UNIT GC3 – THE HEALTH AND Candidate report template

SAFETY PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Student number ________________________________

Location ______________________________________ Date of review / /

Introduction:

ABC Construction Company is building a new hotel named City Top Hotel at Model Town B. The
construction site for hotel is located 5 km north side from freed gate. The hotel construction area
covered is 150mx250m comprising of a 5 storied building with basement for parking, servant quarters,
ware house, indoor games facility, gardens and lawns, swimming pool etc. Following report is based
on the physical inspection of construction site for continental hotel carried on date
_________________from time ________________

Construction site work activities included excavation, welding, work at height, drilling and boring,
electrical fittings, building walls, crane lifting operations, gardening, preparation of pavements and
sidewalks, unloading and carriage of cement and other substances etc along with many other
activities.

The parts of construction site that were visited by me included excavation area for swimming pool,
main hotel building and parking basement. Ware house building, main contractor’s office, in door
games facility, mess for workers and gardening areas in order to check and measure occupational
health and safety arrangements and issues on the hotel construction site.

The types of machinery, equipment’s, tools and materials used on construction site were excavators,
hoist, cement mixer, dumper trucks, forklift truck, pallet truck, generators, welding equipment, drills,
gardening tools, laptops, bench mounted saws, sanders, cement, sand, bricks, steel, tar coal, tiles,
stones, flammable liquids etc.

The purpose of report and visit of the construction site was identification of workplace hazards and
risk associated along with other occupational health and safety issues and lapses or short comings
present to workers on the site and bring these into the notice of management and suggestion and
recommendations for improving the occupational health and safety issues present at the construction
site to comply with national and international (rules and regulations) up to reasonably acceptable
level.

Executive Summary:

Work activities carried out at the hotel construction site were not up to the standards with regards to
health and safety overall. Apart from availability of drinking water, sanitary convinces and pick and
drop of workers to the workplace which were of acceptable standards there were many issues of
occupational health and safety needing immediate attention and actions in order to avoid any
unwanted incident at the work place leading to injury to workers, visitors, contractors etc or damage to
equipments or loss of materials. All of these can lead to loss of business reputation of the company
and proceedings in courts resulting in fines etc.
UNIT GC3 – THE HEALTH AND Candidate report template

SAFETY PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Student number ________________________________

Location ______________________________________ Date of review / /

Work at height on scaffolds partially unprotected with no toe boards and mid guards and using ladders
without proper safety measures like guy ropes and upper and lower securing arising the risk of injury
or even death to workers by fall from height. This can be controlled by provision of guard rails and toe
boards for scaffolds and proper safety measures for ladders like guy ropes and secured from top and
bottom other arrangements are provision of safety harnesses, netting, and training and supervision
etc.

Excavator operating in construction site for swimming pool excavation was too close with workers
preparing gardens and lawns without proper barricading and fencing creating risk of injury, crushing
and death from collision with excavator, its arm, or falling into the excavation etc. This can be
prevented by barricading and fencing the area, change of time of gardening workers and excavators,
and provision of high visibility clothing etc.

Extensive manual handling was involved in the construction site from repetitive unloading of cement,
sand, steel, bricks and other substances creating risks of back injuries, WRULD, others soft tissues
injuries and bones dislocation and breaking etc to the workers. This can be controlled by provision of
handling aids like truck mounted cranes, reduction of weight of loads, job rotation, proper training and
health surveillance etc.

Flammable liquids (petrol and diesel) for generator and hoist was stored near rest area for workers
without proper arrangements for safe storage thus presenting a risk of fire or explosion from smoking
or other similar activities. These can be prevented by building separate storage for flammable liquids
and also maintaining good standards of housekeeping and also providing designated areas for
smoking and proper monitoring and management etc.

Electrical fittings and wiring in the construction area were carried out by workers without any permit to
work system or development of safe system of work, also there were no guards or PPE for workers
and if some were available they were not sufficient creating a risk of severe electric shock to workers.
This can be controlled by development of permit to work system for electrical works and also provision
of proper personal protective equipments like insulated tools and gloves etc with proper training and
instruction etc.

Some drivers of vehicles especially truck drivers were observed taking drugs(hashish) at workplace
violating national and international laws and creating risks of injury, death, other losses for themselves
and others due to overturning of vehicles from over speeding, collision with structures, other vehicles,
and workers etc. Control for this is setting a clear policy on misuse of drugs at work place, good site
security, drug test facility availability at work place, taking disciplinary actions against workers found
guilty and strict supervision and monitoring etc.
UNIT GC3 – THE HEALTH AND Candidate report template

SAFETY PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Student number ________________________________

Location ______________________________________ Date of review / /

Main findings of the inspection

Fall from height:

In observation (3#16)Due to lack of availability of facilities workers were working on and below
unprotected scaffolds in the form of bricklaying, other materials and tools movement to and from
scaffolds without proper health and safety arrangements both for scaffold(toe board and guard rails)
and workers(body harnesses, nets, air bags, hard hats etc) both can lead to fall of a worker or object
from scaffold resulting in severe head and body injuries and even fatalities, this also breach of ILO
C167 - Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 article 14 which says Where work cannot
safely be done on or from the ground or from part of a building or other permanent structure, “a safe
and suitable scaffold shall be provided and maintained”, or other equally safe and suitable provision
shall be made.”
ILO C167 - Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 article 19 which says

To provide guard around excavation area against dangers arising from the fall of persons, materials.

Improper barricading and signage of excavation area can lead to fall of near to workers, visitor,
contractor etc into excavation resulting in increased risk of sustaining multiple injuries, head injury,
even fatality to workers falling into excavation and workers working inside excavation. Apart from
people vehicles working near to at the garden are also at high risk of falling into excavation if proper
actions are not taken and if it happens the situation can be dangerous.

These conditions are clear breach of ILO convention C-167. Workers can be injured in grue some way
if this issue isn’t resolve by management. Their job and family life can be effected. Besides this,
company may face legal actions and can have warning notices from courts. Company may face
possible and other costs arising from any serious incident.

Immediate actions which could be taken by management can be provision of toe board and guard
rails to the scaffolds by competent persons with using standard quality materials. This will cost 35000
in PKR From local market. The time for correcting this issue should be 1 to 2 days and care should be
taken in operating till provision of guard rail and toe board.

Long term actions could be proper training of workers on safe use of scaffolds along with awareness
of risks and hazards associated with it. Also competent supervisors should be appointed for proper
supervision and monitoring of scaffolds. This could cost the company in terms of money and
resources but if we compare it with the outcomes or consequences of a workplace accident then it is
UNIT GC3 – THE HEALTH AND Candidate report template

SAFETY PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Student number ________________________________

Location ______________________________________ Date of review / /

nothing in front of those immeasurable costs. By implementing corrective actions company can save
cost upto 5 Million

Fire Safety:

In observation (7#9) Storage of flammable liquids near resting area for workers is a clear risk of fire
and explosion as workers smoke during breaks and ultimately a lit piece of cigarette can cause a fire,
other sources for fire was welding near generator which could also catch fire due to vapours. There
were no escape routes available or even procedures which was quite shocking for me. As escape
plans and emergency procedures are good practices and requirements of law.

Above issue is clear breach of ILO convention for safety and health in construction C167 article
13 which requires from employer Safe means of access to and egress from all workplaces shall be
provided and maintained, and indicated where appropriate. All appropriate precautions shall be taken
to protect persons present at or in the vicinity of a construction site from all risks which may arise from
such site.

As fire safety is the essential part of health and safety managemnt system therefore proper provisions
must be provided regarding fire safety. If these provisions are not made then people can be morally
effected, they can have serious burn injuries in case of any serious event. Company may face
prosecutions in courts and can be heavliy fine. Company may also sufferf from possible cost ( direct
cost and indirect costs) from any serious accident.

Immediate term action for management is removal and labelling of flammable liquids from the vicinity
of resting area of workers. This will require time for removal and cost of labelling 5000. time frame for
this activity should be 1 to 2 days.

Long term action could be developing escape routes and fire plan with fire risk assessment of all
construction area along with developing a system for development of monitoring and supervision
method along with appointment of competent persons.

All of above arrangements could cost organization a lot in terms of costs but if one could see through
the bigger pictures of fire emergency consequences and effects which can lead to bankruptcy in the
event of more number of fatalities of workers or any one affected with it would like to invest in this
aspect of occupational health and safety to ensure everything is under control up to some extent and
minimize fire risk consequences leading to showing commitment of leadership and boosting moral of
workers. Corrective actions regarding fire safety could save lot of cost and can prevent company from
any legal, financial and moral issues.
UNIT GC3 – THE HEALTH AND Candidate report template

SAFETY PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Student number ________________________________

Location ______________________________________ Date of review / /

Manual Handling:

In Observation (5#23) manual handlings of workers involving in loading unloading of cement and
other substances like steel, sand, tiles, stones, etc arises serious health problem for the workers like
vertebral disc injuries, muscles and ligament tearing, broken bones etc mainly due to repetition of the
task, force required along with rate of work, lack of competency etc putting excessive pressures on
workers. This is increasing ill health rate and morally it’s unacceptable for society.

Above mentioned issueis breach of ILO Convention 184 article 11 which require The competent
authority shall establish safety and health requirements for the Handling and transport of materials,
particularly on manual handling. ILO convention for maximum weights C127 article 3 stating that
No worker shall be required or permitted to engage in the manual transport of a load which, by reason
of its weight, is likely to jeopardise his health or safety.

People can be morally effected by manual handling and can face severe injuries like disc injuries,
back pains, ligamint and strain injuries. Company may suffer from warning letters from enforcement
agencies and can face legal proceedings in courts. Any serious incident can have a bad financial
impact on company in terms of heavy costs arising from that incident.

Immediate term actions could be reduction of effects of manual handling through job rotation and
reduction of loads to be handled like purchasing 20 kg bags instead of 40 kg bags, also reduction of
carrying distance of cement and other substances by stacking or unloading near places of their use
e.g. cement mixer. This should be completed in 1 week.

Long term arrangements could be carrying out health surveillance focusing on workers having a
history of back injuries and special consideration given to workers like young workers along with
supervision and monitoring through competent persons etc.

Electric Safety:

In observation (21) Workers working on electricity in main building and also in ware house were
without permit to work system as they were operating on live electrical system for installation of
different electrical equipments. Further workers were not provided proper insulated tools and PPEs
except 2, 3 workers wearing insulated gloves etc. the portable ladder under their use was not
protected by upper and lower end supports or guy ropes etc. The above conditions were a clear
indication for increased risk of electrocution, electric burns, or injuries to workers due to fall from
height(ladder)or even fatality. This is violation of ILO Safety and Health in Construction
Convention C 167 Article 14 which states that In the absence of alternative safe means of access to
elevated working places, suitable and sound ladders shall be provided. They shall be property
secured against inadvertent movement.
UNIT GC3 – THE HEALTH AND Candidate report template

SAFETY PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Student number ________________________________

Location ______________________________________ Date of review / /

The electrical wires presented trip, fall hazard and electric shock and burns to the workers and other
people in the site because of careful distribution and poor housekeeping. There was intense
possibility that excavator operating in the swimming pools area was near to overhead electrical wires
and can contact with the over head wires and results may be dangerous in the shape of fire, explosion
and electric burns, damage to the crane. Ultimately, there is a significant risk of the electrocution/
electric burn to the crane operators and the other workers in the vicinity may also be seriously injured/
burned with this dangerous event. Furthermore, this is also a clear breach of ILO Safety and Health
in Construction Convention C 167 Article 26. Which states 1: Before construction is commenced
and during the progress there of adequate steps shall be taken to ascertain the presence of and to
guard against danger to workers from any live electrical cable or apparatus which is under, over or on
the site.

2: The laying and maintenance of electrical cables and apparatus on construction sites shall be

governed by the technical rules and standards applied at the national level.

The welding equipment was also poorly maintained and with flex carrying many poor
joints/connections and absence of proper insulation covers etc can cause electric shock or even start
electrical fire. In this regards C167 - Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 article 17
states that Plant, machinery and equipment shall be examined and tested by a competent person in
and it should be in safe working condition and without risk to health.

Immediate term arrangements could be isolation of electricity from system, if this is not possible then
provide insulated tools and PPEs like gloves etc, proper arrangements for securing of ladder like guy
ropes etc. Use of barriers, signage and goal post to keep plant and equipment at safe distance. The
cost for this will be approximately 96000 PKR. This should be provided in 2 to 3 days.

In Long term arrangements training should be arranged for the workers for safe working on electrical
system and welding and appointment of competent persons for supervising and monitoring of
electrical equipment and development of permit to work systems. Other arrangements should be
made available in 1 to 2 months’ time period.

If any of the above stated events occurs relating to electricity e.g. electric shock, burns, to workers or
equipments the consequences could be far too greater in terms of costs and business reputation to
the company and activation of penalties of electricity suppliers in case of contacting overhead service
wires and damaging it.

Welfare Facilities:
UNIT GC3 – THE HEALTH AND Candidate report template

SAFETY PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Student number ________________________________

Location ______________________________________ Date of review / /

In observation 19 construction sites there was no proper hygienic arrangement for workers eating and
resting areas. Workers were compelled to eat and rest in dusty areas and with no proper sitting
arrangements they were compelled to sit on bare ground for eating and resting causing inhaling
cement dust causes respiratory irritation, silica dust inhalation causes silicosis, inhalation of wood
dust can cause asthma etc. It’s a clear breach of R164 - Occupational Safety and Health
Recommendation, 1981 article 3 which states ‘’provide sanitary installations, washing facilities,
facilities for changing, supply of drinking water, and any other welfare facilities connected with
occupational safety and health’’
Immediate term arrangements in this regards could be separation and segregation of rest and eating
areas from dust sources as far as possible, arrangement of chairs or stools for sitting, enclosing the
rest and eating area with tent or other substances to provide shade and prevent dust up to some
extent, also make sure that food items available at site are of good quality and hygiene. It will cost
company around 30000 PKR. This should be acted upon immediately in a time period of 2 days.

Long term and should be providing /building a room/hall for eating food where adequate drinking
water and sitting arrangement should be available and also a rest room/hall well furnished for worker
where they can rest during breaks. It will cost approximately 300000 PKR. For provide eating room.

Long term arrangements could be development of a permanent system to look after the welfare
facilities of workers and maintaining the standards by supervision, instructions, trainings and repairs.

Good eating facility and rest rooms will put a good impression on worker’s health which automatically
increase worker moral and motivation and decrease absentee rates. In this way company will be able
to complete their project within given time adding to the market value of the company, also increasing
trust of the costumers for other projects in future so good for business.

Conclusions

I am sincerely thankful to management for providing me opportunity to inspect the ongoing

construction site. Apart from some good practices recorded during inspection there were a number of
significant hazards/ risks requiring immediate attention by the management and health and safety
personnel. The significant problems arising from the workplace which require urgent attention are fall
from height hazards due to work at height (scaffolding), improper use of ladder and electrical hazards
due to improper safety measures while operating on electrical systems and electrical equipments,
poor management of excavating area, unsafe storage of flammable liquids, wood working by
improperly guarded machinery. Taking of drugs (hashish) by some drivers of trucks and absence of
designated meals/ eating area.
UNIT GC3 – THE HEALTH AND Candidate report template

SAFETY PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Student number ________________________________

Location ______________________________________ Date of review / /

In order to avoid accidents and dangerous occurrence, proper training of the workers,
provision of good standard equipment, ensuring compliance with requisite personal protective
equipment, proper protocols for use of construction machinery, electrical equipment, good
housekeeping, provision of designated area for meals, drugs testing facility , following the proper
PTWs and SOPs for work at height, working near overhead live high tension wires, working on live
electrical systems and regular monitoring and inspection are required.

As the above mentioned problems also reveals clear violation of national and
international legislations/ rules and regulations including ILO Occupational Safety and Health
Conventions and recommendations and relevant standards are likely to address the legal proceedings
like issuance of Prohibition Notice at large (until measures have been taken to minimize the risks).
Moreover, in case of non compliance, imposition of fines, penalties, ban against organization and
even imprisonment of the persons involved in noncompliance, ultimately leading to loss of company’s
business reputation, time , goodwill of costumers, the injuries/ disabilities with loss of employees with
acute and chronic health affects, loss of business contracts, cost factors (insurance and
compensations and penalties imposed).

So it is suggested that the recommendations outlined in the report should be

considered seriously and imperative actions should be taken by the management to ensure health
and safety commitment in order to avoid serious injuries and fatalities of the workforce as well as save
the equipment and material loss, loss of business reputation, to avoid legal proceedings/penalties
while ensuring compliance with the national and international OSH rules and regulations and finally
promoting positive health and safety culture of organization.

Recommendations:

Recommendation Likely resource implications Priority Target date

Fall Form Height:

1: Provide proper guard Approximate cost is PKR 40,000. high 20/3/2018

rails. Mid rails. Toe
 UNIT GC3 – THE HEALTH AND Candidate report template

SAFETY PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Student number ________________________________

Location ______________________________________ Date of review / /

boards to scaffolds.

3. Provide proper PPE Approximate cost for PPE and medium 25/3/2018
like safety harness, safety guards is PKR 70,000.
helmet and safety shoes
for scaffold workers.

4. Arrange in house
training for the 5 workers
of work at
height(scaffolds, ladders) Approximate cost for training is
PKR 20,000 medium 30/3/2018

Welfare Facilities:

1. Provide designated Approximate Cost for Medium 22/3/2018

and furnished area for designation and furnishing PKR
eating purpose. 60,000.

2. Provide rest room/hall

 UNIT GC3 – THE HEALTH AND Candidate report template

SAFETY PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Student number ________________________________

Location ______________________________________ Date of review / /

well furnished for rest of

workers during breaks
Approximate cost for rest rooms
is PKR 70,000.

Medium 31/3/2018

Electrical Safety:

1) Insulations of welding Approximate cost for this is PKR High 19/3/2018

plants exposed cable. 50,000

2) Provide insulated
gloves, faces protection,
etc to workers. Approximate costs are PKR
10,000. High 21/3/2018

3) Supervision and
Trainings. Approximate cost is PKR

10,000. High 25/3/2018

4) Provide guards and

covers for welding
Approximate costs are PKR
equipment.
20,000 and 2 working days
Medium 15/4/2018
require.

Manual Handling:

1. Provisions of truck Approximate cost for crane is High 26/3/2018

mounted cranes for PKR 400,000.
loading and unloading.
.
 UNIT GC3 – THE HEALTH AND Candidate report template

SAFETY PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Student number ________________________________

Location ______________________________________ Date of review / /

2. Re- planning on
stalking and unloading on
cement mixture to reduce No cost required just need of Medium 8/4/2018
distance. adequate planning and
management interest.

3. Manual handling
training for 10 workers
working on cement
Approximately cost for training is
mixture and steel
PKR 30,000.
guarders. Medium 15/4/2018
Two working days required.

Fire Safety: Approximate cost for this is PKR Medium 29/3/2018

10,000.
1. Tagging and labelling
of flammable liquid
storage canisters.

2. Building separate
storage area for Approximate cost is PKR
100,000. High 20/3/2018
flammable liquids.