How to Run a Safe & Successful Building Site

Operating a safe and compliant construction site is essential for the success of any self build. You have a legal and ethical duty to ensure the wellbeing of everyone who sets foot on your site. This can be achieved by putting the proper steps in place from the moment you exchange contracts, right through to the completion and sign-off of the new structure.

Health & Safety Basics

Every building project must adhere to the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – often referred to as CDM. These rules aim to ensure compliant measures are adopted throughout the process, so health and safety risks are properly controlled, and you protect both workers and anyone else who may be affected by the construction activities.

Under CDM regs, a self builder will typically take on the role of Domestic Client. This means you are responsible for ensuring the project is managed safely – but the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) knows self builders aren’t construction specialists. As the Domestic Client, your responsibility is primarily focused on appointing other duty holders as needed (ie tasking designers, builders and trades to plan and conduct their works safely).

If your project involves more than one contractor, you must appoint a Principal Designer to manage health and safety during the design phase, as well as a Principal Contractor to coordinate this side of things during the construction stages.

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What to Organise Before You Start

First up, as soon as you exchange on a building plot, you need public liability insurance to protect against injuries or damage on your property. During construction, you will also need site insurance, which can include both public and employers’ liability insurance. Note that your builder’s own cover may be limited – so always check their policy documents carefully for details. In most scenarios, you will need your own insurance. If you hire individual trades, you must have employer’s liability cover.

Pre-commencement is a key stage in the self build journey, especially when it comes to preparing a safe site. We always recommend that you do your research, consult and work with professionals to plan and deliver a safe and happy project outcome. Important steps include:

• Notify HSE: If the building work will last more than 30 days, with more than 20 workers operating simultaneously, or will exceed 500 person-days of work (the latter is likely on most self builds).
• Ensure competence: Verify that all duty holders are competent, with the requisite skills, knowledge and experience to deliver your project safely and successfully.
• Provide pre-construction details: Gather and provide relevant information to your designers and contractors to help them plan their work safely.
• Arrange welfare facilities: Workers must have access to suitable facilities throughout the project (access to drinking water, a toilet, washbasin etc). You may also need to make some essential PPE and first aid provisions.
• Health & safety file: If you have appointed a Principal Designer, ensure they prepare a dossier that includes all relevant safety info needed for the build, plus any future maintenance or construction work.

Maintaining a Safe & Secure Site

You now have the key measures in place to identify and control health and safety risks on your project via competent designers and contractors. But how do you keep the site secure and safe as people come and go?

• Secure fencing: To prevent unauthorised access, erect sturdy Heras-style fencing around the perimeter of your construction site.
• Clear signage: Display visible signs warning this is a construction site, listing potential hazards and prohibiting unauthorised access.
• Safety protocols: Establish and communicate clear safety protocols for various activities on the site, including access and entry.
• Emergency procedures: Develop and display appropriate emergency procedures, including evacuation routes, assembly points and contact information for emergency services.