike to keep its services focus local and tailoring its products to meet the communities’ demands and in a way that respects the cultures and traditions of the people.
• A Trouble in the Truss Construction Shop Taking into account this factor, the breakdown of the truss and the damage to the employee demonstrate the unreliability of this design.
• Construction Administration Code of Ethics They must also use their comprehension, skills, and proficiency to advance their operations and embrace education and transformation to be successful in the future.
• Innovation and Technology in the Construction Industry Construction innovations continue to increase rapidly. Most innovations focus on automation.
• Gender Inequality in the Construction Field It is important that the main actors in the sector understand that gender equality can help reduce the issue of shortage of skill that exists in that field.
• Construction of a New Prison in New York The policies will describe when the need to apply force is suitable in the new facility. Once the facility has been established, the resulting impact on the victim’s family and the community will be accounted […]
• Construction Procurement in Industrialised Building System At the very beginning, the authors of the article began with the definitions and background of the term procurement in the construction industry.
• Forms of Contracts: Types of Construction Contracts Buyers and sellers agree on the total cost incurred in the process and combine it with the profits the contractor demands.
• Discussion Against the Construction of Marvin Nichols Reservoir Personally, I also agree with the sensitization because the construction of the Reservoir would consume thousands of acres of land owned by the local residents.
• Birdhouse Construction for Residential Application These birdhouses are customized to the needs of the client, the number and type of birds, and the weather conditions of the customer’s region.
• New Atomic Power Plant Under Construction in Georgia This will cover the process right from the issuance of the construction permits, the construction process, the size of the output, the type of reactors to be used and the safety measures installed.
• International Engineering Procurement Construction The contractor will be responsible for assessing the design, procurement activities, the actual construction, commissioning and the handover to the owner or operator when the system is ready for operation to ensure that it is […]
• Vulnerability in the Construction Industry: Revising Objectives in the Light of Cyber Threats Due to the possibility of misconfigurations in the management of the construction processes, the outcomes of cyberattacks on construction companies can be dire.
• Construction Contract Dispute Adjudicator and Engineer Adjudicators According to their experience, a civil engineer adjudicator is able to review a construction project in order to ensure the process meets all the contract and code requirements. In general, adjudication is regarded as a […]
• Naflos Investments: A World Number One Construction Company Naflos investments company is a dynamic and leading construction company wishing to expand its business investments into the far East.
• Carbon Footprints and Transportation of Construction Materials The Carbon Footprint Protocol seeks to regulate the use of all materials that contribute to the increase in carbon dioxide levels, including that caused by the transportation of construction materials.
• Environmental Degradation Impacts of Concrete Use in Construction There are various strains of concrete depending on the mode of production and the ratio of its components. To ensure the attainment of desired strength and durability, concrete undergoes the process of hydration.
• Environmental Management for Construction Industry This high-level protection of the environment promotes eco-innovation, which leads to the improvement of the efficiency of the industry and employment opportunities.
• Best Materials for Bi-Polar Plates Construction Investigations Moreover, any corrosion layer will lower the electrical conductivity of the bipolar plates and thus increase the potential loss of PEM fuel cells due to the high electrical resistance.
• Pre-Construction Design Specifications: Water Piping Sub-System The criteria of complexity and implementation are related to the flexible PDS criteria of the system being powering set-up, repeatability of measurement, reduced temperature setup time, and progressive heating/cooling supply temperature.
• Property Taxes Herb Construction Company This is because the taxes of the property are directly due to the development of the property. Therefore, Herb Construction Company should capitalize interest and property taxes of the hotel under construction.
• Constitutional Law: Arbitration and Construction However, voluntary arbitration, as explained above, can either be binding or not, where non-binding arbitration is comparable to the ADR model of mediation, in the aspect that the decision made by the arbitrator cannot be […]
• Method of Construction of Hydro Schemes In the first section, the construction techniques used in the construction of the dams and their hydropower stations are given in detail.
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Construction Essays - Construction Industry Workers

Published Date: 23 Mar 2015

Disclaimer: This essay has been written and submitted by students and is not an example of our work. Please click this link to view samples of our professional work witten by our professional essay writers . Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of EssayCompany.

Construction Industry Workers

The construction industry currently employs 2.2 million workers making it Britain’s largest industry (HSE, 2007). However, the sheer size of the industry comes at a cost as it is regarded as being one of the most dangerous industries to work in due to the individual complexity of construction projects and tough working conditions that workers are exposed to (HSE, 2005). The wide range of activities undertaken by construction workers further emphasises the need for a high level of legislation and management of measures to reduce accident and injuries throughout the entirety of the construction process, from planning to demolition. This is essential if the health and safety on construction sites is likely to improve and become more effective, which is important for not only the people already involved within the construction industry, but also for the expected 2-3% growth within the next 5 years (Reference). (Reference) suggests that poor design and management in the construction industry is the principal cause of the unacceptable accident and fatality record throughout construction sites in the UK. This needs to be improved through the improved implementation of measures to reduce these statistics which has been highlighted through the introduction of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007, which are perceived to provide numerous benefits to the construction industry from design concept onwards and help ensure that construction projects are safe to build; safe to use; safe to maintain, and deliver good value. These regulations aim to avoid, reduce and control health and safety risks faced by construction workers and others through preventative measures particularly during the design and management stage, whether engaged in, or affected by, new build, maintenance, repairs, demolition or other construction works (Joyce, 2007).

http://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/hsc/meetings/2006/171006/c54Ann6.pdf

The CDM regulations have the potential to make a significant impact on the industry with regards to health and safety however it is unrealistic to think that this can be achieved very quickly without encountering any problems in an area which has had much debate regarding this topic. It will take time before the new legislation will be free flowing however improvements in both effectiveness and efficiency can be expected as lessons are learnt.

Rationale for the Research

The subject of this dissertation developed from a personal interest in the Health and Safety aspect of the construction industry and the significant research within the industry on how to minimise the injuries and fatalities on construction sites. In the construction industry, the risk of fatality is four times more likely to occur than in any other industry throughout the UK, whilst the risk of major injury is two and a half times higher (HSC, 2005b). A Health and Safety Executive (HSE, 1997) study, reveals that the construction industry has one of the highest ratios of non-injury to injury accidents of all UK industries. For every major accident on a construction site, Heinrich’s accident to incident ratio model suggest that there will be approximately thirty minor accidents and three hundred near misses (Hughes & Ferrett, 2007). The HSE (2007) recorded 77 fatalities on construction sites during 2006/2007 and 3,711 major injuries to employees in construction related accidents. Include the 7,108 over 3 day injuries reported to the HSE and an estimation of under-reporting of injuries of approximately 45%, and it is evident that the accident rates in the construction industry is unacceptable and needs to be reduced. The Government and the Health and Safety Commission became aware of this on going poor record in the construction industry and at the Construction Health and Safety Summit in 2001, set a target of reducing the number of fatalities and accidents by 66% in the UK by 2010. The fatality rate appeared to be reducing year after year, with a industry record low of 59 fatalities in 2005/2006 (HSC, 2006) compared to the 69 in 2004/2005 (HSC, 2005) showing sufficient progress was being made. However, the 77 fatalities recorded in 2006/2007, and already 60 fatalities recorded in the first 9 months of the 2007/2008 period (HSE, 2007) shows that progress was short lived and that once again the rate of fatalities and injuries within construction sites is inconsistent and starting to rise. The latest published statistics by the HSE shows the increased need to improve the measures used in order to prevent accidents and fatalities on construction sites. The CDM regulations 2007 which is the latest legislation to be introduced to the construction industry aim to achieve this through implementing regulations to develop improvements at the design and management stage of construction projects by placing more responsibility on all parties involved. The HSE suggested in ‘Blackspot Construction’ that 70% of the fatalities and accidents on construction sites could have been prevented by positive action by managers within the industry (Joyce, 2001) and speaking from Ashburton Grove, Kevin Myers, Chief Inspector for Construction said: “Every fatality is one too many, most are preventable, each a tragedy for those affected”. As a result the fundamental aim of this study is to identify factors to improve health and safety measures on construction sites within the UK with a view to reducing the number of accidents and fatalities. The importance of improving these measures to reduce accident statistics is because, apart from the human cost of suffering, moral and legal effects an accident may have; the economic cost to organisations can be devastating. In a study undertaken by the HSE, it was shown that accidents produce direct costs such as injury, ill health or damage which can be insured against, however it is the indirect costs such as material damage and legal costs that are most costly to organisations as they can be up to 36 times greater than the direct cost of an accident (Hughes & Ferrett).

The following information in this chapter gives further details about the principle aim and objectives for this research topic.

To identify factors to improve health and safety measures on construction sites within the UK with a view to reducing the number of accidents and fatalities.

This aim will be investigated through a series of key objectives:

1.To provide an understanding of the current health and safety legislation that surrounds the construction industry with a particular focus on the CDM regulations 2007.

2.To provide a review of the history of accidents and fatalities within the construction industry.

3.To identify the current measures used to prevent accidents and injuries on construction sites.

4.To establish the main effect of preventative measures and what factors would assist the preventative measures used on construction sites within the UK in order to reduce the number of accidents within the construction industry.

5.To identify operatives understanding of the CDM regulations as well as success and problems associated with them.

6.To establish views from CDM duty holders on the current effectiveness of the CDM regulations.

Outline Research Methodology

This research topic has incorporated two research approaches in order to collect information which was the following: secondary data collection and primary data collection.

Secondary data collection

This form of research refers to the ‘desk study’ approach where data is obtained from sources that cite from primary sources. This method had been used to achieve the first, second and third objectives. These sources will be critically appraised by means of a systematic literature review which will cover the internet, textbooks, newspaper articles, research journals, thesis, reports, trade publications, etc.

Primary data collection

This form of research refers to the methods of primary data collection which can take the form of a number of practical approaches. This method of research was accomplished to utilise objectives four and five. The selected method for this thesis will be a structured survey approach in the form of a questionnaire. This method was selected as it is the best form of gathering data from a large number of respondents in a relatively short time frame. The questionnaires will adopt a semi structured format, employing both open and closed questions to gather the appropriate data.

The research method is a way in which the research objectives can be questioned and achieved. Throughout my research I will be using a number of core sources of references such as the books, the internet, newspapers, companies, journals and questionnaires in order to carry out my objectives. I will decide upon the most appropriate research strategy which can be carried out in two ways depending on the purpose of the study and the type and availability of the information required. These two methods can be classified as “Quantitative” and “Qualitative”. Quantitative research (Naoum, 2007) can be defined as “objective” in nature. It involves the description or analysis of statistical procedures that involves specific measurements of variables to determine whether a theory holds true. Qualitative research on the other hand can be defined as “subjective” in nature (Naoum, 2007). It does not involve the use of specific variables, but relies on reasons behind various aspects of data. It emphasizes the means, experiences and different descriptions of topics from different authors points of view. The type of qualitative data collected fell under the classification of attitudinal research. Attitudinal research is used to ‘subjectively’ evaluate the ‘opinion’, ‘view’, or the ‘perception’ of a person, towards a particular object (Naoum, 2007). For this study the ‘object’ has been the CDM regulations and the ‘person’ has been the duty holders that implement these regulations.

The purpose of this section is to inform the reader of the contents of this dissertation. Each chapter within the dissertation has a brief description stating what each chapter includes, the purpose of it, and its relationship to carry out the research aim and objectives, followed by a conclusion of the chapter.

Chapter One - Introduction

Chapter one highlights to the reader the main topic area that is being investigated and researched into. It does not going into depth in the topic but it does provide a background and rationale into the research area. Within this chapter the research aim will be described as well as the objectives and the research methodology used in order to achieve the objectives set.

Chapter Two - History of Health and Safety legislation

Chapter two will provide a detailed description of the health and safety legislation that has surrounded the construction industry since the first publication in 1961. A particular focus will be on the latest legislation known as the CDM regulations 2007 highlighting specific roles each professional has within the regulations in order to implement rules to provide a safer construction site. This chapter will also provide a background into the main changes that have occurred and assess the main reasons for why these changes were necessary.

Chapter Three – Accidents and injuries within the construction industry

This chapter intends to review the statistics provided by the HSE on fatalities and accidents within the EU member states, the industries within the UK and in particular and in particular the accidents and fatalities within the construction industry. It will analyse statistics prior to the introduction of the CDM regulations as well as after the introduction of these regulations highlighting any common problems that have occurred and potential reasons this.

Chapter Four – Measures to prevent accidents on construction sites

This chapter intends to review the main systems in place to reduce accidents on construction sites and comment on which are the most successful that should be developed further. This chapter will also discuss the cost implementations of implementing these measures along with the potential benefits of doing so.

Chapter Five - Research Methodology and Questionnaire / Interview Design

This chapter highlights my proposed research methodology for obtaining the information necessary for my study. This chapter also describes how questions for my interview have developed as my research has become more detailed, as well as why such questions were chosen for the interview and what I intend to achieve from these.

Chapter Six - Analysis of Results

Chapter Seven with provide the reader with a detailed analysis of the results from my questionnaire / interview. A wide range of data will be gathered so therefore a summary of the information which highlights specific areas will be presented in the form of charts, tables, graphs and a written conclusion of the results.

Chapter Seven - Conclusions and Recommendations

This chapter was designed to provide the reader with a final discussion and conclusion for the research information that has been collected as well as to provide imitations of the study and recommendations for future research.

The dissertation does not provide a chapter titled ‘literature review‘, however in order to achieve the objectives set, a comprehensive literature review will be ongoing throughout the study to critically appraise issues and statements identified and gain the industries, work operatives and authors opinions of the progress, effectiveness and success of the CDM regulations within the construction industry. A wide range of key literature from sources such as research journals, refereed conferences, thesis, textbooks, reports, trade publications and newspaper articles on this research topic have been reviewed, analysed and appraised of their strengths and weaknesses.

Chapter Two:History of Health and Safety Legislation

This chapter intends to provide a background into the history of the UK’s health and safety legislation that has governed the construction industry and progressed over time. A particular focus on the CDM regulations 2007 will be provided, highlighting key roles and responsibilities as well as the necessary components of the regulations.

Factories Act 1961

The Factories Act 1961 was the starting point for parliamentary legislation on health and safety matters within the construction industry. Construction safety was first introduced into safety law in the Factories Act 1937, however further amendments and alterations were made in 1948 and 1959 before the final consolidating measure in 1961 to produce the final version known as the Factories Act 1961 (Holt, 2001). One of the main problems encountered with the Factories Act 1961 was that it only applied to premises defined within it, such as factories, and did not cover other workplaces such as schools or hospitals. This was the main reason for the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The relevant contents of the Factories Act 1961 have since been applied to other legislation with the remaining sections left out that are of little relevance to the construction industry (Holt, 2001).

Fire Precautions Act 1971 (Amended 1989)

The introduction of the fire precautions act 1971 ensured that all properties regulated by the Act should require a fire certificate that should only be authorised by the fire authority. These certificates were only awarded if the inspection of the property met the safety requirements outlined in the act itself. The requirements introduced by the Fire Precautions Act 1971 paid particular attention to the people working on the premises; this involved making them aware of the means of escape as well as ensuring that people on the premises have sufficient warning to evacuate in the event of a fire. The act did not just ensure that there was sufficient facilities in place to combat a fire but also ensured that personnel employed within the building received sufficient instruction and training in what to do if a fire ever occurred.

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1971 (Amended 1974, 2002)

The introduction of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1971 (HAS 1971) involved improvements to the Factories Act 1961. The Act’s obligations are based more on relationships between organizations and employees rather than on narrow definitions on types of premises as in the Factories Act 1961 (Holt, 2001). The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1971 is currently the centrepiece of legislation for all industries in Great Britain that provides the legal framework to achieve high standards in health and safety. The act was responsible for establishing the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enabling them to propose health and safety regulations and approved codes of practice, they both however act in accordance with the secretary of state who must be informed of any proposed amendment or new regulations.

The Health and Safety Commission

The Health and Safety Commission and the Health and Safety Executive are responsible for the revision of the CDM Regulations. They were originally established as part of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 as two separate non-departmental public bodies (HSE, 2007). The HSC is appointed by the secretary of state whose main aim is to protect members of the UK against health and safety risks that may occur during working activities. In order to achieve this they must conduct and sponsor research; promote training; provide an information and advisory service; and submit proposals for new or revised regulations and approved codes of practices (HSC, 2007).

http://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/hsc/index.htm

The Health and Safety Executive

The role of the Health and Safety Executive is to assist the Health and Safety Commission to ensure that risks to people’s health and safety from work activities are properly controlled (HSE, 2007). The HSE is the main enforcement and advisory body to the HSC however for activities that involve lower risks such as offices then local authorities have equal powers to enforce (Holt, 2001).

http://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/hse/index.htm

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981

The health and safety (First Aid) regulations 1981 contained certain regulations that apply to construction sites and their workers. The act places vast amounts of responsibility on employers who are required to carry out an assessment of first aid needs which involves consideration of workplace hazards and risks, the size of the organisation and other relevant factors, to determine what first aid equipment, facilities and personnel should be provided. The location of these provisions should be made aware to all employees by the employer under regulation 4. Regulation 3 states that employers are responsible to ensure that adequate and appropriate equipment and facilities are available for enabling first aid to be rendered to an employee in the event of being injured or taken ill whilst at work (HMSO, 1981). It was also the responsibility of the employer, under regulation 3, to ensure that a competent person is available at all times to carry out first aid procedures in the event of an injury or illness occurring on the construction site.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/legislation.htm#duties

Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989 (Amended 2002)

The Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989 came into force as of the 30 th March 1990 in an attempt to prevent head injuries whilst working on construction sites. These regulations apply to all members of the workforce with the responsibility of the employer to provide each employee who is at work with suitable head protection, maintain it, and replace it wherever necessary as outlined in regulation 3. Under regulation 4 the employer, self employed or anyone who has authority over another person must ensure that suitable head protection is worn whenever reasonably practicable. In the event of self employed workers entering the site, they must wear and comply with all rules set by the site they are working on in order to comply with regulation 4. In order to comply with regulation 5, all rules established with the wearing of suitable head protection must be provided in writing and brought to the attention of any worker that may be affected by them.

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1989/Uksi_19892209_en_1.htm

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 first came into force on the 1 st April 1990 in order to target the number of health and safety risks exposed to work operatives on construction sites involving working with electricity (HMSO, 1989). These regulations place responsibilities on both the employer and self-employed to comply with the provisions of these Regulations and the duty of the employees to co-operate with the rules set by the employer. Regulation 4 sets out standards to be achieved involving systems, work activities and protective equipment. This involves ensuring that all systems when carrying out operations should be adequate, used and maintained in an efficient manner in order to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, any risks of danger. Regulations 4 of this legislation also indicates that any equipment provided in order to protect work operatives carrying out tasks on or near electrical equipment must be appropriate, maintained in a satisfactory condition and used in the correct manner. http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1989/Uksi_19890635_en_1.htm

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 (Amended 1999, 2006)

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 came into effect as of the 1 st January 1993 which placed responsibility upon all employers and self-employed to carry out suitable and sufficient risks assessments with regard to health and safety issues on construction sites. This is to ensure that regulation 3 is achieved through informing employees of the potential issues that may affect, or potentially affect the health and safety of another person on site. The other most significant responsibility placed on the employer under regulation 11 is to ensure that they fulfil capability and training requirements set out in this legislation. This involves the employer making sure all employees are provided with adequate health and safety training upon recruitment or upon being exposed to new or increased risks such as the introduction of new work equipment.

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1992/Uksi_19922051_en_2.htm#mdiv1

The Manual Handling and Operations Regulations 1992 (Amended 2002)

The Manual Handling and Operations Regulations 1992 were first enforced on the 1 st January 1993 which introduced the requirement for employers to avoid the need for their employees to undertake any manual handling operations at work which involves a risk of being injured, this is outlined in regulation 4. If manual handling and operations are undertaken then it is the responsibility of the employer to keep these occurrences to levels as low as possible as well as to provide employees with general indications where it is reasonably practicable to do so such as the weight of each load.

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si1992/Uksi_19922793_en_1.htm

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (Amended 2002)

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 came into effect on the 1 st January 1993 to try to ensure that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided and worn at all times if work operatives are presented with a situation that provide risks to their personal health and safety. Regulation 4 of the act states that it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that PPE is provided to all employees whilst at work if they are likely to be exposed to health and safety risks, any self employed work operative must provide their own PPE once entering the construction site. Regulation 4 also emphasise that the PPE provided should be appropriate for the risks involved and should fit correctly or at least have a mechanism for adjustments that enable it to be worn correctly.

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si1992/Uksi_19922966_en_2.htm#mdiv1

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (Revised 2002, Amended 2003)

The WHSW regulations 1992 came into force on the 1 st January 1993. These regulations do not apply specifically to construction sites which means they have had no effect in reducing the number of accidents and fatalities throughout the construction industry.

The construction industry had two specific sets of regulations that were industry-specific before the introduction of the CDM regulations 2007 as these regulations incorporated both of them. These were known as the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 which are described in more detail below:

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 (Amended 2007)

The CDM regulations 1994 first came into force on the 31 st March 1995 with a view to further reducing the number of accidents occurring within the construction industry (Joyce, 2001). The main aims of the regulations were to reduce the regular occurrence of accidents and ill health arising from construction work (Percy, 2002). The main influence these regulation had on the construction industry was that it shared responsibility of health and safety issues during construction work between all parties and not purely the responsibility of the contractor (Joyce 2001). These regulations were in place for 12 years but have recently been amended and are now known as the CDM regulations 2007. The reasons for the amendments were due a number of problems encountered with the CDM regulations 1994 such as the ongoing debate about there effectiveness, high level of unnecessary bureaucracy, lack of clarity and regulations that were subject to misinterpretation throughout their enforcement (Joyce, 2001). The CDM regulations 2007 intend to take on board the research into these problems and readdress the main criticisms in order to improve the effectiveness within the industry. The CDM regulations 2007 are discussed further in section 6.0.

Reports of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 came into force as of the 6 th April 2006. These regulations have an effect with a view to protecting workers against the potential risks to their personal H&S arising from exposure to noise at work (HMSO, 2005). It is the responsibility of the employer under regulation 5 to provide a risk assessment to assess the potential risks of exposure to noise an employee may face when carrying out work on site, if exposure is likely to occur then where possible it should be eliminated at the source or reduced to nose levels as low as possible in order to comply with these regulations. In order to support regulation 5, regulation 7 sets out to ensure that the employer must provide personal hearing protection to any employee who is exposed to high noise levels in order to protect their health and safety, this must be supported with the use of appropriate safety signs in order to inform work operatives of an area that is subject to high noise levels. Regulations 9 and 10 respectively are provided to ensure that if employees are exposed to high levels of noise then the employer must ensure that they are placed under suitable health surveillance as well as provide them with suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training in order to carry out their tasks efficiently (HMSO, 2005).

Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996

The CHSWR 1996 were enforced as of the 2 nd September 1996 which replaced the Construction (General Provisions) Regulations 1961, the Construction (Health and Welfare) Regulations 1966 and the Construction (Working Places) Regulations 1966, which were all revoked (Holt, 2001). These regulations were introduced as the construction equivalent of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 as they do not apply to constructions sites (Holt, 2001). The CHSW Regulations 1996 were created by the HSC which represented the UK’s implementation of Annexe IV of the Temporary and Mobile Construction Sites Directive (Clarke, 1999). Before the introduction of the CDM regulations 2007, the CHSW regulations 1996 applied to all construction work and along with the CDM regulations 1994, they provided a life cycle of health and safety standards throughout the entirety of construction projects. This was achieved as both these sets of regulations applied to different aspects of construction work which meant there was no overlapping of each legislation between the two sets of regulations. The CHSW 1996 applied to workers carrying out construction site work where as the CDM regulations 1994 applied to those in the design and management process.

Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996

The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 were first enforced on the 1 st April 1996, they were introduced as a set of regulations to notify the construction industry of the minimum requirements for the provision of safety signs at work. This act complies with the MHSW regulations 1992 as an employer must provide appropriate safety signs if they feel that the risk assessment made as a requirement of the MHSW 1992 regulations cannot adequately reduce risks to employees after adopting appropriate techniques for collective protection, and measures, methods or procedures used in the organisation of work. These signs are used to warn or instruct employees of the nature of potential risks they may face and inform the employees of the appropriate measures to be taken to protect against them. This act also introduces a standardised system of safety signs; this enables workers to be able to travel from different construction sites and not face the problem of different meanings for different signs. In order to comply with regulation 5; employers must ensure that each of their employees receives suitable and sufficient instruction and training in the meaning of safety signs and the measures to be taken in connection with safety signs.

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1996/Uksi_19960341_en_1.htm

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002

The COSHH regulations 2002 were introduced to the construction industry on the 21 st November 2002, this legislation placed responsibility upon employers to ensure that exposure to substances hazardous to health is either prevented or, if not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled (HMSO, 2002). The employer should prevent from carrying out work that may potentially expose an employee to substances hazardous to health unless they have carried out appropriate risk assessments and carried out the suitable processes in order to comply with these regulations, and safeguard workers on site. Regulations 12 of the regulations states that an employer should provide employees with suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training if they are likely to undertake work that may involve exposure to substances hazardous to health. Regulation 13 is provided to ensure that arrangements are in place to deal with potential accidents that may occur on construction sites as a result of working with substances hazardous to health.

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2002/20022677.htm

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (Amended 2007)

The working at height regulations 2005 came into force on the 6 th April 2005. These regulations apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. There is an alarming amount of accidents as a result of working at height year after year which still remain the single biggest cause of construction fatalities, in 2006/07 alone they accounted for 30% of all fatalities and 27% of major injuries on construction sites (HSE, 2007). This further highlights the importance of this recently introduced legislation that intends to reduce the number of accidents throughout the construction industry as a result of working at heights. Regulation 3 places duties on the employer to ensure all work at height is properly planned and organised as well as carried out by competent work operatives. The legislation states that where possible working at height should be avoided, however if it is unavoidable then appropriate measures should be taken into consideration in order to reduce the potential health and safety risks workers may face. http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/regulations.htm

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20050735.htm#1

Health & Safety Policy

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 legally requires employers to prepare and revise a written H&S policy for all organisations and bring it to the notice of their employees. This policy should be a written document and include the clear H&S aims and objective of the organisation, details of people who carry responsibilities with regards to H&S and the health and safety arrangements in place in terms of systems and procedures (Hughes & Ferrett (2007). There are a number of key elements that should be applied to an organisations health and safety policy in order for it to play an effective role within construction projects. This involves writing the document in clear and simple language so that its contents can be easily understood and should be brief in the form of smaller statements or bullet points.

This health and safety policy sets out how health and safety issues are managed within an organisation. A health and safety policy is a commitment to planning and managing health and safety at work and is the key to achieving acceptable standards and preventing accidents and instances of work-related ill health

Hughes and Ferrett (2007) comments that every construction organisation should have a clear policy for the management of health and safety so that everybody associated with the organisation is aware of its health and safety aims and objectives. Hughes & Ferret (2007) also suggest that a good health and safety policy will enhance the performance of an organisation in areas other than health and safety, such as personal development of the workforce and reduce financial losses. Clarke (1999) suggests that if an organisations health and safety policies are to be effective then they must be honoured by all operatives involved with the construction project, this at both management and employee levels.

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007

The new Construction (Design and Management) Regulations were brought into force in the UK on the 6 th April 2007 in order to consolidate the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 as well as the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996 into one regulatory package. In order to help achieve the implementation of this new process the supporting guidance for these regulations has been revised with the aid of a new Approved Code of Practice available to assist each professional with their individual duties under the CDM regulations 2007. The purpose of the CDM regulations is to avoid, reduce and control health and safety risks faced by construction workers and others, whether engaged in or affected by a new build, maintenance, repairs, demolition or other construction works.

http://www.martineau-johnson.co.uk/publication_event/updates/CDM%20regulations%202007%20Flyer%20April.pdf

It is necessary for all duty holders involved in the construction industry to be aware of the new CDM regulations 2007 as they apply to all construction work. The aims of these regulations are to:

1)Improve health and safety within the construction industry;

2)Ensure that there are the right people for the right job at the right time to manage the potential risks on site;

3)To focus on effective planning and managing risk - manage the risk not the paperwork.

The CDM Regulations require that health and safety is taken into account and managed throughout all stages of a project, from completion, design and planning through to site work and subsequent maintenance and repair of the structure (HSE, 2007).

The regulations provide important information on how all members of a construction project can play an important role in the management of health and safety, and inevitably, therefore achieve its aim.

3.1 Who does CDM affect?

The CDM regulations 2007 place a responsibility regarding health and safety issues to all parties involved in the construction process. This involves the Client, the Designer, the Coordinator, the Principal Contractor and other Contractors (sub-contractors).

3.2 When does CDM apply?

The CDM regulations apply throughout the United Kingdom to all non-domestic construction work. Any work that does not fall under the definition of construction work is not subject to these regulations. According to Regulation 2(1) Construction work can be defined as meaning:

“ the carrying out of any building, civil engineering or engineering construction work”

This includes:

• Alteration, maintenance and renovation of a structure;
• Preparation for an intended structure (site clearance);
• Demolition and Dismantling a structure;
• New build construction
• Temporary works

The regulations apply to all construction projects, however to a different extent depending on whether the project is notifiable or non-notifiable. The new regulation 2(3) requires the construction project to be notified to the HSE if the construction phase is likely to involve more than:

• 30 days, or
• 500 person days,

of construction work.

Figure 4.7: Notification

In order to simplify the notification process the client must fill out and submit form F(10) to the HSE.

(This form can be seen in Appendix 1)

Figure 6.5: The application of the CDM regulations

http://www.brunel.ac.uk/3562/Procurement%20Documents/Estates%20Documents/Appendices/D%20-%20CDM%20Flow%20Charts.pdf

The responsibilities of implementing health and safety management into the planning and design of construction work, of all projects, lies with the duty holders. These duty holders are highlighted below along with their key roles and duties under the CDM regulations 2007.

3.3The Client

A client can be described as an individual or organization who in the course or furtherance of a business has a construction project carried out by another or himself, this however excludes domestic clients but not domestic premises. A domestic client is someone who lives or will live, in the premises where the work is carried out.

The roles of the client under the new CDM regulations 2007 are similar to that of the 1994 regulations however they have been given a higher profile with emphasis on providing the construction team with strong leadership and ensure that the client is responsible for their influence on the H&S of people working on, or affected by the project. It is the role of the client under the CDM regulations to appoint a CDM coordinator and a principal contractor on all notifiable projects in order to advise and co-ordinate activities.

It is the responsibility of the client to carry out a number of duties on all projects:

1)Must check all appointee’s competence and resources using the ACoP competence criteria;

2)Must also ensure that enough time and resource is provided to allow the project to be delivered safely, what you want, when you want it and on budget;

3)Provide key information to contractors and designers;

4)Ensure everyone involved with the project co-operate and co-ordinate their activities;

5)Establish a competent project team as soon as possible to ensure the project is safe to build, safe to use, safe to maintain and deliver good value;

6)Ensure suitable management arrangements are in place;

7)Ensure adequate welfare facilities are on site;

8)Ensure workplaces are designed correctly which should comply with the WHSW.

On all notifiable projects the clients must carry out the above duties as well as:

1)They must appoint a competent CDM Coordinator and provide them with key information;

2)They must appoint a competent principal contractor;

3)Ensure that there are suitable welfare facilities provided on site as well as a construction phase health and safety plan has been produced before the construction phase can start;

4)Retain and provide access to the H&S file as well as revise it with any new information;

It is not the responsibility of the client to audit or supervise the work on site. In order for the client to explain their management arrangements then they may ask their project team or contractors to do this for them. For small projects where contractors employ less than 5 people, then demonstrating management arrangements may be in the form of an oral briefing rather than providing everything in writing. The client must perform simple checks regularly to ensure their management arrangements are being followed which include adequate protection for workers and the public on site, ensuring that there is good co-operation and communication between the contractors and the designers. They must also ask the contractors to confirm that the arrangements they agreed upon have been implemented.

3.4The Coordinator

The CDM Co-coordinator is appointed to advise and assist the client on how to comply with the CDM Regulations during the project, and to ensure that suitable arrangements are made and implemented for the co-ordination of health and safety measures during planning and preparation for the construction phase. The CDM coordinators replaced the role of the Planning Supervisor under the CDM regulations 1994 and are only appointed on notifiable contracts but this appointment must be made early. This role has been changed due to the overall consideration that the Planning Supervisor has not been a success with more expectation placed on the new role of the coordinator. The main aim of the coordinator is to act to reduce risks during the construction process rather than to generate unnecessary paperwork.

The CDM coordinator has the responsibility to carry out a number of Duties during the project:

1)Advise the client about selecting competent designers and contractors;

2)Help identify what information will be needed by designers and contractors;

3)Co-ordinate the arrangements for health and safety of planning and design work;

4)Ensure that HSE is notified of the project (unless a domestic client);

5)Advise on the suitability of the initial construction phase plan;

6)Prepare a health and safety file (information for the client to enable future cleaning, maintenance and alterations to be carried out safely)

7)You are the key advisor to the client and the catalyst for effective communication and co-ordination throughout the project

A CDM coordinators role can be filled by anybody, however they must fulfil the competence requirements given in the ACoP, if no appointment has been made then it is generally the client who will carry out this role.

3.5The Designer

A designers duties under the CDM regulations applies to all construction work including domestic projects as well as non-notifiable projects. A designer can be described as someone that carries out the design process or specifies building work I.e. makes any project related decision, which therefore means there are a wide number of parties that can fall under this profession, such as Design and construction contractors, civil and structural engineers, clients who specify, etc.

A designer has the responsibility to carry out their duties on all projects involving construction work. This includes:

1)Making sure that the Client is aware of his duties;

2)Making sure the client is adequately resourced and competent to carry out their own duties such as the health and safety issues that are involved with the design of a project;

3)Provide substantial information about any potential risks that may be associated with the design that can be put in the health and safety file;

4)Coordinating their work with others in order to improve the way potential risks are managed and controlled;

5)Co-operate with others such as CDM Co-coordinators and the Principal Contractor;

6)Avoiding foreseeable risks during the design work for people involved on the current and future uses of the structure. They should also eliminate hazards and risks associated with those hazards that remain.

The most important role for a competent designer is to eliminate the hazards and reduce risks.

3.6The Principal Contractor

The changes in the CDM regulations have brought little change to the duties of the principal contractor. An early appointment of a principal contractor by the client is necessary on all notifiable projects. The principal contractor must ensure that everyone they appoint such as sub-contractors as competent. The main aim of the PC is to ensure that the construction phase is properly planned, managed, monitored and resourced.

The principal contractor has a number of duties that must be carried out throughput the project:

1)Inform contractors of the minimum time allowed for planning and preparation

2)Provide relevant information to contractors

3)Ensure safe working, co-ordination and co-operation between contractors

4)Construction phase health and safety plan is prepared and implemented

–Plan needs to set out the organisation and arrangements for managing risk and co-ordinating work

–Plan should be tailored to the particular project and risks involved

5)Suitable welfare from the start

6)Prepare and enforce site rules as required

7)Give reasonable direction to contractors including client appointed contractors

8)Prevent unauthorised entry

9)Provide plan to those who need it

10)Promptly provide the CDM co-ordinator with information for the file

11)Liaise with CDM co-ordinator in relation to design and design changes

12)Ensure all workers have been provided with suitable health and safety induction, information and training

13)Ensure the workforce is consulted about health and safety matters

14)Display key project information to workers

It is not the responsibility of the PC to provide training for workers they do no employ however contractors do. Neither do they have to undertake detailed supervision of contractors work. The construction phase plan must only be filled in with relevant information rather then endless generic paperwork.

3.7 Other Contractors

Sub Contractors are present on all projects not just notifiable ones. They are unable to start work on a construction site until they have obtained the pre construction information necessary from the client or PC. The sub contractors must manage their own work to make sure that their workers are safe as well as ensuring that hey and those they appoint are completely competent and adequately resourced.

On all projects they must:

1)Inform any contractor that they engage, of the minimum amount of time they have for planning and preparation

2)Provide their workers (whether employed or self-employed) with any necessary information and training and induction

3)Report anything that they are aware of that is likely to endanger the H&S of themselves or others

4)Ensure that any design work they do complies with CDM design duties

5)Comply with the duties for site health and safety

6)Co-operate and co-ordinate with others working on the project

7)Consult the workforce

8)Not begin work unless they have taken reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised access to the site

9)Obtain specialist advice (e.g. from a structural engineer or occupational hygienist) where necessary

On notifiable projects they must:

1)Check that a CDM co-ordinator has been appointed and HSE notified before they start work

2)Co-operate with the principal contractor, CDM co-ordinator and others working on the project

3)Tell the principal contractor about risks to others created by their work

4)Comply with any reasonable directions from the principal contractor

5)Work in accordance with the construction phase plan

6)Inform the principal contractor of the identity of any contractor he appoints or engages

7)Inform the principal contractor of any problems with the plan or risks identified during their work that have significant implications for the management of the project

8)Inform the principal contractor about any death, injury, condition or dangerous occurrence

9)Provide information for the health and safety file

3.8The Construction Phase Plan

The construction phase plan which is a new feature of the CDM regulations 2007 is an addition to replace the Health and Safety plan which was an innovative feature of the old CDM regulations 1994. The construction phase plan links the participants together, with the objective of improving the exchange and communication of document information that affects health and safety. During the pre-construction phase, the CPP is organised by the CDM co-ordinators, the designers and other contractors. It is then the responsibility of the PC to develop the CPP to its final form which must be checked and approved by the client before the construction phase can begin. The CPP should include details on the management and prevention of health and safety risks created by contractors and sub contractors. The CPP is subject to continuous review and amendment, fulfilling its role as a co-ordinating mechanism and encouraging co-operation as construction progresses (Joyce, 2007).

3.9The Health and Safety File

On completion of a construction project, the CDM co-ordinator is required to ensure that a health and safety file is prepared that must be handed over to the client on completion. The health and safety file is an important document and should be easily available to other responsibilities for later construction work associated with the structure or its maintenance, repair, renovation or demolition (Joyce, 2007).

4.0The Approved Code of Practice

The ACoP, which is approved by the Health and Safety Commission, provides practical guidance on compliance with the CDM Regulations 2007. It is not an official offence if duty holders fail to comply with this guidance, however it could be used as evidence in a legal situation if a duty holder has failed to comply with the regulations.

The updated Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) can be used in order to help achieve the main aims of the CDM regulations 2007. It has special legal status and gives practical advice for all those that are involved in construction work. If duty holders follow the advice in the ACoP they will be doing enough to comply with the law in respect of those specific matters on which it gives advice.

The ACoP which includes a copy of the CDM regulations explains:

ØThe legal duties placed on clients, CDM co-ordinators, designers, principal contractors, contractors, self-employed and workers.

ØThe circumstances in which domestic clients do not have duties under CDM 2007 (but that the regulations still apply to those doing work for them).

ØGives information on the new role of CDM co-ordinator – a key project adviser for clients and responsible for coordinating the arrangements for health and safety during the planning phase of larger and more complex projects.

ØWhich construction projects need to be notified to HSE before work starts and gives information on how this should be done.

ØHow to assess the competence of organisations and individuals involved in construction work.

ØHow to improve co-operation and co-ordination between all those involved in the construction project and with the workforce.

ØWhat essential information needs to be recorded in construction health and safety plans and files, as well as what shouldn’t be included.

Why the need for the new CDM regulations?

The CDM regulations 1994 were in force for just over 12 years, and in that time the debate about their effectiveness and the unnecessary bureaucracy was never off the agenda within the construction industry (Joyce, 2001). Previous research suggests that, although there was constant criticism of the bureaucracy of the regulations, the majority of the organizations within the construction industry do not feel that the regulations have been of no benefit; however they felt that significant improvements could have been made in order to improve their effectiveness. This primary and secondary research regarding the management of H&S alongside consultations and debate led the HSC to make a decision to revise the CDM regulations 1994. The new CDM regulations 2007 represent a near re-write of the 1994 regulations, however they are still constrained within the remit of continuing to implement the Temporary or Mobile Construction Sites Directive. These regulations are the UK’s response to transpose the Council of the European Communities Directive 92/57/EEC, entitled The Minimum Health and Safety requirements at Temporary or Mobile Construction Sites, into British law (Summerhayes, 2002).

The commission’s aims for revising the 1994 CDM regulations were to further reduce construction accidents and ill health by the following means:

1.being clearer – making it easier for duty holders to know what is expected of them;

2.being flexible and accommodating a wide range of contractual arrangements found in the construction industry;

3.emphasizing the need to plan and manage work, rather than treating the paperwork as an end in itself;

4.emphasizing the communication and coordination advantages of duty holders working in integrated teams; and

5.simplifying the way duty holders assess competence (Joyce, 2007).

The latest CDM regulations have been developed in order to reduce bureaucracy and improve the overall management of construction projects.

UK Construction Regulations

A number of changes have taken place during the replacement of the CDM regulations 1994 to the CDM regulations 2007, most notable affecting the construction-related legislation. This is shown in Figure 5.1 and 5.2 below:

Figure 5.1: The construction triangle under CDM 1994

Figure 5.2: The construction triangle under CDM 2007

Figure 5.1 above (construction triangle) show the close relationship between the legislation that applied to the construction industry when the CDM regulations 1994 were first implemented along with the CHSW regulations 1996. This provided a close link between three sets of regulations:

• the Building Regulations;
• the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations; and
• the CDM Regulations. (Tony Baker, 2007)

Figure 5.2 shows the updated, 2007 version of the construction triangle where the CDM regulations have incorporated the CHSW regulations which in turn have been replaced at the top of the triangle by the Workplace regulations 1992, RRFSO 2005 and the DDA. There is still a common link with the buildings regulations as there was in the 1994 regulations.

These diagrams provide the author with the perception that the CDM regulations should take into account other issues rather than be considered in isolation, particularly at the design stage as it is essential that CDM be considered in the wider context, as part of the integrated risk management process (Tony Baker, 2007).

Changes to the CDM regulations

Commenting on what is a landmark for the construction industry this year, Stephen Williams, Chief Inspector of Construction, HSE said: "The industry has worked very closely with HSE to revise the CDM Regulations and ensure that there are clear benefits for all competent duty holders. The Regulations clarify responsibilities of each duty holder and require greater focus on the risks to be managed by all being involved in the construction process. Underlying all the changes is one simple aim - to reduce the unacceptable number of fatalities and injuries in the construction industry."

The revised CDM Regulations will introduce the following changes:

• Clarify construction client responsibilities when they are exercising their influence over the health and safety standards on their projects.
• Replace the role of Planning Supervisor with a new role of CDM co-ordinator. The co-ordinator will act as the client’s key advisor on health and safety issues for the project, particularly effective communication and co-ordination of health and safety information.
• Emphasise the importance of competence at all levels in securing health and safety benefits, whilst simplifying the assessment of competence.
• Drive out needless health and safety paperwork and bureaucracy. Paperwork should be project-specific, relevant, proportionate to the risk, and of real use in helping to manage the risk.
• Simplify when a project is notifiable, and formal plans and appointments are required. Projects will be notifiable if they will involve more than 30 days or 500 person days of construction work. No projects for a domestic client will be notifiable. Formal plans and appointments are only required for notifiable projects.

John Heath, health and safety consultant at Morgan Safety Services, said: “I’ve been lecturing on CDM at Riba since 1994. No, I don’t think designers are prepared for the changeover. They are too comfortable with the paperwork, and it will continue to be generated because they are concerned about liability. Criminal law no longer requires anything like the paperwork we are producing, but designers will still think ‘I have to make sure we have sufficient evidence if things go wrong.’ It’s no longer needed."

"Other than that, I don’t think the designers role has changed that much. One question the HSE hasn’t addressed is where CDM co-ordinators are going to come from. With the greater emphasis on health and safety qualifications, I think fewer design organisations are going to offer the service than offered the planning supervisor service."

John Carpenter, health and safety consultant to ICE and HSE: “If you’re looking for good business tools, then you can’t do much better than the regulations. They provide safety and productivity, and what do managers want beyond that?"

"I don’t think the industry is ready for the changes. My guess is very few people have seen the Approved Code of Practice, and some won’t even be aware of the regulations changing. I think within the industry there’s the tendency to keep your eyes on the workstation, so to speak, without looking at the bigger picture."

"I have sympathy with the client groups’ concerns, but I think there has been some over-reaction. Scare-mongering about inexperienced clients going to jail, that’s just nonsense. Health and safety advice is out there, and it can come from several different sources. Very little has changed."

"My problem with the added responsibility for the client is it paints the [construction] industry in a poor light. The HSE’s reason for doing it is to put the responsibility where the money is. The message is, ‘we can’t trust the contractors, so we’ll bring the client in to show them how it’s done’. I think it’s a sad reflection on the industry.”

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