Trade bodies representing constructional steelwork firms, timber frame contractors and builders have united in calling for main contractors to take their CDM responsibilities seriously.
“Ground conditions is an area where a matter of a few inches could be the difference between life and death for construction site workers,” said Sarah McCann-Bartlett, Director General of the British Constructional Steelwork Association.
“We were very lucky that we had a dry start to Autumn. But those weather conditions did not last and with the rain comes softer ground and danger.”
The Structural Timber Association and the National Federation of Builders are also calling for main contractors to adopt procedures set out in the Good Practice Guide for Ground Conditions for Construction Plant.
These include ensuring appropriate ground bearing tests are carried out and providing information on ground bearing pressures to subcontractors.
“It has been launched by the Strategic Forum Plant Safety Group to prevent accidents and save lives by ensuring that ground conditions are suitable for heavy lifting equipment,” said Paul Bogle, Head of Policy and Research, National Federation of Builders.
The HSE has also revised its guide ‘The Selection, Management and Use of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms’ (geis6), which outlines the responsibilities of those in control of the site and the users of the equipment.
It is a requirement of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations that main contractors provide their subcontractors with detailed information about ground conditions.
Click for the Good Practice Guide for Ground Conditions for Construction Plant.
