Module : 1.

Title of Module : Introduction Module

Objectives of the Module :

1. Understand the Importance of OHS in Construction - Develop an

understanding of the critical role of occupational health and safety in the
construction industry by examining local injury and fatality statistics.
2. Recognise the Ethical and Moral Importance of Safety - Explore the ethical
and moral responsibilities of employers in ensuring worker welfare,
emphasising the financial, reputational, and human consequences of
workplace accidents.
3. Appreciate the Importance and Benefits of Training - Understand how
effective training enhances workplace safety, reduces risks, and fosters a
culture of continuous improvement in safety practices.
4. Distinguish This Course from Site-Specific Inductions and Training -
Identify the purpose of this course and how it differentiates from site-specific
safety inductions and skill/specific training programs.
5. Understand the Purpose and Components of an OHS Policy - Gain insight
into the structure, purpose, and application of an occupational health and safety
policy, including how it is developed, communicated, and implemented.
6. Explore Other Essential Policies for Construction Sites - Examine the
importance of complementary workplace policies, such as fitness-to-work, lone
working, and substance use policies, and understand their critical role in
maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.

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Course Notes based on the Objectives:

The Importance of Health and Safety in Construction

Construction is a high-risk industry, often involving heavy machinery, hazardous

materials, and elevated work sites. OHS measures are crucial to safeguard workers
from fatal and non-fatal injuries.

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) report,

construction is one of the most accident-prone industries, making safety awareness
and training essential for reducing risks, especially for foreign workers who may face
language or cultural barriers (OHSA, 2022).

Understanding the work-force

In order to understand the current situation, it is essential to gain a deeper

understanding of the dynamics of the workers working in the construction industry.
Jobsplus was requested to present data regarding the number of construction workers
over the previous five years during the public inquiry (Jean Paul Sofia), this data is
shown in Table 1.
Total
Year employees in Maltese UE EU
TCN
construction Dependent
2019 16,099 9,904 1,921 62 4,210
2020 16,669 9,714 1,810 70 5,073
2021 17,758 9,801 1,869 96 5,988
2022 19,273 9,207 1,897 98 8,065
Jan-Apr 2023 19,692 9,225 1,900 103 8,457
Table 1 (JobsPlus, 2024)

The 2022-2027 strategic plan by the OHSA (N.D) included an examination of

construction and foreign workers. Between 2002 and 2020, OHSA recorded and
investigated 107 fatal accidents at work. Out of these, 65 accidents, accounting for
61% of the total, occurred in the construction industry. Out of the total number of
fatalities, 25 of them were foreign workers, accounting for 38% of construction fatalities
and 23% of all accidents. This data verifies that while the construction industry is linked
to significantly greater risks, foreign workers, particularly those in construction, are
associated with significantly higher rates of fatalities.

Statistical Overview

Between 2002 and 2019, the construction industry was the second most dangerous
sector, reporting 519 injuries in 2002 alone. This number peaked at 698 in 2006, with
a decrease to 441 in 2019 (Fiorini & La Ferla, 2020). Exercises conducted by the NAO

2
(2016, 2020), however, have found that the construction industry has the highest injury
rate per capita, eclipsing even the manufacturing sector.

Table 2 shows that 52 work-related deaths were reported in Malta between 2016 and
2024, of which 73% occurred in the construction industry. This statistics does not
include health related deaths (dust, asbestos…)

Total number of Workers in the Injuries in the

Fatalities at Fatalities in
Year persons construction construction
work construction sector
employed industry industry

2016 208,132 14,063 473 7 4

2017 220,489 15,186 485 1 1

2018 232,306 14,578 482 4 4

2019 251,398 16,149 444 3 3

2020 261,839 15,195 407 8 4

2021 266,226 17,176 389 9 9

2022 283,341 17,526 362 16 9

2023 298,502 18,770 288 5 2

2024 317,582 22,399 288 4 2

Table 2 – Injuries and Fatalities covering the years from 2016-2024 (NSO)

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Ethical Importance: Emphasise employer moral accountability for worker
welfare, discussing the financial and reputational impacts of accidents.

Moral and Ethical Importance of Safety

This section highlights the moral and ethical importance of safety in the workplace,
trainers should emphasise the employer’s accountability for workers focusing on
ethical principles, the human cost of unsafe practices, and the significant financial and
reputational impacts of workplace accidents.

Employers must view safety not only as a legal requirement but as a fundamental
ethical obligation and economic strategy. By prioritising occupational safety,
employers can protect human lives, maintain their reputations, and significantly reduce
financial losses. Trainers should reinforce the importance of a proactive approach to
workplace safety and health, emphasising that ensuring safety is a moral duty that
brings measurable benefits to both employees and organisations.

Ethical Importance of Safety

Employers have an ethical obligation to safeguard the health and safety of their
employees. This responsibility extends beyond compliance with legal regulations and
reflects core ethical principles:

1. Respect for human dignity: Every worker has the right to a safe work
environment.
2. Duty to protect from harm: Employers must actively prevent conditions that
could endanger workers.

Workers place trust in their employers to ensure a safe working environment. Failing
to uphold this trust breaches moral accountability.

Workplace accidents not only impact employees but also their families, colleagues,
and communities. This creates a ripple effect of harm that employers have a duty to
prevent.

Group Discussion

● Why is safety an ethical obligation for employers?

● How does neglecting safety affect families?
● In what ways can employers demonstrate their moral commitment to safety?

Financial and Reputational Impacts of Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents impose significant financial and reputational costs on employers

and society.

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Financial Costs

“Safe and healthy work is a fundamental human right but these new estimates of the
costs of poor or non-existent OSH measures show that the economic case for OSH
has never been stronger,” Dr. Christa Sedlatschek, the director of EU-OSHA.

1. Legal Costs:

Accidents often lead to lawsuits, fines, and penalties.

According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-
OSHA), occupational accidents cost EU countries billions annually in
legal fees and compensation claims.

2. Operational Disruptions:

Injuries or fatalities disrupt operations, reducing productivity.

Employers incur costs for recruiting and training replacement workers.

3. Insurance Premiums:

Companies with frequent accidents face higher insurance premiums,

increasing operational costs further.

4. Lost GDP:

Work-related injuries and illnesses result in the loss of 3.3% of the EU’s GDP
annually (€476 billion), according to EU-OSHA (2017).

Work-related illnesses account for 86% of all work-related deaths globally, with
similar statistics in the EU (98%).The economic loss due to work-related health
problems is estimated at 4–6% of GDP for most countries. - TO REDUCE

In the EU:

- Work-related cancer is the leading cause of costs, amounting to €119.5 billion

(0.81% of GDP).
- Musculoskeletal disorders are the second-largest contributor to workplace-
related economic losses.

WHO mentioned that “workplace health initiatives can help reduce sick leave
absenteeism by 27% and health-care costs for companies by 26%.

The benefits for business

Not only does poor safety and health cost companies money, but good OSH pays dividends.
businesses with higher safety and health standards are more successful and more
sustainable.
Studies estimate that for every euro invested in OSH, there is a return of 2.2 euros and
that the cost–benefit ratio of improving safety and health is favourable.

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The economic advantages of good OSH for businesses large and small are significant. To
give just a few examples, good workplace safety and health:
● Improves workers’ productivity
● Cuts down on absenteeism
● Reduces compensation payments
● Meets the requirements of public and private sector contractors

Good OSH is good for business | Safety and health at work EU-OSHA

Reputation Risks

Poor safety records damage a company’s reputation among clients, investors, and the
[Link] known for frequent accidents may struggle to attract skilled workers,
affecting their long-term viability.

Why is training important ? Case Studies

Øresund Bridge Case Study: Impact of Structured OHS Training

A case study was conducted to explore the factors contributing to the differences in
work-related injury rates between Danish and Swedish construction workers. The time
lost to injury was calculated during the construction of the Øresund Bridge connecting
Denmark and Sweden (Spangenberg et al., 2002). The work carried out on both sides
was similar, however, the time lost to injury reported by Danish workers was higher
than it was for the Swedish workers. It was found that Danish workers had a lower
level of formal education and professional training. In Denmark, no training is provided
on concrete and earthworks. Swedish workers, on the other hand, must go through
education which includes H&S rules and regulations, and they are further provided
with awareness training (Spangenberg et al., 2002).

Here it is important to emphasise that the training is not only OHS training but skills
training which made a difference in the number of lost time injuries.

Heathrow Terminal 5 Project

The Heathrow Terminal 5 (T5) project, a £4.3 billion undertaking completed in 2008,
set new industry standards for safety. With 60,000 workers involved over its duration,
the project achieved a safety record four times better than the industry norm. T5’s
success was attributed to a safety leadership approach, focusing on genuine
engagement and respect for all workers. This approach prioritised a culture of safety
beyond basic compliance, emphasising collaboration and shared responsibility.

Comprehensive OHS training empowered professionals—such as site managers,

architects, and engineers—to uphold rigorous safety standards and respond
proactively to hazards. The T5 project illustrates how OHS training equips
professionals to create safer workplaces, reduce risks, and foster a positive safety
culture that contributes directly to project success (Institution of Civil Engineers, 2007)

Saudi Arabia

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A study by conducted in Saudi Arabia titled ; Critical Success Factors for Safety
Program Implementation among Construction Companies in Saudi Arabiab y Al Haadir
and Panuwatwanich, addresses the challenges Saudi construction companies face in
implementing effective safety programs.

Despite significant growth in the construction industry, safety standards remain low,
with frequent accidents leading to high costs and project delays. This study aimed to
identify the critical success factors (CSFs) that impact the successful implementation
of safety programs in Saudi construction companies. Experts at 18 Saudi construction
companies were consulted and the study identified seven key factors that account for
80% of successful safety program implementation:

1. Management support
2. Clear and reasonable objectives
3. Personal attitude toward safety
4. Teamwork
5. Effective enforcement of safety measures
6. Safety training
7. Suitable supervision

The study emphasises the role of top management in supporting and promoting safety
programs. Effective programs require clear objectives, teams with a positive safety
attitude, thorough safety enforcement, adequate training, and appropriate supervision.
These findings offer a foundation for construction companies in Saudi Arabia to design
and implement safety programs effectively, addressing the current safety challenges
in the industry (Al Haadir & Panuwatwanich, 2011).

Evidence of OHS Training’s Impact on Worker Safety and Behavior

Studies underscore that formal OHS training leads to positive behaviour changes,
reduced incidents, and better compliance with safety protocols:

Institute of Work and Health, Toronto: In a study examining ten years of data, six
out of ten studies found a strong correlation between OHS training and improved
safety behaviours. Trained workers were less likely to adopt risky behaviours, which
is key in high-risk industries like construction. Professionals overseeing OHS
compliance noted a significant reduction in incidents where OHS training was
emphasised (Greene et al., 2005).

Health and Safety Executive (HSE), UK: Research by the HSE found that workers
who received structured OHS training, particularly formalised classroom instruction
rather than only on-the-job learning, developed safer work habits. These findings
stress the need for structured training to break bad habits and ensure safety protocols
are consistently observed (Hide et al., 2003).

Distinguishing this Course from Site-Specific Inductions and Training

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This course provides a broad understanding of OHS principles, ethics, and
regulations, which go beyond site-specific hazards. Unlike induction training, which
covers emergency procedures and hazard awareness unique to each site, this course
prepares professionals for ongoing safety leadership and compliance across
projects/sites.

Benefits of Effective Site Induction

Site-specific safety training, such as inductions and toolbox talks, is different from
general OHS training in that it addresses unique hazards and safety procedures for a
specific site. Informing workers about potential hazards during site induction is one of
the most effective ways to improve OHS on construction sites (Spillane & Oyedele,
2013).
Induction training, particularly when delivered by management, has significant benefits
and should last more than one day. It should include employee feedback to evaluate
and improve the program's effectiveness (Mchete & Shayo, 2020; Mugo & Guyo,
2018).
Site inductions provide new workers with an overview of site-specific safety, health,
and welfare requirements while also refreshing all workers' OHS knowledge (Edwards
& Holt, 2008). Without site induction, workers endanger themselves and others
(Rowlinson et al., 2003).
In the United Kingdom, it is now a legal requirement to provide such training to all new
construction personnel, ensuring that employers fulfil their duty to provide a safe
workplace (Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 2009).
According to Edwards and Holt (2008), mandatory induction meetings are critical for
maintaining a good OHS record, particularly in hazardous construction environments.
To improve safety standards, the Rok Building project implemented a comprehensive
safety induction. The project included complex tasks such as removing existing
internal fabric and fixtures from a seven- story social security and government office
that was still in use. Every employee was required to attend a full day of safety
induction training. This session also included discussions with workers about their
previous site experiences and OHS insights, allowing for consultation while also
assessing individual safety knowledge and attitudes. This approach contributed to the
improvement of the project's safety culture (HSE, 2006a).
Rok Building - Worker engagement case study 11
Similarly, Heyrod Construction, a UK-based company, addressed rising accident rates
by implementing communication and engagement strategies. These included '
morning prayers,' in which supervisors informed their teams about current and planned
work activities, OHS issues, hot safety topics, and company safety bulletins. The
company also began hosting weekly toolbox talks to highlight best practices like
housekeeping, pedestrian walkways, and well-planned sites. Heyrod provided
nonEnglish-speaking foreign workers with interpreters, translated training materials,
and toolbox talks to ensure that safety protocols were understood and followed (HSE,
2006b).

8
Heyrod Construction Ltd

What should be included in a site specific induction course?

Site induction, training and information are vital to securing health and safety on site.
The principal contractor has to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that every
worker has: (a) a suitable induction; and (b) any further information and training
needed for the particular work.
Inductions are a way of providing workers with specific information about the particular
risks associated with the site and the arrangements that have been made for their
control. Induction is not intended to provide general health and safety training, but it
should include a site-specific explanation of the following:
(a) senior management commitment to health and safety;
(b) the outline of the project;
(c) the individual’s immediate line manager and any other key personnel;
(d) any site-specific health and safety risks, for example in relation to access, transport,
site contamination, hazardous substances and manual handling;
(e) control measures on the site, including:
(i) any site rules,
(ii) any permit-to-work systems,
(iii) traffic routes,
(iv) security arrangements,
(v) hearing protection zones,
(vi) arrangements for personal protective equipment, including what is needed, where
to find it and how to use it,
(vii) arrangements for housekeeping and materials storage,
(viii) facilities available, including welfare facilities,
(ix) emergency procedures, including fire precautions, the action to take in the event
of a fire, escape routes, assembly points, responsible people and the safe use of any
fire-fighting equipment;
(f) arrangements for first aid;
(g) arrangements for reporting accidents and other incidents;
(h) details of any planned training, such as ‘toolbox’ talks;
(i) arrangements for consulting and involving workers in health and safety, including
the identity and role of any:

9
(i) appointed trade union safety representatives,
(ii) representatives of employee safety,
(iii) safety committees;
(j) information about the individual’s responsibilities for health and safety

(HSE, 2007)

Managing health and safety in construction

Health and Safety Policy

What is a Health and Safety Policy?
A health and safety policy is a formal document that outlines your organisation's
approach to managing health and safety at work. It explains how the company will
identify, control, and monitor risks, ensuring a safe working environment for all
employees. A comprehensive policy clarifies the following:
● Who is responsible for what health and safety tasks.
● When and how safety duties will be executed (e.g., risk assessments, training).
● The commitment of the employer to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace
at all times.
A clear and structured health and safety policy is not just a regulatory requirement; it
is an essential tool for establishing a safe working culture and ensuring everyone
knows their roles in keeping the workplace safe.
Who Creates the Policy?
A competent person—typically the health and safety officer or manager—should be
designated to draft the health and safety policy. This individual needs to work closely
with other key stakeholders, especially those with significant safety roles on the ground
(e.g., site supervisors, HS committee members). Engaging relevant personnel ensures
the policy is both accurate and applicable to the specific needs of the business.
Key Components of a Health and Safety Policy:
A comprehensive health and safety policy should be divided into the following
sections:

1. Statement of Intent
● This part outlines the company’s overarching health and safety objectives and
goals.
● It includes a clear commitment to managing safety effectively and continuously
improving standards.
● The statement is signed by senior management and serves as a visible
demonstration of leadership commitment.
● It should be reviewed regularly to ensure it reflects any changes in operations
or regulations.
2. Responsibilities for Health and Safety

10
Identifies specific individuals and roles responsible for different aspects of health and
safety management. This section should define tasks and accountabilities for key
personnel across the organisation. For example, a site manager may be responsible
for daily safety inspections, while a safety officer handles incident reporting and
compliance audits.
3. Arrangements for Health and Safety
Details the practical steps required to achieve the policy’s objectives. This includes:
● Conducting risk assessments to identify potential hazards.
● Implementing safety procedures for high-risk activities (e.g., working at height,
handling hazardous materials).
● Ensuring employees are properly trained in safety protocols.
● Using safety signs, equipment, and ensuring proper PPE is available and worn.
● Developing emergency procedures such as evacuation plans and first aid
protocols.
● Encouraging consultation with employees, through mechanisms like safety
meetings or site discussions, to gather feedback and improve practices.
Health and safety policies should be reviewed annually or whenever there are
significant changes in operations, personnel, or regulations. Regular reviews ensure
the policy remains up-to-date and compliant with evolving safety standards and legal
requirements.
Implementing the Policy
For a health and safety policy to be effective, it must be properly implemented. This
involves:
● Designating a competent person to oversee policy execution and ensure that it
is integrated into daily operations.
● Communicating the policy to all employees, making sure that everyone
understands their roles and responsibilities in maintaining a safe workplace.
● Setting up monitoring and feedback systems to identify any gaps or
improvements needed, ensuring continuous improvement.
Why is a Health and Safety Policy Important?
1. Legal Compliance
Under the new Health and Safety at work Act it is mandatory to have a health and
safety policy.
2. Moral Responsibility
The policy demonstrates the company’s commitment to protecting its workers. It
signals that the employer prioritises health and safety and is committed to providing a
secure working environment.
3. Practical Guidance
A clear health and safety policy serves as a practical guide for managing safety across
all levels of the organisation. It provides a framework for implementing safety
measures, monitoring performance, and addressing issues before they lead to
accidents.

11
The Role of Communication: Involving Employees
An effective health and safety policy is not just a top-down mandate. It is essential to
share the policy with all employees and involve them in its implementation. Workers
should be encouraged to ask questions, offer feedback and suggest improvements.
This collaborative approach helps create a safety culture where everyone is invested
in protecting themselves and their colleagues. By discussing the policy regularly—
such as during safety meetings or site briefings—workers can gain a deeper
understanding of how safety measures apply to their specific tasks and areas.
What is a health and safety policy | IOSH

Other Policies apart from the health and safety policy, fitness to work policy
(drugs, alcohol and prescribed medicine, returning to work after an injury), lone
working policy etc..these are all important for persons working in a construction
site.
Other Essential Policies for Construction Site Safety
In addition to the OHS policy, various complementary policies are crucial to ensuring
the well-being of workers and maintaining efficient operations on construction sites.
These policies address specific areas of concern and help create a comprehensive
framework for workplace safety and compliance. Below, we explore some of the most
important policies:
1. Fitness to Work Policy
The fitness to work policy ensures that all employees are physically and mentally
capable of performing their duties safely. This policy covers:
● Pre-employment medical
● Drugs and Alcohol: Prohibiting the use of substances that impair judgement
or performance. Regular testing or screening may be included, especially for
high-risk roles like operating heavy machinery.
● Prescribed Medication: Outlines the procedure for employees to declare
medications that may affect their ability to work safely, ensuring risks are
managed appropriately.
● Returning to Work after an Injury or Illness: Fitness to work by a doctor
following long absence due to an injury or illness / operation.
● Health Surveillance (where necessary)
2. Lone Working Policy
Lone workers—those who operate without close or direct supervision—face unique
challenges and risks. A lone working policy helps protect these individuals by
identifying situations where workers might be alone.
3. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Policy
While PPE is often a part of the health and safety policy, a dedicated PPE policy can
emphasise its importance and set clear expectations for its use. This includes:

12
 ● Mandating the consistent use of equipment like helmets, gloves, boots, and
high-visibility clothing.
● Ensuring PPE is regularly inspected, properly maintained, and replaced when
necessary.
● Providing training on the correct use of PPE and emphasising its role in
preventing injuries.
4. Environmental Policy
An environmental policy focuses on minimising the construction site's impact on the
environment. This includes:
● Managing waste responsibly and recycling materials where possible.
● Reducing noise, dust, and pollution during operations.
● Complying with legal requirements and standards for environmental
conservation.
5. Stress and Mental Health Policy
Construction work can be physically demanding and mentally taxing. A mental health
policy ensures workers have access to the support they need. Key elements include:
● Providing access to mental health resources, such as counselling or employee
assistance programs.
● Training supervisors to recognise and address stress or mental health issues.
● Encouraging an open environment where workers feel comfortable discussing
mental health concerns.
6. Accident and Incident Reporting Policy
A reporting policy ensures all accidents, incidents, and near misses are documented
and investigated. This helps:
● Identify and address potential hazards before they lead to further incidents.
● Ensure compliance with legal requirements for incident reporting.
● Promote a culture of transparency and continuous improvement in safety
practices.
7. Emergency Procedures Policy
An emergency procedures policy outlines how workers should respond to incidents
such as fires, evacuations, or medical emergencies. This includes:
● Clear instructions for activating alarms and contacting emergency services.
● Regular drills to ensure all employees are familiar with the procedures.
● Designating specific roles, such as fire marshals or first aiders, to manage
emergencies effectively.
8. Use of Electronic Device Policy
See. Annex of an example of such a Policy, explain the importance of having this
policy in place and enforcing it.

13
Mobile phones are essential for communication and accessing digital information on
construction sites, but they also pose significant safety risks. A clear and enforced
mobile phone policy is crucial to reducing hazards, legal liabilities, and financial risks
for employers.

Key Safety Risks of Mobile Phone Use on Construction Sites

1. Distracted Driving – Using mobile phones while driving construction vehicles

can lead to accidents, legal liability, and penalties. UK laws prohibit handheld
phone use while driving, and non-compliance can result in fines and employer
liability.

2. Unsafe Machinery Operation – Mobile phone use is a serious hazard when

operating heavy machinery, cranes, and other construction equipment.
Employers must strictly prohibit distractions to prevent accidents.

3. On-Site Distractions – Workers distracted by mobile phones may fail to

recognise hazards, leading to injuries or fatalities. Games and social media
increase these risks and should be restricted on-site.

4. Multi-Employer Liability – Contractors can be held accountable for mobile

phone-related hazards caused by subcontractors, increasing legal and financial
exposure.

5. Fires and Explosions – Lithium-ion battery failures in mobile phones can

cause fires, posing additional risks on sites with flammable materials.
Employers should prohibit recalled or faulty devices.

Recommendations for Employers

● Implement strict policies prohibiting texting and calling while operating

vehicles or machinery.

● Restrict mobile phone use in hazardous areas and ban gaming or inappropriate
content on-site.

● Use technology to block mobile phone usage while vehicles are in motion.

● Enforce policies consistently across all employees, including management.

● Educate workers about mobile phone fire hazards and restrict the use of unsafe
devices.

Seyfarth Shaw LLP. (2016, October 31)

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References

Occupational Health and Safety Authority. (2022). Annual Report 2021. (). OHSA.
Malta: OHSA [Link]

Fiorini, L. A., & La Ferla, F. M. E. (2020). Working Life and the Transformation of Malta
1960-2020

National Audit Office. (2016). Performance audit: an analysis on OHSA’s operations:

a case study on the construction industry. NAO.

National Audit Office. (2020). Malta: Report on Verification of Effectiveness: A Follow-

Up on the 2016 Analysis on OHSA's Operations - A Case Study on the Construction
Industry. (). Athena Information Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Occupational Health and Safety Authority. (2011a). OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND

SAFETY IN MALTA -A SNAPSHOT OF PREVAILING STANDARDS. (). Malta:
OHSA. [Link]

Nawata K (2024) Evaluation of physical and mental health conditions related to

employees’ absenteeism. Front. Public Health 11:1326334. doi:
10.3389/fpubh.2023.1326334

European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA). (2017). Costs of
occupational accidents and work-related ill-health.

Spangenberg, S., Mikkelsen, K. L., Kines, P., Dyreborg, J., & Baarts, C. (2002). The
construction of the Øresund Link between Denmark and Sweden: the effect of a multi-
faceted safety campaign. Safety Science, 40(5), 457- 465.
[Link]

Seyfarth Shaw LLP. (2016, October 31). Mobile phones on construction sites:
Managing the hazards. Lexology. Retrieved from
[Link]
1b16b97021f0

Spillane, J., & Oyedele, L. (2013). Top strategies for improving OHS on construction
sites. Journal of Construction Safety, 27(1), 45-52.

Institution of Civil Engineers. (2007). Construction safety: Managing the risks.

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers – Civil Engineering, 161(5), 16.
[Link]

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Al Haadir, S., & Panuwatwanich, K. (2011). Critical success factors for safety program
implementation among construction companies in Saudi Arabia. Procedia
Engineering, 14, 148–155. [Link]

Greene, B. L., DeJoy, D. M., & Olejnik, S. (2005). Effects of an active ergonomics
training program on risk exposure, worker beliefs, and symptoms in computer users.
Work (Reading, Mass.), 24(1), 41- 52.
[Link]

Mchete, T., & Shayo, F. (2020). The role of induction training on performance of new
employees at the workplace: Case study of the Open University of Tanzania.
International Journal of Business Management and Economic Review, 03(01), 285-
300. [Link]

Mugo, G., & Guyo, W. (2018). Continuous improvement in safety training: A necessity.
International Journal of Construction Management, 28(2), 98-110.

Mugo, W. E., & Guyo, W. (2018). Training approaches and employee performance in
state corporations in Kenya: A case study of the Kenya Revenue Authority.
International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, 6(2), 649-673.

Edwards, D. J., & Holt, G. D. (2008). Construction workers’ health and safety
knowledge: Initial observations on some test-result data. Journal of Engineering,
Design and Technology, 6(1), 65-80.

Ferranti, R. (2023). The state of occupational health and safety in the Maltese
construction industry – Perceptions of occupational health and safety practitioners.
University of Malta.

Rowlinson, S., Mohamed, S., & Lam, S.-W. (2003). Hong Kong construction foremen’s
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Health and Safety Executive. (2009). Health and safety statistics 2007/08. HSE Books.
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Health and Safety Executive (HSE). (2006b). Engagement: Heyrod Construction –

Effective site inductions. Retrieved from
[Link]

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Health and Safety Executive (HSE). (2007). Managing health and safety in
construction: Guidance on regulations (L144). Retrieved from
[Link]
domain%3Amachine-name%5D/l144-managing-health-and-safety-in-
construction%[Link]

17
Annex 1

Health and Safety Policy

Mobile Devices on Worksites

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a procedure to reduce injuries directly or indirectly
related to using mobile devices on worksites. There are many hazards associated with
using mobile devices on a worksite. It can distract users from the hazards associated with
their work tasks and their surroundings, and it can distract other workers in the area.

Restricting the use of mobile devices on a worksite will increase the level of concentration
of workers. If workers are more focused on their job, the quality of their work will improve
and the number of incidents associated with the distractions caused by using mobile
devices will decrease.

Application

This policy applies to all workers and visitors entering the worksite.

Types of Mobile Devices

This policy includes all mobile devices including, but not limited to, smart phones, cell
phones, tablets, notebooks, MP3 players, and iPods.

Company Rules

● Only those individuals authorized by Project Management are permitted to use

mobile devices on worksites. The use of mobile devices on site is prohibited unless
expressed consent is granted by Project Management. This includes talking,
texting, emailing, playing games, etc.

● The use of mobile devices is not permitted while operating any vehicle or
equipment (including mobile material handling equipment), while working on any
aerial work platforms, or while performing work activities.

● The use of mobile devices is not permitted while attending safety meetings or while
receiving safety-related information such as a safety talk.

● Supervisors should make every reasonable effort to avoid using their mobile device
or making calls while directing activities on the worksite.

● Mobile devices must be turned off when working.

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 ● The use of mobile devices is not permitted around explosive or flammable
atmospheres or while decanting or working with flammable or combustible
material.

● If an urgent family matter requires a worker to use their mobile device, the worker
must coordinate with the supervisor so that the communication can be done in a
safe manner.

● In areas where the employer mandates that mobile devices are not permitted on
site, the employer may provide secure storage for mobile devices to prevent theft
(e.g., a lockbox).

Permitted Uses

Workers are permitted to use mobile devices when they are in the following designat-ed
safe areas:

[Insert designated areas such as the company’s break room, lunch room, site trailer, and
offices.]
Supervisors are permitted to use mobile devices in the construction trailer, in the site
office, or at one of the designated safe areas listed above, provided it is away from general
work activities.
Supervisors are permitted to use mobile devices on site when expressed consent is
provided by Project Management.

Discipline

Anyone who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary measures, up to and
including dismissal, depending on the circumstances and the company policy.

Employee Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that I have read and understood and will abide by the terms of this policy
regarding the use of mobile devices at work.

Name (printed) ____________________________

Signature ___________________________ _______ Date ___________________

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