Nearly 2.2 million people are absorbed in this industry and so it is quite obvious that the scope of accidents is much more in this industry. So implementing Safety Rules and enforcing them is one of the main objectives of the UK government. To achieve this, various safety training courses are available which can be duly followed to minimize the accidents and casualties.
Site Management Training and Safe Site Supervision are the two critical factors in rating the safety of a construction site along with the safety awareness of the workers in the site. The training aims to make the construction site free of accidents and hazards, and the site to be economic and productive. SMSTS (Site Management and Safety Training Scheme) is the most simplified 5-day safety training course offered by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) targeted for the construction site managers, site agents, project managers and directors and other responsible persons involved in the construction. This course helps in the development of knowledge, creating awareness in safety rules and realization of social and moral responsibilities related to health, safety and the overall welfare.
The safety training course teaches the managers and site supervisors the general safety laws, regulations to carry out the work safely. Assessing the risk factors, site set up and Construction Design Management regulations are followed. Training is provided to know the nature of the job, pointing out the hazards, avoiding unsafe methods with different tools and equipments and passing on the same information to other workers.
Special trainings are emphasized on the safety of the scaffolding, electricity connections and instruments, excavations and demolitions and safety measures in confined spaces. Guidelines are provided to conduct regular tool box safety meetings to instruct the workers in accident prevention and discussions regarding any accidents are also carried on. Compulsory use of personal protection equipments such as safety hats, safety shoes, gloves, glasses and other protections if required should be monitored on a daily basis. Persons are trained to communicate the safety messages through induction, instructions, meetings, signs, posters etc. throughout the construction site so that each and everybody is aware of the dangers and their preventions. Monitoring safety audits, health and safety inspections, investigating accidents and reporting also come under this safety training program. To manage the inflammable liquid chemicals and their safe storage or disposal, regular checking of the underground electrical connections are added features of this safety training.
The training ends with examinations, course reviews, course revisions, presentations and course results.
After successful completion of the safety training, one is able to implement all the safety and health guidelines strictly abiding by the safety regulations on daily basis. The trained personnel can develop new skills and techniques regarding safety matter and implement to the best possible limit. Initiating new welfare schemes in health and safety aspects one can set examples for others to follow.
Various operative training courses are also offered which are of short duration about 1-2 days where the safety is held as the first priority. It is the duty and the responsibility of the organization to get the entire workforce trained and to appoint duly qualified safety officers to monitor the safety practices on daily basis.