Safety is clearly number one on the list of compliance issues of concern within construction; the industry also has heightened risks in other areas.
Construction remains the most dangerous industry in terms of health and safety, contributing to almost a quarter of all work-related deaths in 2021/22, according to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE). More positively, fatal injury rates are falling post-pandemic, unlike in earlier years, when they remained stable. The industry also has the second-highest level of workplace injuries.
Every injury and fatality is a tragedy, many of which could easily be avoided, often highlighted in the feedback when the HSE issues a fine.
The industry is very labour-intensive, requiring permits from public officials associated with high-value contracts to purchase expertise and building materials. This heightens compliance risks across several areas beyond safety.
We have identified five key regulatory training areas that construction companies need to pay closer attention to because of the increased levels of risk.
Training employees on pertinent building regulations is essential to ensure they comprehend the stipulations for designing, constructing, and renovating projects, which include adhering to fire safety measures, maintaining structural integrity, and meeting energy performance standards.
Nowadays, there is a bigger focus than ever on business's impact on the environment, highlighted by the Considerate Constructors Scheme.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 is the main legislation governing environmental protection in the UK. The Act places a duty of care on businesses to prevent pollution and protect the environment. Contractors must comply with all applicable environmental regulations, including waste disposal, noise and air pollution.
Employees need training on waste management practices, pollution prevention measures, environmental impact assessments, and the safe handling and disposal of hazardous substances to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Working in construction is a more dangerous occupation than most. Workers may be using dangerous equipment, surrounded by heavy machinery, large vehicles and working at heights.
Employees should be trained on their obligations under a number of health and safety regulations. Including the requirement to carry out risk assessments, develop construction phase plans, coordinate with other duty holders, and ensure the health and safety of workers.
Here is a summary of some of the key areas of legislation:
This set of health and safety regulations in the United Kingdom requires employers to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to their employees where there are risks to their health and safety that cannot be adequately controlled by other means. Employees who work in construction may need to wear safety helmets, safety glasses, and safety gloves.
Due to the extensive use of contract and casual labour in the construction industry, it is crucial to guarantee that employees have the legal right to work in the UK and are not subjected to exploitation.
To ensure employees understand their rights and responsibilities, staff need training on relevant employment legislation, including the Equality Act 2010 and Working Time Regulations. That includes fair recruitment practices, equal opportunities, and anti-discrimination policies.
Hiring managers may need additional training to conduct right-to-work checks to ensure all employees have the legal right to work in the UK.
The construction industry is particularly vulnerable to modern slavery because it is often characterized by long hours, low pay, and dangerous working conditions.
It is crucial for all employees to receive training on modern slavery and its various forms, such as forced labour, human trafficking and debt bondage.
They should learn to recognise the signs of potential exploitation and the various sectors and industries where it commonly occurs, including construction.
Data protection is a critical issue in the construction industry. Construction companies collect and process a vast amount of personal data, including the data of employees, clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.
Training employees on data protection and compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is crucial.
This includes training on the lawful processing of personal data, data security measures, consent requirements, and individual rights regarding personal data.
Building projects rely on securing building permissions, winning bids, and procuring needed materials. This creates an increased risk of financial crimes.
Corruption is a serious problem in the construction industry. It can lead to higher costs, lower quality, and unsafe working conditions.
Common types of bribery and corruption include:
Construction companies should provide training on anti-bribery and corruption policies and compliance with the UK Bribery Act 2010.
This training helps employees understand the prohibitions on offering or accepting bribes, the importance of ethical business practices, and the consequences of non-compliance.
Fraud is a serious problem in the construction industry. It can cost businesses and taxpayers billions of pounds each year. Common types of fraud include:
Fraud training helps raise awareness of common fraudulent schemes and red flags, enabling staff to promptly identify potential fraudulent activities and report any suspicions.
Contractors in the construction industry are no strangers to legal battles, with various claims such as negligence, breach of contract, and product liability being commonplace.
In addition to regulatory obligations relating to health and safety, environmental protection, and employment law, other common legal issues exist.
Many of these legal issues can easily be mitigated by ensuring due diligence regarding suppliers and relevant compliance training for staff.
Construction sites are some of the most dangerous places to work, so it is important to have strict rules and regulations in place to protect workers and the public. In the UK, the HSE is responsible for enforcing health and safety regulations on construction sites.
Some of the key rules and regulations that apply to construction sites in the UK include:
The HSE has a number of resources available to help construction businesses comply with health and safety regulations, including guidance, checklists, and training courses.
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