The importance of site inspections…edge protection focus

Inspecting sites is advantageous for ensuring compliance, safety, and quality control. Construction site inspections help identify potential hazards, meet regulatory requirements, and ensure work is proceeding as planned. With all that in mind its safe to say that they are an important part of the construction phase and must be carried out on a regular basis. Carrying out site inspections is no easy task and you certainly need an eye for detail as well as a good knowledge of the regulatory requirements to be able to advise. The purpose of (a good) Site inspection is not just about picking out where improvements are required, but also about highlighting good practice to encourage a more positive health and safety culture.

While carrying out weekly site inspections it is clear to see the positive progress these can make to a company and its employees. Every inspection is a learning curve to everyone involved in them, and over time different scenarios arise that require addressing. I have found that discussing these with the site crew and the management team to ensure the same issues are not repeated, helps for engagement and gives opportunity for the lessons learned to be incorporated into the design and planning stage of the future projects. It gives you great job satisfaction when you are walking around site, and those present are asking “how are you getting on and have we done well?” and you are able to say “Yes, you have had a great inspection today”. However, this can only come from hard work and dedication to health and safety from the company and the employees.

If I think about examples of how regular site inspections and sharing thoughts about working safely, one of the specific topics that comes to mind is temporary works for working at height. Many companies have in place a system of temporary edge protection, but it is one form of temporary works I see used and installed incorrectly, or misunderstood.

Requirements changing daily depending on what works are going on, alongside other contractors potentially being present. If I look at edge protection as an example and the importance of always installing this to the correct standards to ensure the safety of the crew and any visitors on site. Purpose designed edge protection consists of horizontal rails supported by vertical posts and are typically installed around the perimeter of a roof, floor, or any elevated surface where a person could fall. A safe system of works should always be followed when installing the edge protection, and those responsible for installing, striking and inspecting, should be suitably competent. Others present in the area should be made aware of its purpose and that they are not permitted to interfere with it or remove it.

 When I’m inspecting the edge protection, I’m looking to ensure there are no open edges or gaps in the corners, no sharp edges or bent panels and that all rails are fixed in place to the manufacturers instructions. Built in toe boards provide protection against falling objects, and the handrail should suitably guard against this as well as protecting people.

When edge protection fails or is not installed at all, this can lead to catastrophic injuries or fatality. There have been many examples of falls from height incidents in construction which have highlighted that it isn’t just the individual who suffers we don’t’ correctly protect against falls from height, but their family and friends also.

Two of the main causes of improper or insufficient fall from height protection are unsuitably trained persons installing it, or complacency. Complacency can cause us to completely oversee the purpose of what we are using, it not being apparent when there is a large gap, unsuitably secured panel or other compromise that would not protect us when it comes to relying on it.  With that in mind, it is important to utilise others in your company to cross check each others work, or you may choose to have independent inspections for a ‘fresh pair of eyes’.

If you would like any site inspection assistance, please get in touch.

Written by: Sophie Payne