In the UK, the construction industry is one of the largest employers, with a workforce of over 2.5 million people. However, construction workers are often exposed to a range of hazards and risks while on the job. Especially for those at heights, and those who work with dangerous machinery. However, there are numerous health & safety regulations that are in place to keep workers safe.
Therefore, it is essential that construction businesses and employers provide their employees with proper medical assessments. This means that whilst at work, employers ensure construction workers’ health is of a certain standard to keep everyone on site safe.
Construction Site Medical Assessments
Assessing the health and well-being of employees at various stages of employment is vital for construction workers. Different medical assessments are required depending on an employee’s job role, and the specific hazards to which they are exposed. These assessments include:
1. Pre-placement Medicals
Carried out before hiring a new employee. This assessment determines the physical and mental health of potential employees before they start a new role. A pre-placement medical helps to identify any medical conditions or disabilities which could impact their ability to perform a job safely.
2. Safety Critical Medicals
Predominantly used to assess the health of a construction worker, a safety-critical medical looks at the level of health and fitness of an individual. The result of the medical assessment will state whether the employee is fit for their role.
This type of medical assessment could be used as proof of fitness for a contractor to enter a construction site. It ensures that regardless of the job a person is doing, they are able to complete the tasks required in the relevant environment and using relevant equipment like a forklift truck driver or plant operative…
What’s included in a Safety Critical Medical:
- General health questionnaire
- Task-specific questionnaire
- Blood pressure and pulse check
- Mobility check
- Full vision check
- Mental health check
- Specific questions relating to the job – ie vertigo from Working at heights
- Medical history
- Urinalysis
- Spirometry assessment
- Audiometry questionnaire and hearing test
- The full report for the employer
- Embossed certificate for the employee to take to the site
- HAVS (Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome) Screening, if required
3. Drug and Alcohol Screening
All construction businesses across the UK should carry out drug and alcohol screening. This ensures that in dangerous roles, workers are not under the influence of substances whilst working. This helps to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries caused by impaired judgment as a result of drink or drugs.
Safety measures
As well as carrying out medical assessments to protect the health and well-being of construction workers, safety measures should be implemented and upheld.
Some of the key safety measures include:
1. Risk Assessments: This involves identifying and assessing the risks associated with specific tasks or job roles. Risk assessments help to determine the necessary safety measures to be implemented to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This includes items such as hard hats, safety boots, gloves, and eye protection. PPE is essential in protecting workers from specific hazards and should be provided free of charge by the employer. The condition of PPE should also be maintained, ensuring that equipment is of a good enough standard to provide the right level of protection.
3. Training: Employers should provide adequate training for their workers on how to perform their jobs safely. This includes training on the safe use of equipment and machinery, as well as the safe handling of hazardous substances. For the construction industry, training could include manual handling safety training and safety when working with dangerous machinery.
4. Supervision: Supervisors should monitor workers to ensure that they are working safely and following the necessary safety procedures. This includes providing extra supervision when employees are new to a role and have less experience.
5. Health and Safety Policies: Employers should have clear health and safety policies in place that outline the company’s commitment to employee safety. Specifying procedures that must be followed to ensure safe working practices. As well as ensuring that employees can access these when required.
Contact Us
If you’re an employer in the UK construction industry and would like to discuss the constriction medical assessments we provide, please get in touch. Our team of experts has knowledge and experience in carrying out medical assessments. Which helps employers to ensure the health and well-being of their employees. Call us at 01260 277797 or email us at website@acornoh.co.uk