We're listening
Our straw poll of visitors to the Safety in Construction show in July highlighted companies’ need for more support in educating site workers on health and safety and for better advice on the long term cost-benefits of safety equipment.
“Visitors to our stand were asked what changes they would like to see to health and safety in construction,” explained Damian Lynes, Sales Director at OnSite Support.
“They told us that one of their biggest challenges was ensuring site workers adhered to health and safety rules and that they were looking for quick and simple ways of communicating exactly when and why workers should wear PPE. This seems to be a particular problem with overseas workers, who sometimes do not have a good command of English.
“Respondents said they wanted manufacturers and suppliers to help raise awareness of, and provide guidance to, particular health and safety issues. We are already doing this, producing guides for hand protection, respiratory equipment and wellbeing in the past few months.”
Damian added that our guides can also help with buying decisions and in weighing-up the long term cost-benefits of safety equipment, another area of concern for those surveyed. “Construction companies are looking for better information on products and clearer and more consistent labelling of product families, such as hard hats,” he said.
“It is gratifying to hear that our approach to working with construction companies is exactly what they are looking for: namely independent and expert advice and long-term support.
“We have always believed that building partnerships is the best way of achieving these aims. By working together, we can educate staff on best practice and help clients make the best choices, when it comes to buying safety, welfare and site equipment.”
Visitors to the OnSite Support stand at the Safety in Construction show, held in Derby on 18 July, were given five choices when asked what they would like to see change in construction health and safety:
- Better safety compliance and worker productivity
- Increased focus on long-term health and wellbeing
- Greater sustainability and minimal environmental impact
- Better information to help make safety decisions
- Improved procurement and supply chain efficiency.
