Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

(University of the City of Manila)

Intramuros, Manila

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

CIV 511.1

CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT (LAB)

CONSTRUCTION SAFETY
Written Report

Submitted by:
Flores, Lovely Miles D.
Mallari, Jelson C.
Nepomuceno, Juvy Anne T.
Rodriguez, Natassia Paula Q.
Roldan, Renzo P.

Submitted to:
Engr. Salvador G. Oleivar

26 September 2016

CIV 511.1
Construction Methods and Project Management

I.

Group VI
Site Safety

INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS SAFETY?
It is the condition of being protected from unlikely to cause danger, risk or
injury. Safety can also refer to the control of recognized hazards in order to
achieve an acceptable level of risk.
IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY
There can be a lot of competing interests when it comes to the construction
industry. Engineers, project managers, design drafters and others need to visit
sites regularly to do their jobs. Theres a good chance they might not know
much about the power tools and large machinery in use every day. The same
goes for people going about their daily routines near work sites. Working on
large projects in busy urban environments can be especially dangerous, as there
might be smaller buffers between dangerous debris and passer-by. That is why
those working in such areas must always be aware of their surroundings.
Efficient health and safety at workplace not only ensures that employees
are happy and productive, but can also help to reduce both the human and
business costs of injuries and unnecessary lawsuits. By making health and
safety the priority, construction companies are effectively communicating that
competent employees are a valuable resource in the industry. Additionally,
improved health and safety standards help companies become more effective
to finish projects on time and improve their business profile with customers
and clients. By introducing basic health and safety standards, organisations can
understand the human capital benefits this has across the company.
One thing that can help everybody avoid tragic injuries is training. Workers
brought on to construction projects should have a solid overall understanding
of the site and the other work taking place around them. For example, knowing
when large concrete trucks are going to be on site will heighten the awareness
of everybody even if they are not directly involved with that task. One of the
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Site Safety

most important parts of site foreman jobs is to make sure the workforce is kept
up to speed on such developments and knows what to do in case of an
emergency.
In addition to the harm caused to the person injured, unsafe activity can
end up costing valuable time and money that can ruin carefully planned
budgets and schedules. Getting the injury taken care of and making up for the
lost time can hurt efficiency. Although secondary to the wellbeing of workers,
this is yet another reason why health and safety are so important when it comes
to construction.

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II.

Group VI
Site Safety

METHODOLOGY

HAZARDS IN CONSTRUCTION SITE

1. Working at Height

In 2014, falls from height were the most common cause of construction site
fatalities, accounting for nearly three in ten fatal injuries to workers.
The risks associated with working at height are often increased by added
access and mobility restrictions. Training, including safety awareness training,
is essential for employees required to work at height.

2.

Moving Objects

Construction sites can get quite hectic what with the sheer volume of
constantly moving vehicles and tradespeople overhead lifting equipment
shifting heavy loads, supply vehicles, dumper trucks, all maneuvering around
on an uneven terrain.

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Construction Methods and Project Management

3.

Group VI
Site Safety

Slips and Falls

Slips and falls can happen anywhere but casualties often occur at
construction sites as well as facilities where wet floors and liquid spills are
commonplace. To overcome these hazards, be cautious at all times in areas
where slips and falls easily occur. Use appropriate footwear and if there are
handrails, rope supports or non-slip mats, use them. You should also be extra
careful around stairways. If proper safety aids are lacking, talk to your
employer about implementing the necessary precautions.

4.

Noise

Noise is a major hazard within the construction industry. Repetitive,

excessive noise causes long-term hearing problems and can be a dangerous
distraction, causing countless accidents.

Beware, using simple ear plugs does not necessarily offer total
protection against hearing damage employers are required to carry out and
document a comprehensive noise risk assessment and issue appropriate
PPE.

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Construction Methods and Project Management

5.

Group VI
Site Safety

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

Hand arm vibration syndrome, or vibration white finger as it is

commonly referred to, is a painful and debilitating industrial disease of the
blood vessels, nerves and joints, triggered by prolonged use of vibratory
power tools and ground working equipment.
This industrial disease is frequently cited in compensation claim cases
opened by ex-construction workers who worked for years with little or no
protection, using inappropriate and poorly maintained equipment.

6.

Material and Manual Handling

Materials and equipment is being constantly lifted and moved around

on a construction site, whether manually or by the use of lifting equipment.
Different trades will involve greater demands, but all may involve some
degree of risk.

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Site Safety

Where an employees duties involve manual handling, then adequate

training must be carried out. Where lifting equipment is used, the competency
of the employee must be tested before they are allowed to use the equipment.
Records of training must be maintained for verification.

7.

Getting Struck by Objects

Falling objects are a definite hazard in places like construction sites,

which is why hard hats are compulsory. However, you can just as easily get
hit by objects falling inside office buildings. Whether indoors or outdoors, be
aware of your surroundings at all times. Be extra cautious around precarious
structures, suspended objects, tall stacks and high shelves. If you think that
something could be a potential safety hazard, bring it to your employers
attention.

8.

Airborne Fibers and Materials Respiratory Diseases

Construction sites are a throng of activity and kick up a lot of dust, an

often invisible, fine, toxic mixture of hazardous materials and fibers that can
damage the lungs, leading to diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary,
asthma and silicosis.

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Construction Methods and Project Management

9.

Group VI
Site Safety

Electricity

On average, three construction industry workers are electrocuted each

year during refurbishment work on commercial and domestic buildings.
People working near overhead power lines and cables are also at risk. There
are also a growing number of electrocutions involving workers who are not
qualified electricians but who are carrying out electrical work, such as
plumbers, joiners and decorators.

10. Ergonomic Injuries

Ergonomic problems are some of the most common incidences in

the workplace, affecting people in manufacturing, service and office settings.
Ergonomic injuries are often caused by a repetitive motion or simply by
sitting at a workstation for too long. To prevent aches and pains, be sure that
your legs reach the ground when youre sitting. You should also use a wrist
rest and have lower back support on your chair. Sit comfortably and avoid
straining your neck, eyes or back.

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CIV 511.1
Construction Methods and Project Management

III.

Group VI
Site Safety

DISCUSSION

WHAT IS A SAFETY OFFICER?

Safety Officers refers to any employee/worker trained and tasked to implement
occupational safety and health programs in the workplace.
It is also a person responsible for ensuring safety regulations are adhered to, and
for assessing unsafe situations or hazards in a place or at an event, etc.
QUALIFICATIONS
Must have complete the 40-hour Basic Occupational Safety and Health Training
Course
Must have at least three (30) years of relevant experience in occupational safety and
health
Must be duly-licensed to practice his/her profession in the Philippines;
o If graduate of any 4 or 5-year college course without a license, must have at
least (4) years relevant experience in any subcomponents in a field of
specialization:
a. Occupational Health Practitioner
-

Occupational Health Physician

Occupational Heath Nurse

Dentist

b. Occupational Hygiene Practitioner

c. Occupational Safety Practitioner in the ff. industry group:
-

Agriculture

Fishing

Mining and Quarrying

Manufacturing

If college undergraduate he/she must have at least ten (10) years relevant experience
in occupational safety and health.

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Site Safety

REQUIRED NUMBER IN A CONSTRUCTION SITE

1. For Hazardous Workplaces

2. For Non-hazardous Workplaces

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Inspects the site to ensure it is a hazard-free environment.
2. Verifies that all tools and equipment are adequate and safe for use.
3. Promotes safe practices at the job site.
4. Enforces safety guidelines.
5. Trains and carries out drills and exercises on how to manage emergency situations.
6. Conducts investigations of all accidents and near-misses.
7. Reports to concerned authorities as requested or mandated by regulations.
8. Conducts job hazard analysis.
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Site Safety

9. Establishes safety standards and policies as needed.

10. Performs emergency response drills.
11. Watches out for the safety of all workers and works to protect them from entering
hazardous situations.
12. Responds to employees safety concerns.
13. Coordinates registration and removal of hazardous waste.
14. Serves as the link between state and local agencies and contractors.
15. Receives reports from and responds to orders issued by Department of Labor
inspectors.
16. Arranges for OSHA mandated testing and/or evaluations of the workplace by external
agencies/consultants.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

HEAD PROTECTION
Protecting employees from potential head injuries is a key element of any safety
program. A head injury can impair an employee for life or it can be fatal. Wearing a safety
helmet or hard hat is one of the easiest ways to protect an employee's head from injury.
Hard Hat
A hard hat is a type of helmet predominantly used in workplace environments such as
industrial or construction sites to protect the head from injury due to falling objects, impact
with other objects, debris, rain, and electric shock. Suspension bands inside the helmet spreads
the helmet's weight and the force of any impact over the top of the head.
EYE AND FACE PROTECTION
Employees can be exposed to a large number of hazards that pose danger to their eyes
and face. OSHA requires employers to ensure that employees have appropriate eye or face
protection if they are exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid
chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, potentially infected material or
potentially harmful light radiation.
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Site Safety

Safety Goggles

Protects eyes and area around the eyes from impact, dust, and splashes

Some goggles fit over corrective lenses

Welding Mask

Protects eyes from intense concentrations of light produced by lasers

Protects eyes against burns from radiant light

Protects face and eyes from flying sparks, metal spatter, & slag chips produced during
welding, brazing, soldering, and cutting

FOOT AND LEG PROTECTION

Employees who face possible foot or leg injuries from falling or rolling objects or from
crushing or penetrating materials should wear protective footwear. Also, employees whose
work involves exposure to hot substances or corrosive or poisonous materials must have
protective gear to cover exposed body parts, including legs and feet. If an employee's feet may
be exposed to electrical hazards, non-conductive footwear should be worn.
Safety Shoes

Impact-resistant toes and heat-resistant soles protect against hot surfaces common in
roofing and paving

Some have metal insoles to protect against puncture wounds

May be electrically conductive for use in explosive atmospheres, or nonconductive to

protect from workplace electrical hazards

HAND AND ARM PROTECTION

If a workplace hazard assessment reveals that employees face potential injury to hands
and arms that cannot be eliminated through engineering and work practice controls, employers
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Site Safety

must ensure that employees wear appropriate protection. Potential hazards include skin
absorption of harmful substances, chemical or thermal burns, electrical dangers, bruises,
abrasions, cuts, punctures, fractures and amputations. Protective equipment includes gloves,
finger guards and arm coverings or elbow-length gloves.
Safety Gloves
Metal mesh gloves

resist sharp edges and prevent cuts

Leather gloves

shield your hands from rough surfaces

Vinyl and neoprene gloves

protect your hands against toxic chemicals

Rubber gloves

protect you when working around electricity

HEARING PROTECTION
Working under prolonged exposure to high levels of noise can lead to hearing loss.
Intermittent exposure to high noise levels can lead to irritability, a reduced ability to
concentrate, hearing damage and can even lead to accidents. Once hearing is damaged, it cannot
be restored so we must protect our hearing.
Ear plugs
An earplug is a device that is meant to be inserted in the ear canal to protect the user's ears
from loud noises
RESPIRATORS
On construction sites there are often tasks where harmful dust, mist or gas may be present,
such as:
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Site Safety

Rock crushing and handling

Sandblasting
Dismantling buildings containing asbestos insulation
Welding or cutting materials with coatings containing zinc, lead, nickel or cadmium
Paint spraying
Blasting

Respirator Mask
A respirator is a device designed to protect the wearer from inhaling harmful dusts, fumes,
vapors, or gases. Respirators come in a wide range of types and sizes used by the military,
private industry, and the public. Respirators range from relatively inexpensive single-use,
disposable masks to more robust reusable models with replaceable cartridges.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Protective clothing provides physical protection and can increase comfort levels while on
the job.

Reflective Vest
High visibility garments can be defined as clothing designed to make the wearer more
visibleparticularly to vehicular trafficand contain design properties making the wearer
discernible against their work environment.

OTHER SAFETY EQUIPMENTS

Safety Glasses

Made with metal/plastic safety frames

Most operations require side shields

Used for moderate impact from particles produced by jobs such as carpentry,

woodworking, grinding, and scaling

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Construction Methods and Project Management

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Site Safety

Safety Harness
A safety harness is a form of protective equipment designed to protect a person, or object
from injury or damage. The harness is an attachment between a stationary and non-stationary
object and is usually fabricated from rope, cable or webbing and locking hardware.

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CIV 511.1
Construction Methods and Project Management

IV.

Group VI
Site Safety

CONCLUSION
Everyone in the workplace has a duty and a responsibility to do whatever
they can to keep the working environment safe. Employers need to know and
understand the safety regulations that pertain to their industry and make sure
that their premises are up to standard. Workers can do their part by
understanding the procedures the company wants them to follow on the job
and following them. If they see or encounter something that is out of the
ordinary, there should be a procedure in place so that it can be reported to
management and deal with promptly. Managers should deal with employee
concerns about safety issues in an appropriate manner.
Construction jobs require you to be on your toes at all times to avoid injury
to yourself or others. Occupation Health and Safety (OH & S) professionals
are vital to any project, as they make sure all health and safety regulations are
being followed by workers and visitors alike. There is no excuse for poor safety
practices on a job site. While efficiency and production are definitely key
considerations, the overall health of all those directly and indirectly involved
with a build takes priority.

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CIV 511.1
Construction Methods and Project Management

V.

Group VI
Site Safety

REFERENCES

http://www.dole.gov.ph/fndr/bong/files/DO%2016-01.pdf
www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/safety-officer
https://www.designandbuild.com.au/blog/the-importance-of-health-safety-in-theconstruction-industry/
http://osha.oregon.gov/OSHAPubs/4878.pdf
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/3498noise-in-construction-pocket-guide.pdf
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/construction_ppe.html

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