Health and Safety
There is little doubt that construction in the 21st Century is a far safer place, but we cannot afford to be complacent – there continues to be c82,000 work-related ill health cases (new or longstanding), with 62% attributable to musculoskeletal disorders and 25% related to stress, depression or anxiety – this means around 3.6% of workers suffered from work-related ill health
It remains a core objective of FIS to help the sector minimise risk and create a healthier and safer construction environment. 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 actively comply with current legislation 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.
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)
- Health and Safety Consultation Toolbox
- Health and Safety Policy
- Manual Handling Brochure
- Manual handling assessment charts (the MAC Tool)
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Your obligations under CDM 2015
Archive Specialist Articles on Health and Safety Advice
Principal contractor fined more than £800,000 after worker hit by a heavy expanded polystyrene block
How to choose the right dust masks for your team
Behaviour and why people take workplace risks
What are the benefits of health and wellbeing in construction?
Are your dust-control measures making things worse?
How to manage Hand and Arm Vibration Syndrome in Construction
HSE Construction Health Inspection Initiative - 17 June 2019
WHAT: Starting on 17 June, HSE will be carrying out its latest construction inspection initiative. This initiative will continue the focus on health, in particular the measures in place to protect workers from occupational lung disease caused by asbestos, silica, wood and other dusts when carrying out common construction tasks.
WHY: Priority is often given to safety but thousands more workers suffer ill-health at work than are harmed by at-work accidents. Asbestos and dust are ‘slow killers’. HSE estimates that annually there are around 8,000 work-related cancer deaths a year. The construction industry accounts for around 3,500 of these with asbestos and silica the major causes. Construction businesses and workers need to be aware of how dangerous and hazardous to someone’s health such substances can be.
HOW: HSE inspectors will be looking to ensure those involved with construction projects know the risks, properly plan their work and use the right controls. For more information see:
Where poor standards are found, enforcement action will be taken. Work right and Go Home Healthy.
Follow: To keep up to date with the initiative follow HSE on social media via Facebook (SaferSites) and Twitter using the hashtags #Dustbusters and #WorkRight.
Support: Resources are available to help you take part and show your support. Use our selfie cards and promote your good practice.
Health and Safety Alerts from the Finishes and Interiors Sector
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