0208 099 4324

8 AM to 5 PM (Mon to Fri)

Construction Site Health & Safety Basics

The hazards, the rules and your part in keeping everyone safe. A plain-English starting point.

Get free advice on your card, test or course

We only use your details to reply to your enquiry. See our Privacy Policy.

Construction sites change every day, which is what makes them risky. Most serious incidents come from a small number of hazards that are well understood and well controlled when everyone follows the plan.

This guide covers the basics every worker should know before they set foot on site.

The main hazards

HazardHow it is controlled
Falls from heightEdge protection, scaffolds, harnesses, planning
Moving plant and vehiclesTraffic routes, marshals, exclusion zones
Manual handlingMechanical aids, team lifts, good technique
Hazardous substances and dustCOSHH assessments, extraction, masks
Electricity and buried servicesService drawings, cable locators, isolation

Key laws in brief

LawWhat it does
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974Sets the general duties of employers and workers
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999Requires risk assessments
CDM Regulations 2015Sets duties for planning and managing construction projects
Work at Height Regulations 2005Controls work at height

Your duties as a worker

Do
  • Attend the site induction
  • Follow the RAMS for your task
  • Wear the PPE the task needs
  • Report hazards and near misses
Do not
  • Remove guards or barriers
  • Use plant you are not trained on
  • Ignore a briefing because you are busy

Common health and safety mistakes on site

Most site accidents come from a few repeated causes. Avoiding them protects you and your team.

  • Working at height without proper controls. Falls are the biggest cause of deaths in construction. Use the right equipment and edge protection.
  • Walking near moving plant. Use pedestrian routes and stay out of blind spots.
  • Skipping PPE. Wear the PPE the site rules require, every time.
  • Ignoring housekeeping. Trips on cluttered floors are a major cause of injuries.
  • Not reporting near misses. Reporting helps prevent the next accident.

Your daily safety habits

Attend the briefing, read the RAMS for your task, check your equipment, keep your area tidy and stop work if something looks unsafe. These five habits prevent most incidents.

Your next steps

  1. Get your Green card or the right CSCS card for your role.
  2. Pass the CITB HS&E test.
  3. Read the RAMS for every task.
  4. Report hazards and near misses.
  5. Consider SSSTS if you supervise others.

Useful links

Book your training with Coteca

From the HS&E test to SMSTS and SSSTS, Coteca books CITB courses at centres across the UK and online.

See CITB coursesCall 0208 099 4324

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common cause of serious injury on site?

Falls from height are among the most common causes of serious and fatal injuries.

What does CDM 2015 cover?

How construction projects are planned, managed and coordinated for health and safety.

Do I need training to work on site?

Most sites need a CSCS card, which needs safety training and the CITB HS&E test.

Who is responsible for safety?

Everyone. Employers have the main duties, but workers must look after themselves and others.

Talk to our Experts

We will give you best suited CSCS product. Apply Here

By filling this form, I agree to the terms and conditions