IGC 1 \ PART-2 Risk Assissment

Topic

Comments

Name of organisation*

Saudi Cyprian Construction Company

Site location*

Hofuf, Saudi Arabia

Number of workers

500

General description of the organisation

It is a well renowned construction company operating in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since 1977. They specialize in providing construction services in the Industrial, infrastructure, Banking, FMCG and residential sectors. They have been working with Both Government and non-government clients since the establishment and completed various projects successfully. Major clients include Aramco, Sabic, Marafiq, SEC, AL Rajhi Bank, Al Inma Bank, SASCO, KUDOS and many others. They have also achieved ISO 9001:2015. ISO 14001:2015 and Iso 45001:2018 certification from TUV Nord.

I will visit their ongoing project of Construction of Al- Inma Bank branch which consist of 2 story building expanded on an area of 1060m2.workscpe involves all type of architectural civil, electrical and mechanical works and related infrastructure works. Routine activities carried out on project are Hot works i.e., Welding cutting and grinding, ground works, Formworks, Rebar works, Concrete works, Scaffolding activities, Machinery operation such as crane, concrete mixers, trucks, concrete pumps excavators and Manual Material handling etc

Working timing of the project starts from 07:00 A.m. and finishes at 04:00 P.m. for 6 days a week and Friday is given weekly off.

Description of the area to be included in the risk assessment

I will perform risk assessment of the Main bank building and related infrastructure which includes Guard room and Parking area

Any other relevant information

Safety Manger is assigned for the management of Health and Safety who is reporting to the Project Manager

Outline how the risk assessment was carried out this should include:

· sources of information consulted;

· who you spoke to; and

· how you identified:

· the hazards;

· what is already being done; and

· any additional controls/actions that may be required.

I started with the consultation of ILO conventions which included ILO C155, C167, C119 and many other mentioned in eth Nebosh Ig2 book. Following the ILO convention consultation, I visited the HSE uk website and consulted CDM 2015 regulations. I also studied Saudi labour law to understand the national requirement for an employer to ensure the safety of workers in the company.

Resources:

· https://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=NORMLEXPUB:12100:0::NO::P12100_ILO_CODE:C155

· https://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=NORMLEXPUB:12100:0::NO::P12100_INSTRUMENT_ID:312312

· https://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=NORMLEXPUB:12100:0::NO::P12100_ILO_CODE:C119

· https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l153.htm

After consultation of resources, I visited the project site and analysed the ongoing activities and assessed the effectiveness of risk control measures taken by workers who are performing activities. I also met with Site workers, safety officers and Supervisors to get feedback on health and safety profile of the company

Safety Manager showed me the HSE records following site visits which included risk assessments, Method statements, workers Training records, toolbox talk records etc which helped me in understanding the risk control measures taken on site

Following completion of the analysis, I was able to identify further control measures that must be adopted to protect workers from risks that are not adequately managed on project site.

Hazard category and hazard

Who might be harmed and how?

What are you already doing?

What further controls/actions are required?

Timescales for further actions to be completed

(within …)

Responsible person’s job title

Movement of Peoples and vehicle in the Workplace

No barriers were installed for separation between vehicle route and walkways on site

Workers, Supervisors, Visitors, Engineers, mangers and other using the walkways

There was no separation done through hard barriers between the vehicle route and walkways which can lead to the vehicle Collison with workers moving on the walkways due to divers and operators mistake and also due to workers non-compliance with road safety rules and lack of proper separation. Likely injuries will be fractured bones, bruises, cuts, muscle injuries and fatality is very likely

· Crossing points are marked on the walkways and vehicle route

· Maximum speed limit is set for vehicle movement

· Vehicle drivers and heavy equipment operators are having valid license and certifications

· Vehicle safety Training is given to workers

· Operators and Drivers are also trained for safe driving

· Trained Flagman are mandatory for movement of heavy equipment's such as crane, excavators, concrete mixers etc

1. Hard barriers shall be installed for proper separation of vehicle routes and walkways

2. Signs for Road Safety shall be displayed on the vehicle route

3. Vehicle safety shall be discussed in Weekly toolbox talk

4. Vehicle safety campaign shall be planned on the project site

5. Ensure workers, drivers and operators are complying with vehicle safety rules on the site

2 weeks

3 days

1 week

1 month

1 day/ongoing

Site Manager

(Action 1)

Site Supervisor

(Action 2)

Safety Officer

(Action 3,4,5)

Slips and Trips

Lack of proper arrangement of material in the material storage area on site

Workers, Supervisors and other visitors in the storage area

Rebars, structure materials, shoring material were not properly arranged in the storage area which was causing Slips and trip hazard. Workers is likely to get injured while performing activities in the storage area as mostly were scattered in area without proper panning. Likely injuries will be cuts, bruises, broken bones, muscle injury, back, leg and head injury etc

· Toolbox talk is held daily prior start of activity on the site

· Housekeeping awareness Training is given to workers

1. Arrange scattered material in the storage area with proper planning to prevent the Tripping hazard

2. Signs for Slip and Trip hazard awareness signs shall be displayed in the storage area

3. Supervisor shall ensure proper arrangement of material in the storage area

4. Workers shall be instructed to keep the material safely in the storage area in order to prevent tripping hazard

5. Routine inspection shall be carried out in the storage area to ensure safe storage of material

6. Housekeeping awareness campaign shall be planned on the site

1 week

3 days

1 day/ongoing

1 day

1 day/ongoing

2 months

Area Supervisor

(Action 1,2,3,4)

Safety Officer

(Action 5,6)

Noise

During use of concrete saw operator was exposed to high noise above 85db

Operators who are using machine without use of hearing protection

Operator was not wearing any haring protection was using concrete saw in the main bank building area which can result in adverse high noise health effects like tinnitus, NIHL, hearing loss and other psychological effects like difficultly concentrating on work, stress etc

· Concrete cutting activity risk assessment is conducted which identified the provision of double hearing protection i.e. Ear plugs and Ear muffs

· Toolbox talk is held daily prior start of activity

· Power tool safety Training is given to operator

1. Provide ear plugs and ear muffs to operator performing activity

2. Supervisor shall ensure operators is using the required PPEs during activity

3. Job rotation and frequent rest breaks shall be given to operators carrying out concrete cutting activity

4. Strictly Instruct the operator to use the required PPEs during activity to prevent the

5. Monitor the noise levels as per manufacturer instruction to avoid exceeding exposure above safe noise levels

6. Health surveillance shall be provided to workers exposed to high noise during activities

Immediate

1 day/ongoing

1 day/ongoing

Immediate

1 day/ongoing

4 months/ongoing

Job Supervisor

(Action 1,2,3,4,5)

Site Manager

(Action 6)

Vibration

During soil compaction workers were exposed to vibration hazard

User of compaction machine

Soil compaction activity was carried out in the main back building area where workers were using plate soil compaction machine which was posing the Vibration hazard. Likely health consequences will be HAVS and related symptoms which includes nerve damage, joint damage, muscle weaking and vibration wite finger etc

· Preventive Maintenance of machinery used on site is performed as per plan

· Power tool safety Training is given to workers performing soil compaction activity

· Risk assessment for soil compaction activity is done

1. Job rotation and frequent rest breaks shall be given to workers involved in soil compaction activity

2. Monitoring of exposure of vibration levels shall be done to prevent exposure above safe levels as per manufacture instructions

3. More workers shall be assigned if applicable to prevent the excess exposure to vibration to workers during activity

4. Signs for Vibration hazards awareness shall be displayed in the area

5. Workers shall be given awareness about Vibration hazard in weekly toolbox talk

6. Health surveillance shall be provided to workers who are exposed to vibration during activities

1 day/ongoing

1 day/ongoing

1 day

3 days

1 week

4 months/ongoing

Job Supervisor

(Action 1,2,3,4)

Safety Officer

(Action 5)

Site Manager

(Action 6)

Load Handling Equipment

Webbing sling was damage being used for lifting activity on site

Operators, Riggers and Rigging Supervisor

Webbing sling has visible cuts and puncture used in the lifting operation of rebar offloading from trailer which can break during activity and result in falling of rebars on to the riggers and supervisors who are present in area also it will cause serious damage to material and equipment in worst case scenario. likely injuries would be crushing injuries, fractured bones and fatality

· Riggers and Rigging Supervisors are certified

· Lifting Operation safety Training is given to the rigging crew involved in activity

· Lifting safety signs are displayed in area

· Lifting activity is barricaded using warning tape

· Rigging slings are 3rd party inspected

· Checklist is available bit not completed before start of activity

1. Remove the damage webbing sling from the use and discard

2. Supervision shall ensure that lifting gears are safe to use prior starting activity

3. Riggers shall be given instruction to perform visual inspection prior use of lifting gears during lifting activity and softeners shall be used while lifting material with sharp edges

4. Refresher Training for lifting operation safety shall be planned for rigging crew involved in activity

5. General Signs for lifting operation safety shall be displayed on the site for awareness

6. Ensure checklist is completed prior start of activity to avoid such unsafe practices

Immediate

1 day

1 day/ongoing

1 week

3 days

1 day/ongoing

Rigging Supervisor

(Action 1,2,3,5)

Safety Officer

(Action 4,6)

Work Equipment and Machinery

Ring guard for power trowel machine was damage and machine was using during concrete finishing activity

Workers operating the machine is most likely to get injured

Power trowel machine has damage ring guard which might not protect the blades from hitting workers during any mechanical failure or by direct contact with blades during machinery operation. likely injuries would be lacerations, body parts amputation leading to disability and also in worst case scenario it can cause fatality

· Preventive Maintenance is performed for the machinery as per plan

· Training is given to workers for safe use of machinery

· Mechanical hazard safety signs are displayed on the site

· Monthly inspection of machinery and equipment used on project is performed

1. Use of power trowel machine shall be stooped and should not be used until proper maintenance

2. Safety ring guard of power trowel machine shall be replaced to ensure safe use

3. Supervisor shall ensure prior start of activity that machine is safe to use

4. Instruct the workers to perform visual inspection of machine and check all safety aspects to avoid any accident

5. Ensure proper inspection of machinery used on the site along with preventive maintenance as per plan

Immediate

1 week

1 day/ongoing

Immediate

1 month/ongoing

Job Supervisor

(Action 1,3,4)

Site Manager

(Action 2)

Safety Officer

(Action 5)

Hazardous Substance

Sealing paint was used by painters without using proper hand protection

Painters involved in activity

Sealing paint was used for concrete finishing activity by use of roller brush but workers were not using adequate hand protection as they were wearing general gloves which will not protect their hand and cause acute health condition like itching, skin infection, allergies, dermatitis and further chronic affects like skin cancer and lungs cancer after chemical entry into body through ingestion

· Training for chemical safety is given to painters

· General purpose gloves are provided which are unsafe to use

· Safety data Sheet for paint is available in area

· Washing facilities are available on site

· Adequate Respirator is used by painters as per SDS

1. Provide chemical gloves to painters involved in activity

2. Supervisor shall ensure the use of required PPEs during activity by workers

3. Instruct the workers to use the required PPEs to prevent adverse health consequences

4. Signs for chemical safety awareness shall be displayed in area

5. Monitor of activity shall be ensured to prevent such non-compliance with safety rules and procedures

6. Health surveillance shall be provided to painters on the site

Immediate

1 day/ongoing

1 day

3 days

1 day/ongoing

4 months/ongoing

Painting Supervisor

(Action 1,2,3,4)

Safety Officer

(Action 5)

Site Manager

(Action 6)

Working at height

Toe board was missing on the scaffold platform being used in the Main bank building

Workers and others present in area

Toe Board was missing from scaffold platform while electrical installation work was being performed on height. which is likely to cause fall of material for scaffold platform to the ground level and cause injuries like head injuries, broken bones, cuts, bruises and injuries which can lead to serious health implications

· Scaffolding Platform was inspected and green tag was installed

· Workers were using full body Harness on the height

· Training for Work at height is given to workers

· Area is barricaded using warning tape

· Scaffolders are 3rd party certified and trained

1. Activity shall be suspended until the installation of missing toe board

2. Missing toe Board shall be installed on the platform to avoid the hazard of falling objects

3. Supervisor shall ensure the scaffolding platform is safe to use prior start of activity

4. Instruct the workers to report unsafe conditions and ensure platform is safe to perform activity prior start of activity

5. Ensure proper inspection of scaffolding platforms to avoid such unsafe condition

6. Signs for scaffolding safety shall be displayed in the area

Immediate

1 day

1 day/ongoing

1 day/ongoing

1 week/ongoing

3 days

Job Supervisor

(Action 1,2,3,4)

Scaffolding Inspector

(Action 5,6)

Electricity

Power cord of the grinder was damage used during hot work activity

Worker using the grinder is most likely at risk

Power cord was damage and internal wring was exposed which can cause electric shock to the user performing hot work activity i.e., cutting and grinding and lead to Ventricular defibrillation, cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, mild discomfort, burs and many other adverse consequences

· Inspection of power tool is performed monthly by competent electrician

· Electrical safety Training is given to workers performing hot work activity

· Signs for electrical safety is displayed on site

1. Remove the damage grinder from use and sent for repair to the electrical assigned for maintenance

2. Instruct the workers to perform visual inspection prior start of activity and ensure tool is safe to use. Also keep the power cord protected from damage during use and storage

3. Supervision shall also ensure the safety of tools used in activity through visual inspection prior start of activity

4. Ensure the proper monthly inspection of power tools carried out on site

5. Additional signs for safe use and storage of power tools shall be displayed in area

Immediate

1 day

1 day/ongoing

1 month/ongoing

3 days

Job Supervisor

(Action 1,2,3,5)

Safety Officer

(Action 4)

Manual Handling

Shifting of scrap material unsafely from Main Bank building to Parking area by workers

Workers shifting the material

Workers were shifting different scrap material including wooden and metals scrap without applying safe manual handling safety rules as carrying heavy material on shoulders without use of any lifting aid which can cause manual handling injuries like MSDS, such as Injury to the back (e.g., a prolapsed disc), tendons, ligaments, muscles and WRULD

· Manual handling Training is given to workers performing activity

· Hand trolleys are available on the site

· Toolbox talk was held for material shifting prior activity start

1. Hand trolleys shall be given to workers for use during material shifting activity

2. Job rotation and rest breaks shall be given to workers involved in material shifting activity

3. Additional workers shall be assigned with activity if needed to prevent injuries

4. Supervision shall be available during activity to prevent workers from unsafe manual handling activity

5. Signs for safe Manual handling techniques shall be displayed on the site

6. Health Surveillance shall be given to workers performing material shifting activity on site

1 day

1 day/ongoing

3 days

1 day

3 days

4 months/ongoing

Area Supervisor

(Action 1,2,3,4,5)

Site Manager

(Action 6)

Moral, general legal and financial arguments

Moral:

Safety of worker in company is the moral responsibility of employer that he must fulfil to prevent the risk of accidents and injuries to which workers are exposed while carrying out activities in company. Employer shall make arrangements to control the risks because accident in workplace lead to very serious consequences which are faced by workers such as physical pain which workers suffers also him fatality and friends that go through mental pain. Accidents also make their dependent lies difficult as mostly workers families are dependent on his earnings.it is completely unacceptable as a human to endanger the workers lives for the sake of financial gains. Employer must understand the value of human life and fulfil his moral responsibility towards workers employed

Legal:

Employer is bound to follow Saudi national health and safety laws along with the ILO conventions ratified by the country such as ILO C155, C167 and many others. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulation for safety of workers will result in enforcement action by enforcement authorities, such as prohibition notices, improvement notices, and fines etc can be served to employer also in worst case scenario for serious offence and health and safety violation employer can also be imprisoned.

Financial:

Financial reason for managing health and safety in company by employer includes direct and indirect cost that are faced by company following accident due to lack of health and safety arrangements. Such as:

· Cost on the medical treatment of an injured worker

· Sick paid leaves and medicines costs during recovery from injury

· Cost of the compensation claims filed by the workers

· Increase in insurance premium annual rates

· Cost on the maintenance of machinery and replacement of damage material machinery and equipment etc

· Work will be delayed due to accidents which may lead to fines from clients

· Loss of morale of workers

· Hiring of new workers to cover the absence of injured workers or overtime costs etc

Action

Hard barriers shall be installed for proper separation of vehicle routes and walkways

(Hazard category: Movement of Peoples and vehicles in the workplace)

Specific legal arguments

C167 - Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 (No. 167), Article 16 state that sae and suitable access ways shall be provided for vehicles and traffic shall be organised to ensure their safe operation on site

C167 - Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 (No. 167), Article 13 also states that safe means of access and egress shall be provided in the in the workplace for the safe movement of workers

C155 - Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), Article 16 states that employer shall ensure that as far as reasonably practicable workplace, machinery and equipment are safe and without and risk to the health of workers

Code of practice- Safety and health in construction also provides guidance for employers to ensure safe movement of vehicle on the construction site and to ensure safety of workers from accidents by providing safe walkways and vehicle routes

Consideration of likelihood AND severity

Likelihood for vehicle Collison with the workers is very Likely as there are no hard barriers present between the walkways and vehicle route and due to continuous movement of workers and different types of vehicles and heavy equipment accident can happen which will cause serious injuries

Severity of the accident will be Major because likely injuries will be fractured bones, bruises, cuts, muscle injuries and fatality in worst case scenario due to lack of provision of safe walkways and vehicle route. consequences will seriously impact on the health of workers

How effective the action is likely to be in controlling the risk. This should include:

· the intended impact of the action;

· justification for the timescale that you indicated in your risk assessment; and

· whether you think the action will fully control the risk.

Installing hard barriers between the vehicle route and the walkways will ensure the safety of workers while using the walkways and protect them from the risk of vehicle accidents on the site.

I have provided a time period of 2 weeks because barriers will be purchased after getting the approval from Site Manager in meeting. Vendors will most probably deliver the barrier on site which will then be installed for separation between walkways and vehicle route. Taking into account the requirements and installation time, the time period given is justified.

Due to the installation of hard barriers, the risk of vehicle collision will be reduced to a Low level. Moreover, additional and existing control measures will assist in maintaining the risk level at a low level.

Action

Arrange scattered material in the storage area with proper planning to prevent the Tripping hazard

(Hazard category: Slips and trips)

Specific legal arguments

C167 - Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 (No. 167), Article 13 states that all appropriate precaution shall be take in the workplace to prevent the risk of injury to the safety and health of workers

C155 - Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), Article 16 states that employer shall ensure that as far as reasonably practicable workplace are safe and without risk of injury or accident for workers

Also mentioned in the Code of practice for safety and health in constriction that housekeeping shall be properly maintained on construction site and material shall be properly stored

Consideration of likelihood AND severity

Likelihood for an accident will be Very Likely as material is scattered in the storage area and no proper risk control measures is applied to protect the workers from tripping hazard which will injure the workers as workers are routinely performing activities sin the storage area

Verity of Risk is set as Major because of the likely consequences for tripping hazard which will include injuries like be cuts, bruises, broken bones, muscle injury, back, leg and head injury etc posing a serious health risk

How effective the action is likely to be in controlling the risk. This should include:

· the intended impact of the action;

· justification for the timescale that you indicated in your risk assessment; and

· whether you think the action will fully control the risk.

Arrangement of material with proper planning will protect the workers from tripping hazard in the storage area and also it will keep the workers safe from adverse health consequences and injuries caused by tripping while performing routine activities

I have provided a time scale of 1 week because in the meeting this issue will be discussed and Area Supervisor will be communicated for taking required action. Resources like workers and load handling equipment such as crane and forklift will be needed to arrange the material properly. Taking into account the requirements and installation time, the time period given is justified.

Risk will be minimised to Low level after the proper arrangement of material in the storage area and also additional control measures will control the risk further

Action

Safety ring guard of power trowel machine shall be replaced to ensure safe use

(Hazard category: Work Equipment and Machinery)

Specific legal arguments

C119 - Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119), Article 11 states that no workers shall be allowed to use any machinery when guards are not in position

R118 - Guarding of Machinery Recommendation, 1963 (No. 118), Section 3 also requires that workers shall not be allowed to operate the machinery of guard provided are not in position

Also, in ILO code of Practice- Safety in the use of Machinery also requires an employer to ensure the proper maintenance of machinery to control the risk related to the moving parts

C155 - Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), Article 16 states that employer shall ensure as far as reasonably practicable workplace, machinery and equipment are safe and without risk of injury to the workers

Consideration of likelihood AND severity

Likelihood is set as Very Likely for workers to get injured from the hazard because safety ring guard of the power trowel machine is damaged and machine is routinely used on site for concrete finishing works and also due the fact that no suitable control measures is applied for protection of operator from mechanical hazards posed

Severity is set as Major because of the consequences of accident which includes injuries like lacerations, body parts amputation leading to disability, other related injuries and also in worst case scenario it can cause fatality

How effective the action is likely to be in controlling the risk. This should include:

· the intended impact of the action;

· justification for the timescale that you indicated in your risk assessment; and

· whether you think the action will fully control the risk.

Replacement of trowel machine ring guard will protect the workers from mechanical hazard posed during operation of machinery and keep the workers safe from adverse injuries and accidents while working on site

I have provided a time period of 1 week because action will be discussed with the Site Manager and he will be agreed and provide the necessary resources from purchase of safety ring guard for machinery from Vendors which will be installed on machine after purchase. Given time is justified and enough to complete the action

Risk will be minimised to Low level after the installation of proper ring safety guard on the trowel machine as it will restrict the workers movement from reaching to the blades and also additional control measures are given which will also help in the further risk reduction

Planned review date/period with reasoning

I have scheduled a review date for Risk Assessment on 23rd February 2023 following company policy of annual risk assessment review. However, review assessment will be reviewed earlier ten planned in circumstances like changes in legislation, introduction of new machinery, change of work methods, accident occurrence, near miss etc

How the risk assessment findings will be communicated AND who you need to tell

I will organise a meeting with the Project Manager, Site manager, safety Manager and Supervisors included in the risk assessment report responsibilities for completion of control actions. I will communicate the findings with the participants and agree them to implement these control actions to prevent accidents and injuries. Following meeting I will share the Risk Assessment report through email with the Project management. further communication of risk assessment will be done in the Weekly and daily toolbox talk among the workers involved in activities on project. Summary of risk assessment report will also be displayed on Notice boards to ensure effective communication among the site manpower

How you will follow up on the risk assessment to check that the actions have been carried out

I will perform regular visit to the construction site and check the progress and implementation of control actions. I will also take the contact numbers to ensure regular communication with the supervision team along with the physical visits. Further, I will keep following up with the management and Supervisions also through email to ensure the resources are available and to address the issues timely which may arise during implementation. I will also schedule a follow-up meeting with the same participants, if necessary, prior to the deadline to ensure that actions are done within the specified time frames. Additionally, if issues cannot be handled through project management, I will approach top management in order to implement the necessary actions to ensure worker safety.