HSE Target Health Risks

Health and safety inspectors across Great Britain will be targeting construction firms to check that their health standards are up to scratch during a month-long inspection initiative, starting on Monday 5 October 2020.

This is the fourth health-focused initiative of its kind. As in previous years, inspections will focus on respiratory risks and occupational lung disease; looking at the measures businesses have in place to protect their workers’ lungs from the likes of asbestos, silica and wood dust. This is part of HSE’s longer-term health and work strategy to improve health within the construction industry. While the primary focus will be on health during this programme of inspections, if an HSE inspector identifies any other areas of concern, they will take the necessary enforcement action to deal with them. This will include making sure that businesses are doing all they can to protect their workers from the risk of coronavirus and make workplaces COVID-secure. The full press release can be found here

As with the previous targetted inspections, inspectors are looking for evidence that workers are aware of the risks associated with their work, that the work has been properly planned to reduce dust wherever possible, that all controls are used correctly and are well maintained.

Common issues found are :


– The wrong RPE used, or users are not face-fit tested or users with stubble or beards relying on tight-fitting RPE. We can help you find Fit2Fit accredited face fit testers in your area.
– No extraction used, or the wrong type, for most construction applications a minimum of M class extraction should be used.  

Dust Extraction Vacuum Safety Guidance | Lord Tool Hire

– Extraction units, hoses or capture hoods in poor condition, not allowing proper dust extraction
– Methods that create less dust not used, e.g. block splitters instead of cut of saws.
– Others in the area exposed to dust. The HSE have produced Construciton Information Sheet CIS36 – Construction Dust which has a useful table, explaining ways to eliminate or control dust from common construction tasks. 

A Saxon Safety Site Inspection will help you to identify and rectify any of the issues a HSE inspector is likely to consider relating to construction safety or health issues. E-mail or call to book your site in for an inspection. It’s always better to have someone who is on your side raise any issues, and work with you to make your site compliant, or give you confidence that what you are doing is enough.

Construction Leadership Council

The Construction Leadership Council yesterday released an updated version of the COVID-19 Site Operating Procedure, this update reflects recent changes in government guidance.

Main updates to know:

  • Local COVID alert levels do not affect construction activities but the site must ensure they are following any local authority restrictions
  • Face coverings are now mandatory in confined spaces, areas where 2m social distancing cannot be maintained or when moving around site welfare i.e. canteens
  • Current requirements such as social distancing are referenced on page 1 making it easier to update in future
  • The CLC statement on The Use of Face Coverings is included
  • Updated guidance on shielding, self-isolation, testing and what to do if a worker develops  COVID-19 symptoms or has to self-isolate
  • Confirmation that canteens serving food must display an NHS QR Code
  • The wording has been reviewed throughout to reflect the fact that social distancing is no longer exceptional, and that in some key areas Government has published more detailed guidance or updated terminology.

Saxon Safety offer COVID-19 specific services

How can we help?

This is going to be a difficult period for everyone, the difference for many will be how well they do the small things, good health and safety is good for business. Saxon Safety are fully operational, and are able to provide assistance, update documentation such as health and safety policies, risk assessments and construction phase plans and carry out site inspections and audits. We can provide quotations for upcoming projects, as well as help you with your SSIP accreditations like CHAS, SafeContractor and many others.


Please get in touch with your requirements, and we will be pleased to help.

Get in touch today – [email protected]

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