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Excavation Method Statement: What It Is and How to Write One Excavation is one of the highest-risk activities on any construction site. Trench collapses, contact with underground services, and falls into open ground cause serious injuries and fatalities every year — often because the work wasn’t properly planned. An excavation method statement is the document that closes that gap: it sets out,…

This is an extract of our concise Risk Assessment for working in high heat:- Legislative and Guidance Framework This assessment has been prepared with reference to the following UK legislation, Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs), and industry guidance applicable to construction: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) — section 2 places a general duty on employers to ensure, so far as is…

Introduction Falls from height remain the single largest cause of fatalities on UK construction sites. Year after year, despite regulatory frameworks, enforcement activity, and industry campaigns, workers continue to die from falls that were preventable. The statistics are stark: fall protection is consistently among the most violated safety standards inspected by regulators on both sides of the…

Introduction If you manage a construction site and you are not PAT testing your portable electrical equipment every three months, you are likely in breach of your legal duties — and you are putting workers at risk. Construction sites have the most demanding PAT testing schedule of any workplace in the UK. The physical punishment that tools, cables, and equipment take on site makes regular testing…

Introduction In April 2026, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the British Standards Institution (BSI) published Amendment 4 (2026) to BS 7671:2018 — the UK’s national standard for electrical installation safety, better known as the IET Wiring Regulations (18th Edition). This is not a minor housekeeping update. Amendment 4 introduces substantial changes across several areas…

Core Principles of Construction Health & Safety Effective builders safety is built on three key principles: Hazard Identification Before work begins, hazards must be identified. These may include: Working at height Excavations and trenches Electrical systems Heavy plant and machinery Manual handling risks Slips, trips, and falls Regular site inspections and planning meetings help identify…

Nanomaterials are materials of which a single unit is sized (in at least one dimension)  between 1 and 100 nm. (ECHA) Nano chemicals are chemicals generated by using nanomaterials. These include titanium dioxide (TiO2), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and carbon nanofibers (CNFs). Metal oxide nanoparticles such as iron oxide; gold and silver nanoparticles are regularly used in industries from paint…

Introduction to Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) What is an SWMS? A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is more than just a document—it’s a cornerstone of safety management in the UK workplace, especially on construction sites and industries involving high-risk tasks. An SWMS outlines how specific job activities will be carried out safely. Think of it as a playbook that details step-by-step…

This sample checklist is from our Health and Safety Manual   Sample electrical safety checklist Action taken   An electrical safety policy is in place   Management is committed to the objectives of the policy   Sufficient resources have been provided to ensure that the objectives of the policy are met   Staff at all levels are aware of, and understand, the policy   A purchasing…

Pre-Demolition Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide Introduction Demolition may seem straightforward, but there’s more to it than just tearing down a building. A well-prepared pre-demolition checklist is essential to ensure everything goes smoothly, safely, and within the bounds of the law. Whether you’re a homeowner planning to demolish an old shed or a contractor handling large-scale projects,…

We have compiled a 5 page combined method statement and Risk Assessment for scaffolding erection. The General Work Method (Key steps & stages of the work required) • Erect scaffolding under the supervision of a competent person. • Start by laying out base plates on stable ground and ensuring proper levelling. • Assemble scaffolding components following manufacturer’s instructions and design…

Physical Health Hazards in Construction Work: Identifying Risks and Promoting Safety Introduction: Construction work is a dynamic and essential industry that plays a crucial role in shaping the infrastructure of our society. However, it comes with inherent physical health hazards that can pose serious risks to workers if not properly managed. In this article, we will explore some of the common…

Our “Brick and Blockwork pack” is an essential collection of Microsoft Word documents written by a Registered Chartered Engineer with over 30 years of experience. These documents are designed to ensure the safe and efficient completion of bricklaying and blockwork projects. The pack includes a comprehensive Method Statement for bricklaying and blockwork, which outlines the correct procedures and…

All Employees and visiting contractors are to be given a site induction by a competant appointed person Contents of an Induction Program could include: 1. Introduction to the organisational structure of the company. 2. Introduction to any occupational health and safety personnel working for the company. 3. Presentation, explanation and discussion of the overall occupational health and safety…

  Positive Performance Indicators Companies should introduce and maintain a system of positive reporting indicators. The following items could be reported to management and if applicable a safety committee on a monthly basis: 1. Attendance at safety toolbox meetings 2. Attendance at safety training sessions 3. Number of risk assessments undertaken in a month 4. Percentage of employees trained in…

Struck-By Accidents and Prevention

STRUCK-BY ACCIDENTS In struck-by accidents, workers are hit by vehicles, or falling/flying objects The reported accidents indicate that the main causes are:- • Accidents with site equipment or vehicles, these include excavators, dumpers and other site vehicles. • High-pressure hoses becoming detached from compressors etc. • Falling loads from cranes, truck Hiab’s etc. • Tools or materials dropped…