Occupational Safety at Construction Sites

Falls in construction work are quite common. According to information from the European Union, high-altitude falls are the most common accidents at construction sites, also in Icelandic construction workplaces.

It is stated that in the case of a function of workplaces, of non-secure or poorly installed levels, roofs or areas where the rails are insufficient, the appropriate safety device has not been used.

Floodlighting lights are also common in construction sites, where access is insufficiently good and people are falling out of tools, trash and more. Many of these accidents can be prevented by a targeted safety and occupational safety policy in the preparation of the construction and during the construction phase.

In the terms of the contract and contract terms, there are often provisions on safety at work, but it can be a short time if there are no issues in the workplace. The contractor for construction and construction is responsible according to the rules no. 547/1996 on facilities, sanitary and safety measures in construction work and other temporary construction work to develop security measures and procedures in common areas. He is responsible for coordinating occupational health and safety at work.

Preparation stage

1. The purchaser must appoint a coordinator of safety and health issues at the preparatory stage of the work.
2. The Buyer shall ensure that a safety and health plan is prepared before construction work begins.
3. It is an important role of the buyer to ensure that the contract documents contain requirements that contractors have to meet regarding the workmanship and safety aspects of the construction workplace are adequately defined.

Implementation level of work

1. The buyer must appoint or ensure that a coordinator at the execution stage of an assignment is appointed before construction work begins.
2. Prior to the work, the Buyer shall report to the Occupational Safety and Health Agency on new construction projects and a larger maintenance project on a special form , accessible on the Agency’s website .
3. The Coordinator shall ensure that the safety and health plan is carried out from the start of the work and that the program is updated as the work shows; However, responsibility for this is always the responsibility of the buyer and contractor.
4. Contractors shall ensure the safety and health of workers at the construction site in accordance with laws and regulations, taking into account the guidelines of the coordinator.

Contractors and subcontractors who undertake work in construction sites are responsible for the safety of their employees and to comply with the criteria and rules applicable to the relevant work area.

In order to achieve success in preventing accidents and accidents, all persons working in the same area must be alert to dangers in the work environment, respect the criteria set at the workplace, according to the safety and health plan of the relevant work area.