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Action on Site Health South 2023 - A Summary of Discussion Notes

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On the 12^th July, RVT hosted Action on Site Health South 2023. We returned to BMA House in London for the event, which saw a large number of construction industry health and safety leaders attend. Delegates enjoyed an extremely engaging day, full of inspiring speakers, interactive activities and exciting networking opportunities.

Our fantastic line up of industry speakers shared their extensive knowledge for one common goal; to take action against the number of construction workers suffering from occupational ill-health. A diverse range of topics were covered, including health risk management, the HSE’s Dust Kills 2023 campaign, mental health, and a psychologist’s take on behaviour change and the under-prioritisation of health in relation to safety. We were also given a valuable insight of health from a client’s perspective and a case study review of engineering controls on site.

However, it was not just the speakers offering their insight - we also asked the audience to engage in a lively brainstorming session. During this session we assigned one of three questions to each delegate table and below is a summary of what our delegates had to say…

Question 1; How do we improve health control buy in from smaller contractors?

Three key points emerged from this question;

Clear Guidance and Accessible Information

Delegates agreed that providing accessible educational resources and sharing their knowledge (as larger contractors) was essential for improving smaller contractors understanding of health control on site. It was also suggested that the creation of a minimum standard/ health control framework (including health profiling and Safe Systems of Work etc.) would make expectations clear and easy to manage. They also thought it essential that larger contractors “lead by deed” and “practice what they preach” when implementing standards on site.

Addressing the Subject of Health Control Earlier

Multiple delegates also highlighted that the conversation of health control on site is often addressed too late by contractors of all sizes. They felt that, in order for health control measures to be planned for correctly and effectively, it is vital that these discussions begin at tender stage. Without doing so, all elements of health hazard control, from engineering controls to the inclusion of an occupational hygienist on the team, cannot be factored into pricing. Failing to have these conversations in time also continues to perpetuate the concept of “health” as the poor relation to “safety” on site.

Cracking Down on Poor Site Health Control

It was also felt that stronger consequences (including removal from the supply chain) were needed for subcontractors who continue to exhibit poor practice following supported help and educational guidance. From this came a lively discussion around the use of staff incentives and reward schemes to encourage good practice. On a company level this could mean repeat work for smaller contractors/ sub-contractors. On an individual and team level, this could mean an employee reward scheme.

Question 2; “It won’t happen to me”. What examples have you seen on site of contractors addressing this attitude and raising awareness of long latency diseases/conditions.

Engaging Education and Communication

Most examples provided by delegates fell into the categories of education and communication. Delegates listed a huge range of educational examples, such as: induction training, human factor training, safety Q&A sessions, sharing real-life testimonies, face fit testing and training, stand-down events, on site speakers, CPD presentations, hazard control demonstrations/ simulations and even practical biology lessons! Awareness campaigns, such as the HSE's Dust Kills Campaign, were also considered effectived as they can evoke a strong emotional response.

The Power of Health Surveillance

Three out of the four delegate tables discussing this question listed health surveillance as an example they have seen on site. It was agreed without question that the benefits are clear; early identification of ill-health and, therefore, the corrective action required. However, it was also discussed that, if site operatives move from a best-practice site with regular health screening to a poor practice site which offers none, their health can remain unchecked for long periods of time. It is in these breaks that the foundations of long-latency disease can take hold. It was agreed, therefore, that health surveillance should be a “must have” for all sites.

Applying the Hierarchy of Control

Again, delegates cited contractors leading by example, and discussed this through the application of the hierarchy of control on site. Whilst designing out risks and pre-construction would be preferable, delegates accepted that this is not always possible. Therefore, the use of effective engineering controls, such as extraction units and real time monitoring, are essential to good and best practice on site. Additionally, seeing these and similar controls at work could empower site operatives to raise concerns about their health on site when controls are not evident. It was also resoundingly agreed that PPE should always be a last resort.

Question 3; How do contractors ensure a required and consistent health standard is in place on site?

As covered in the previous two questions, delegates felt that the following were key factors in ensuring a consistent approach on site;

• Accessible education for site operatives at all levels.
• Effective communication campaigns, both internal and external.
• Applying the hierarchy of control; designing out if possible and using effective engineering controls on site if not.
• Consistent enforcement and increased prosecutions for contractors exhibiting poor practice.
• Praise and recognition of those contractors consistently exhibiting good practice.

Delegates also focused on employee mental health here, with the following suggestions being put forward;

• Having mental health first aiders in place.
• Having an appropriate return to work plan if/when required.
• Putting an external employee assistance programme (EAP) in place.

Additionally, a standardisation of processes which would allow consistency to be achieved was discussed.

Delegates suggested that standardised risk management, a common assessment process, clear and concise sub-contracts (with reduced administration) and insurance company guidance would all contribute to consistent site health standards. They also suggested that a cultural shift where workers could report incidents, accidents and concerns, no matter how minor, without fear of reprisal would be beneficial. It was also suggested that clearer communication between clients and contractors would be positive so both parties are aware of and understand the other’s expectations.

In summary…

We would like to thank the delegates for sharing their valuable opinions and generating such a lively discussion. It is certainly clear that all attendees are determined to take action against poor site health.

We would also like to say a huge thank you to our speakers and supporters who made AOSH South 2023 another great success.

Eager to attend another AOSH event or would like to join us for the first time? We’ve got you covered. AOSH North 2023 will be taking place later this year. More information to follow.

Further Information

• Watch our AOSH South 2023 highlights video here.
• Visit the Health in Construction Leadership Group website here.
• Visit the Health and Safety Executive website here.
• Listen to the Health and Safety Executive’s latest podcast here.
• Visit the Construction Dust Partnership website here.
• Visit the Construction Clients’ Leadership Group website here.
• Looking for free health and safety downloads? Click here.
• If you would like to arrange a Free CPD presentation for your team, please call RVT Group on 0808 178 3286 or email info@rvtgroup.co.uk