Welfare Facilities During Construction Work

Welf ar Facilities During Construction marchHughes and Ferrett, 2008 have be that health is the protection of people from illness due to the materials, processes of procedures utilize in the pee-peeplace while sanctuary defined as the protection of people from physical injury or in the absence of the riskiness in simple way. health and safe often closely related with the physical and material and amiable well-being of the individual at the place of work (Hughes and Ferrett, 2008).By referring to Oxford Dictionary, offbeat is defined as the health, triumph and fortunes of a person or group. For the purpose of this research, the planning of welf be facilities consist of swear out and sanitation arrangements, readying of insobriety wet, heating, lighting, appointment for clothes, seating, eating and quietus rooms as well as first brinytenance arrangement for the well-being of the employees (Hughes and Ferrett, 2006).CONSTRUCTION HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITI ESConstruction health and safety device should be of simple concern to employers, employees, government and learn participants (Kheni, 2008). Therefore, the client, main contractor, regulatory agencies and employees be the main parties who responsible for twist health and safety (Laryea S. and Mensah S., 2010).There is several government agencies involved in braid safety and health. Each has the resembling mission towards the safety and health in anatomical structure industry as to reduce the accidents or fatalities and the pay cost as well as to en authentic that the risks to health and safety of doers are properly confineled.The contractors post has been mainly focuse by the research and publications on eddy worker safety due to occupational refuge and Health Administration (OSHA) places the responsibility for safety on the employers shoulders (J. Gambatese, J. Hinze, 1998). The table below explained on the main duties of device parties.PLANNING OF wellbeing FACILIT IES good enough health and safety planning helps to ensure that a insure is well managed and that unexpected cost and problems are minimised (Laryea S. and Mensah S., 2010).Consideration should be made during planning stage introductory to constructing any facilities. Issues here entangle consideration of a safe and healthy perspective, application of appropriate construction standards, provision of comme il faut and sanitary living conditions as well as appropriate leisure and health facilities (IFC and the EBR, 2009).Firstly, it is important to make sure eudaemonia arrangements are clearly addressed in the health and safety plan where the Laws and Legislations apply (HSE, 1998).Make sure the facilities gleam the place size, nature of the work, and turnings of people who give use them. An example of nature of work, where consider the provision of bespeakers if the project involves hazardous bone marrows or very colly work such as sewer maintenance, dusty demolition acti vities as well as whole works with contaminated land or concrete pouring (HSE, 1998).The infinite of workers will have to travel to the upbeat facilities might have to consider as well. The exact nature of the facilities too matters on the intended period of work and identification number of different locations. Lastly, consideration on whether the welfare facilities need to be relocated during the construction phase.MINIMUM STANDARD OF WELFARE FACILITIESMinimum standard of welfare facilities should be put upd at construction web range complying with the regulation for the particular project. The satisfaction of the safety and health act and regulation can be achieved by providing the optimum facilities through the assessing the maximum and minimum of construction workers (Tan, 2010).The person in charge of the construction website must(prenominal) forever make sure that the legal requirements of workers welfare are met (HSE, 2004).However, simply providing and enforcing prescriptive rules and procedures are not sufficient to foster safe behavior in the workplace (Reason, 1998). Most construction employers flat have safety policies in place, simply they need to be kept up to date. The objective is to reflect what actu aloney happens, and to make sure the policy does not contain a hopeful list of wishes that are never likely to be fulfilled (Hotl, A.S.J, 2001)The provision of welfare facilities at transient construction sites and the provision of welfare facilities at fixed construction sites that supplied by Health and Safety Executive often use as guidance in United Kingdom. It gives guidance on the minimum welfare facilities that must be provided or made useable to workers on construction sites.The nature and scale of facilities required will depend on the size, location and type of project. Suitable welfare facilities must be available for all workers during all working hours. As a minimum, these will be access to sens and washing facilities, a bring of clean drinking water, a place to take a breaks and meals and come in raiment, shelter in heavy(p) weather, and first aid facilities. Most, if not all of these will be covered by local or field regulatory requirements.TYPES OF WELFARE FACILITIESGood welfare facilities not only improve workers welfare that also enhance efficiency. The facilities whitethorn be provided and maintained by one contractor or by individual contractors for all workers (ILO, 1995). General welfare facilities that provided on site complicateLiving Accommodations healthful and can buoy facilities washables facilitiesDrinking waterC pause rooms and lockersRest FacilitiesCanteenWELFARE FACILITIES REQUIREMENTSThe main health and safety requirements in construction relate to tidy sites and decent welfare, falls from height, manual intervention, and transport on site (Laryea S. and Mensah S. ,2010)In Malaysia, the welfare provision refer to the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514 ), grind and Machineries Act 1967 (Act 139) and Construction Industry Development Board Act 1994 (Act 520). Whereas In United Kingdom, the Construction (Design and Management) convention 2007 covers a wide range of basic health, safety and welfare and applies to the workplaces involving construction on sites.By referring to Health, Safety and Executive, (1997), adequate and appropriate welfare facilities must be provided for employees so far as is reasonably functional while them are at work even though in short period. This marrow that facilities must be provided unless it is clearly unreasonable in terms of time, trouble, cost and physical difficulty.There is an important redundant duty in this Regulation. The one in control of a site has to ensure that there are reasonable welfare facilities available at quickly accessible places. HSE, 2010 has provided the data sheet for those in control of construction sites which describes minimum welfare facilities that should be prov ided or made available on fixed construction sites. In addition, the guidance note is based on a review of these instruments and legislation, as well as guide pipelines and best practices produced by a range of different private and public sector actions at national and international level. (IFC and EBRD, 2009).The regulation 22 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulation 2007 has stated few requirements for welfare facilities provided for construction industry. These include provide sanitary and washing facilities and an adequate supply of drinking water peace facilities facilities to change and store clothing. Good facilities can positively benefit health and well-being and can help to prevent dermatitis. The requirements of welfare facilities are as belowLiving AccommodationsThe provision of workers accommodation is often related with the importation of an external workforce into an area (IFC and EBRD, 2009). There are several reasons that lead to this occurrence suc h as the local labour supply or skills base is inadequate, the workers are simply not available due to the remote location of the worksite or the particular skills required. Also it may happen as the labour requirements can only be fulfilled by migrant workers due to the nature of the work or the working conditions (IFC and EBRD, 2009).The accommodation provided either in grammatical construction type or conventional container for the sleeping and appeaseing purpose. The workers accommodation for construction more relate to a temporary phase of a project (IFC and EBRD, 2009).The accommodation provided shall be appropriate for its location and be clean, safe and at minimum, meet the basic needs of workers because the location of the facilities is important to prevent scene to wind, fire, flood and separate natural hazards (IFC and EBRD, 2009). Therefore, living accommodations are located within a reasonable distance from worksite as possible.The building of living accommodation requires sufficient materials, appreciate maintenance as well as acceptable cleanliness free from nuisance of rubbish and other waste. It shall not be utilize for the storage of building materials purpose. (ILO, 1992)The conventional container is generally used in Malaysia construction site because it is easily moved to new project (Tan, 2010). It is important to ensure good standards in living facilities. It helps to avoid safety hazards and to protect workers from diseases and illness resulting from humidity, revolve of fungus, proliferation of insects or rodents, as well as to maintain a good level of morale (IFC and EBRD, 2009).Sanitary and keister FacilitiesSanitary and toilet facilities include water closets, portable chemical toilets and urinals. Toilet facilities needed include the flushing toilets and running water which connected to mains water and drainage system if possible. The alternative way is to provide facilities with a built-in water supply and drainage tank ( HSE, 2010).An adequate number of toilets should be available at all times for construction workers. Adequate facilities mean by make sure that there are lavish toilets for those expected to use, so that the people should not have to queue for long periods to go to the toilet. Toilet arrangements are essential to avoid any contamination and prevent the spread of infectious disease.The following tables show the minimum number of toilets and urinals that should be provided. The number of toilets needed will be depends on the number of construction workers on site. The number of people at work (left column) refers to the maximum number likely to be in the workplace at any one time.Portable chemical toilets are only acceptable kind of of making other adequate provision which is not reasonably practicable and it should be maintained and emptied regularly. The number of persons and the frequency of emptying are used to determine the number of portable toilets needed on site by using the ratio 1 toilet to 7 persons where portable toilets are emptied once a week (HSE, 2010).Beside, toilet facilities are conveniently located and easily accessible. Shorter distance for travelling to toilet from worksite means that unnecessary and non-productive times are minimized (Tan, 2010). Standards range from 30 to 60 meters from rooms.Sanitary and toilet facilities are never shared between male and female resident. Otherwise provide lockable doors rather of failing to provide separate facilities for different gender. Moreover, adequate supplies of toilet paper should be always be available. Specific special sanitary facilities are provided for women where necessary.It is essential for workers to maintain a good standard of personal hygienics notwithstanding also to prevent contamination and the spread of diseases which result from inadequate sanitary facilities (IFC and EBRD, 2009). Always make sure that the facilities provided are well-lit, have good internal respiration, c leaned oft and kept in fully working condition (HSE, 2010). The number of utilization determines the frequency of cleaning. Basically, daily cleaning may not always be sufficient.Washing FacilitiesWork in the construction industry is often dusty and dirty as well as involving handling chemicals and other dangerous substances. Therefore, washing facilities provided as a basic hygiene measure, preventing chemical contaminating foods and so being eaten during snacks or meals, being absorbed through the skin or being carried home. Apart from that, it also functions to remove dirt and grime, which also can be ingested and cause sickness and disease.Washing facilities include basins or sinks that allow people to wash their hands, face and forearms (HSE, 2007). Also, it consists of a supply of hot and cold, or warm, water which should be running water and soup or other washing agents for cleaning purpose that are enough for the workers. Washing or shower facilities is provided for particu lar dirty work or work exposing workers to hazardous substance such as concrete pouring (HSE,2007).An adequate number of washing facilities should be provided to construction workers. Washing facilities should be provided in conjunction with toilets and changing areas. It should be located within reasonable distance from other facilities and from sleeping facilities in particular (HSE, 2010).A clean supply from a tank should be provided instead of main water supply when it is not available (HSE, 2007).Men and women can share basin used for washing hands, face and arms. Provided that a basin large enough to wash face, hands and forearms if necessary and also a means for teetotaling hands such as paper towels or a hot telephone line dryer (HSE, 1998).Unisex shower facilities is available for both gender, provided that is stands alone, is lockable room and can only be used by one person at a time (HSE,2007).These facilities must be kept in good working condition, cleaned frequently, and always ensure that there is sufficient ventilation and lighting (HSE, 2010).Drinking wetDrinking water is essential for workers in the construction industry, irrespective of the type of work they do. To prevent dehydration, workers should always have easy access to a source of clean water. Therefore, a special attention to water quality and quantity is absolutely essential.A supply of wholesome drinking water should be readily available, preferably from the mains. If this is not possible then bottles or tank should be provided for storing water, protected it from possible contamination as well as changeover sufficiently and regularly to prevent it from becoming stale or contaminated (HSE, 2007).Mark clearly on the drinking water supply to distinguish between drink and non-drinkable water such as hazardous liquids or water which is not fit to drink. The supplying of drinking water requires cups or other drinking vessels at the outlet, unless the water is supplied in an upward jet, which can be drunk easily such as drinking fountain (HSE, 2007).Drinking-water should not be placed in sanitary facilities, or in places where it can be contaminated by dust, chemicals or other substances. whatsoever the source of water supply for drinking, whether at the mess accommodation or elsewhere on the site, it should be clearly marked as drinking-water in words or with a suitable sign.Changing board and LockersChanging rooms or lockers are particularly important for workers storing personal clothing that not worn on site such as jackets and training shoes and protective clothing that needed for site work such as high visibility jackets and safety boots (HSE, 2007).Changing rooms should be provided with drying and habilitate hanging which are easily accessible. Thus, they can separate their wet and dry clothing by hanging on the cupboard. This is essential to where some working clothes are likely to be contaminated by dangerous substances, atmospheric conditions or workplace conditions. Therefore, facilities should be provided to keep working cloths apart from personal clothing (Fon, 2006).For smaller site, the site office may sufficient be a storage area but the separate lockers might be needed too. This is because there is a risk of protective site clothing contaminating everyday clothing, items should be stored separately (HSE, 1998).If electrical heaters are used, ensure the room has well ventilation and fitted with a high temperature cut-out device where possible. Many fires have been caused by placing too a great deal clothing to dry on electrical heaters, making the heater overheat.Rest FacilitiesConstruction workers begin work early. They start their day alert and productive but their activity level decreases as the day passed. Therefore, short breaks taken frequently are much better than infrequent long breaks. Recovery is much faster as having rest before show signs of being really tired (ILO,1995).Rest areas are not to be used to s tore plant, equipment or materials. It provides shelter from wind and rain. The rest facilities should have an adequate number of tables and chairs, a tympanum or urn for boiling water and a means for warming up food such as a gas or electrical heating ring or microwave oven and be adequately heated.Suitable and sufficient, readily accessible rest facilities should be provided. Work areas can be counted as rest areas and as eating facilities, provided they are adequately clean and there is a suitable surface on which to place food. On smaller sites, the site office or hut may suffice as rest area.CanteenCanteen is adequately furnished and protected from the weather, where one can eat in comfort food brought from home or brought from vendors. Canteen may be used as rest facilities provided there is no obligation to purchase food. If canteen is provided, it does not only save the time for construction workers not going out for eating (Tan, 2010).Standards range from providing tables, benches, individual drinking cups and plates to provide special drinking fountains. It should be situated away from workstations to minimize contact with dirt, dust or dangerous substances.Good standards of hygiene in canteen are crucial. Facilities must be kept in a clean and sanitary condition as well as conform to hygiene and safety requirement.EXAMPLES OF GOOD PRACTICEWELFARE FACILITIES ISSUESA company was found not to have provided welfare facilities at a construction site and was served with an improvement notice during an inspection section. The company was prosecuted as failed to provide the facilities within the timescale. The company received a 2000 fine for not complying with the notice, a 5000 fine for not providing the welfare facilities, and had to pay prosecution costs of 1272.A construction company in Devon is caught by surprise for not having hot water and accessible toilet facilities on site and was fined 2,500 by HSE. Rod Hepper concluded Installing proper facili ties on site costs far less than the fines that the HSE will impose if inspectors find the law being flouted. (Pickles, 2001).The Elliott Workspace Marketing Manager, Rod Hepper commented that there are still companies across UK that ignores the necessity of providing appropriate welfare facilities on construction sites in line with regulation in force even after warning from Health and Safety Executive (HSE). In reality, it is a legal requirement for the companies to provide proper toilet facilities and warm running water available at all times (How, 2006).News from workplacelaw on date 13 Dec 2010, a detergent builder whose employees had to work in unsanitary conditions, with no toilet or washing facilities, has appeared in court in Rochdale. Michael Connolly, 46, was prosecuted by the HSE after he repeatedly ignored calls to improve conditions at the site in Littleborough where he had employed contractors to convert a house into flats and shops. HSE inspectors who visited the si te found that there were no toilets or washing facilities. ( http//www.workplacelaw.net/news/display/id/31712, 2010).CONCLUSIONWork in the construction industry is hazardous and dirty it involves much manual or physical activity. Welfare facilities such as the provision of drinking water, washing, sanitary and changing accommodation, rest rooms and shelter, facilities for preparing and eating meals, temporary housing, all help to reduce fatigue and improve workers health. The facilities may be provided and maintained by one contractor for all workers or by individual contractors.Good facilities can positively benefit health and well-being and can help to prevent dermatitis. Good welfare facilities not only improve workers welfare but also enhance efficiency.ReferencesWelfare at work Guidance for employers on welfare provisionsIFC and the EBRD , 2009. Workers accommodation processes and standards.A guidance note by IFC and the EBRD(ILO, 1992). ThesisILO, 1995 Safety, health and welfa re on construction sites A training manualILO. 2003. Safety in numbers. Rep. nary(prenominal) 061, world(prenominal) laborOrganization, Geneva.J. Gambatese, J. Hinze, 1998. Addressing construction worker safety in the design phase Designing for construction worker safety. Automation in Construction 8 (1999) 643-649.(Laryea S. and Mensah S. ,2010) The Construction, Building and Real Estate Research Conference ofthe gallant Institution of Chartered SurveyorsHeld at Dauphine Universit, Paris, 2-3 September 2010Kheni, Nongiba Alkanam (2008) Impact of health and safety management on safety performance of small and medium-sized construction businesses in Ghana, Unpublished PhD thesis, Department of Civil Engineering, Loughborough University, UKPhil Hughes, Ed Ferrett,2008. presentation to Health and Safety in Construction The Handbook for Construction Professionals and Students on NEBOSH and Other Construction CoursesPhil Hughes, Ed Ferrett, 2006. Introduction to health and safety in constructionHSE, September 2007 CONSTRUCTION HEALTH SAFETY STANDARD No. 20 ,Principle sources of information HSE Construction development Sheets 18 and 46,HSE, 2010 provision of welfare facilities during construction work. construction information sheet no 59HSE, 1998 Provision of welfare facilities at fixed construction sites, Construction Information Sheet No 18(rev1)HSE, 2007 workplace health, safety and welfare. A short guide for managers.leafetlet INDG244(rev2)According to the International Labor Organization 1992, the general provisions of welfare are stated under clause 19.there should be adequate supply of wholesome drinking water provided at reasonable access of construction site.