Health and Safety
In terms of operational safety, construction has made significant strides in the past decade. But we cannot afford to be complacent, accidents still happen and there remain around 82,000 work-related ill health cases (new or longstanding) every year, with 62% attributable to musculoskeletal issues and 25% related to stress, depression or anxiety. It is a terrifying statistic that suicide rates in construction are double the national average. It is a core objective of FIS to help reduce risk and create a healthier and safer construction environment for all. Below you can find details of our H&S Toolkit to support members. Members also have access to our H&S Helpline that they can access via 0121 707 0077. It is mandatory for FIS members to maintain an active focus on all elements of H&S and this forms a vital part of our code of conduct audits.
There is an FIS working group for Health, Safety and Welfare where FIS members can attend meetings and find the latest news. Visit the Forum here.
Health and Safety Handbook
The Health and Safety Handbook is designed for distribution by members to site operatives as a tool to help remind them of the hazards that they may encounter every day in their job and assist them in meeting company health and safety requirements.
Members purchasing bulk copies may have them overprinted with their company logo, to arrange this please complete the Health and Safety Handbook Order Form.
Expert health & safety consultant service for FIS members
These free guides have been provided by Associate Member, Citation, who offer preferential rates on their services to FIS members. Their Health & Safety service includes a dedicated local consultant, 24/7 advice line, and 100s of model documents and templates.
Get in touch to find out more or book a free consultation
Call 0345 844 1111 today to speak to one of a friendly advisor about your Citation member benefit, leave your details on this page, or click here to find out more.
Remember to let them know you’re enquiring through FIS.
Health and Safety Toolkit
- Accidents – how to deal with them
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse in the Workplace
- Clients Health and Safety Responsibility to Contractors
- Control of Asbestos
- Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
- Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
- Electrical Equipment (inspection and testing)
- Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
- Manual Handling Guide: Safe handling of plasterboard
- Manual handling assessment charts (the MAC Tool)
- Health and Safety Consultation Toolbox
- Health and Safety Policy
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Health and Safety Articles
Health and Safety Alerts
Industrial staircase installer fined after worker trapped – A company specialising in the manufacture and installation of industrial staircases has been fined following an incident where a worker became trapped at a site on Fenchurch Avenue in London.
Joinery manufacturer fined after worker suffers life changing injuries to her face
Company fined after worker falls through collapsed stairs
Unprotected stairwell – company fined £20,000 after worker suffers multiple injuries in fall
Retaining Wall Collapse – Building firm fined £900,000 (plus over £60k costs) after fatal wall collapse
Mental Health in the Finishes and Interiors Sector
Mental health is such a prevalent issue within the workplace. It is estimated that one in four people in the UK suffer from a mental health disorder, resulting in 300,000 lost jobs and 127 million lost work hours.
Problems are magnified in our sector – more than 1,400 construction workers took their own lives between 2011 and 2015. In 2016, the figure was put at 450. The rate is more than three times the national average for men.
To combat this, FIS is launching a new initiative to train mental health first aiders and introducing new resources to support our members, we also run the #BuildersBrew Campaign, find out more here