Safety on site guide – everything you need to know

2023-04-03

Occupational Health and Safety is fundamental to guaranteeing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees.
It is important that companies have effective Health and Safety policies and measures in place to protect the health and physical integrity of their employees.

Here you can read about the advantages of good Safety and Health at Work for companies, what obligations the company has to fulfill and what the legal framework is.

AWARENESS-RAISING MATERIALS

Advantages of investing in Safety at Work

Safety at work is one of the main pillars ensuring the well-being of workers.
However, companies also benefit from this investment:

Reduction in accidents and occupational illnesses: a safe and healthy working environment helps prevent accidents and work-related illnesses, which can result in a significant reduction in insurance costs, lawsuits and lost working time.
Improved productivity: when employees feel safe at work, they tend to be more productive and dedicated to their tasks.
In addition, absences due to work-related illnesses are minimized.
Compliance with legislation: implementing safety measures at work is a legal requirement and by complying with these regulations, companies avoid possible fines and legal proceedings.

What obligations do companies have?

Safety in the construction industry is extremely important to ensure the protection of workers and prevent accidents and incidents that could put their health and lives at risk.
Companies operating in the construction sector have a number of obligations in relation to safety in the workplace, including:

Carrying out training: training and drills for workers so that they are prepared to identify and prevent risks and know how to act in the event of an emergency.
Adopt preventive measures: companies must adopt preventive measures, such as installing collective protection systems, providing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and implementing safety measures on machinery and equipment.
Complying with regulations: they must comply with the regulations issued establishing occupational health and safety standards.
Carry out safety inspections: they must carry out regular safety inspections to identify possible risks and adopt preventive measures.
Invest in safety: either by hiring professionals specializing in occupational safety, or by buying collective protection equipment and systems.
Communicating risks: they must communicate the risks existing in the workplace to workers, as well as informing them of the preventive measures adopted and how to act in the event of an emergency.

These are some of the main obligations of companies with regard to safety in the construction industry.
It is important to emphasize that safety in the workplace must be a priority for all companies, in order to guarantee the health and physical integrity of workers.

Do workers also have obligations?

It is important for workers to collaborate in defining and complying with the recommended preventive measures, with a view to promoting safe and healthy workplaces.

In this context, it is extremely important for workers to be involved in all the phases involved in carrying out the tasks, as an interested, active party and promoter of health and safety at work.

Therefore, the worker must:

Participate in health and safety training provided by the company;
Use the PPE provided correctly;
Follow the safety rules and procedures established by the company;
Immediately report any dangerous or abnormal conditions to the supervisor or safety department;
Participating in investigations into incidents and accidents at work;
Cooperate with the company to maintain a safe and healthy working environment.

It is well known that when all stakeholders are involved, it is easier to achieve the desired objectives and this is no exception in the area of construction safety.

General Principles of Prevention and Mandatory Observation

In addition to the obligations described above, it is important that employees actively participate in the constant development of safety in their workplace.
Employees must therefore:

Work attentively;
Do not override any protective devices on machinery and equipment, or override collective protections;
Do not improvise, you must plan the tasks and all their stages, including the implementation of protection systems, in particular fall protection systems;
Keeping your workplace clean and tidy;
Comply with the use and safety specifications indicated on the machines and equipment during their use;
Do not consume alcoholic beverages and/or psychoactive substances;
Make suggestions for improving health and safety;
Ask whenever you have any questions, so that you are clear

Remember, safety is a question of attitude and will!
When you’re prepared and know what to do, everything will be easier.

Legal Framework

In terms of safety in the construction industry, we can name the following legislation:

Decree-Law no. 273/2003, of October 29: Establishes general rules for planning, organization and coordination to promote safety, hygiene and health at work in the construction industry.
Order no. 101/1996, of April 3: Minimum health and safety requirements in the workplaces of temporary or mobile construction sites.
Decree No. 46427/1965, of July 10th: Regulation of Provisional Social Facilities for staff employed on construction sites.
Decree no. 41821/58, of August 11: Approves safety regulations for construction work.

Among SEPRI’s many objectives is the formation of increasingly safe and healthy companies.
We provide external occupational safety services and are certified for all sectors of activity.
Ask for a quote: comunicacao@sepri.pt

Here ‘s the video we made with Daiane Fernandes, Head of the Security Department at Forensics.

Other News