Construction health and safety audits are a vital part of managing any construction project. They ensure that all safety protocols are followed and that the construction site is a safe environment for all workers. Regularly conducting thorough audits helps prevent accidents and ensures compliance with legal requirements. In this article, we look at the key things you need to know about construction H&S audits.
The construction process is inherently dangerous, with numerous potential risks and hazards on site. Health and safety audits help identify and mitigate these risks, protecting your workforce and reducing the likelihood of accidents or incidents on site. Audits also ensure that your site complies with all relevant regulations, avoiding legal issues and potential fines.
A comprehensive health and safety audit covers several critical areas, including:
Construction health and safety audits often reveal common issues such as:
Regular health and safety audits offer numerous benefits, including:
Preparation is key to a successful health and safety audit. Steps to prepare include:
Selecting a suitably skilled consultant is crucial for an effective audit. Things to consider the following when choosing your preferred consultant include:
Ultimately, it is the client’s responsibility to ensure H&S compliance throughout the duration of a construction project. In practical terms, this is typically achieved by appointing an appropriate and properly qualified professional team to oversee the delivery of the project on their behalf. It is important for clients to undertake due diligence when appointing their professional team.
A construction H&S audit ensures CDM compliance and takes account of all relevant legislation including, but not limited to;
Legislation requires that construction H&S audits be carried out at “regular intervals,” but this is not defined. It is good practice to carry out an initial site audit when the construction site is set up but before work starts. Similarly, good practice suggests that monthly site audits are completed during the build, although these may be required more frequently depending on the construction site.
You could choose to carry out a construction H&S audit yourself. However, it is important to note that, whilst there is no legal obligation to hold specific H&S qualifications, H&S legislation does require suitable experience to assess compliance.
How long a construction H&S audit takes depends on the size and complexity of the site being audited. As a guide you should expect audits to take at least two hours and will often take longer. For a more accurate guide, contact one of the team who will be happy to help.
The cost of a construction H&S audit varies from site to site. The size and location of the site along with project specific complexities will influence the fee. As a guide Evolution5 construction H&S audits by one of our qualified and experienced team cost from £750 (excl. VAT).
Health and safety audits are an essential tool for maintaining a safe construction site. By conducting regular audits and addressing identified issues promptly, construction contractors can protect their workforce, comply with regulations, and ensure the success of their projects. Prioritising safety is not just a legal obligation but a moral responsibility to everyone involved in the construction process.
Evolution5 provides Clients, D&B Contractors, and Architects with Principal Designer, Advisor to the Principal Designer and CDM Consultancy services.
If you would like to discuss the most appropriate way to satisfy your legal obligations under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, please get in touch via the contact button below or by calling 023 8040 5073 to speak to a member of the team.
Tendering is accepted as an essential part of the construction industry, yet, in our experience, the process is riddled with inefficiencies that ultimately increase...
Read more +
A successful construction project doesn’t happen by chance — it’s the result of clear thinking, detailed planning, and excellent collaboration between all parties involved....
Read more +
Budgeting for education construction projects is no small task. For schools operating within tight financial constraints, careful cost planning can make the difference between...
Read more +
Whether you’re refurbishing a property or undertaking a bespoke high-end residential new build, projects are inherently complex and require specialist project management. As a...
Read more +