Fencing on Civil sites With construction sites and subdivisions popping up in most districts, there is an ever-increasing need for safety and environmental controls to be implemented. We are all accustomed to the health and safety protocol by now and am sure it is well embedded into each of our psyches. Environmental issues are also becoming just as important and I know a lot of us who are faced with it almost on a daily basis, it too has become part of our psych.
HEALTH AND SAFETY:
So, in this article, I will explain the issues surrounding these two very important topics.
• Dangers
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We must also have our own tool box meeting before we commence work, which basically states what we will do that day and the hazards to be aware of
Induction – Before we start work on site,
we must go through the induction, which can take anywhere from two hours to as
much as a day (yeah you heard correctly).
In the induction, the following items will be spelled out:
• Contact personnel including first aider • Hours of work
• Housekeeping • Drug testing
• Nature of the site • PPE to be worn • Nearest A&E
We will then sign a register to confirm
the induction and often get an induction number.
Regarding PPE – as well as the mandatory high viz jackets, lace up boots, and hard hats, it is getting increasingly common
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ISSUE 63 / DECEMBER 2021
for gloves, glasses, ear protection, long sleeve shirts and long trousers. To be worn ALL THE TIME. No fun in the Auckland summer!! On some sites, they have personnel specifically designated to watch for anyone not complying – then it is instantly off site. Our responsibility is to produce a sitespecific hazard register, along with our company Health and Safety Policy. We must also have our own tool box meeting before we commence work, which basically states what we will do that day and the hazards to be aware of. This must be recorded and signed by each of us. It only takes 15 minutes and can be done on the way to site. All this you might think is a hassle and a half, and yes, I do agree, BUT, if something goes bad, WorkSafe is certainly looking who to ‘point the finger at’. And believe you me, I have had this happen first hand.
WIRED MAGAZINE
A security fence and gates in front of new Catholic School site, South Auckland
FEATURE DIVERSITY IN FENCING
