Health and Safety in Construction

What is HSG150?

HSG150 is the Health and Safety Executive's comprehensive guidance document for managing health and safety in the construction industry. This publication provides practical advice on identifying, assessing, and controlling the wide range of hazards encountered during construction work, from major building projects to small-scale maintenance and repair activities.

Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries in the United Kingdom, with workers facing risks from falls, being struck by objects, contact with machinery, and exposure to harmful substances. HSG150 addresses these hazards systematically, providing guidance that helps everyone involved in construction work understand their responsibilities and implement effective safety measures.

The document covers the full lifecycle of construction projects, from initial design decisions that can eliminate or reduce hazards, through planning and preparation, to the execution of work on site. It addresses the duties created by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) and provides practical guidance on meeting these legal requirements.

HSG150 is relevant to all construction activities, regardless of scale. While major projects may have dedicated safety professionals, smaller contractors and those commissioning minor works also have legal duties and will find this guidance invaluable for understanding and meeting their obligations.

Who Needs This Document?

Primary Audiences

Construction Contractors of all sizes need HSG150 to understand how to plan and carry out work safely. The guidance covers the practical measures needed to control hazards on site, from establishing safe access to managing specific high-risk activities.

Principal Contractors on projects where CDM applies have specific duties for managing health and safety during the construction phase. HSG150 provides guidance on meeting these duties, including coordination of work, site rules, and welfare provision.

Clients Commissioning Construction Work have legal duties under CDM regardless of the project size. HSG150 helps clients understand their responsibilities for appointing competent contractors, allowing sufficient time for work, and ensuring welfare facilities are provided.

Designers and Architects must consider health and safety throughout the design process. HSG150 explains how design decisions can eliminate hazards or reduce risks for those who will build, maintain, and eventually demolish structures.

Secondary Audiences

Property Managers and Facilities Managers who commission construction, maintenance, or refurbishment work need to understand their client duties and how to select and manage contractors appropriately.

Small and Medium Enterprises undertaking construction work or commissioning work on their premises benefit from understanding the legal framework and practical requirements for safe construction.

Health and Safety Professionals working in or with the construction industry use HSG150 as a reference for developing procedures, training programmes, and audit criteria.

Key Topics Covered

CDM Regulations and Duty Holder Responsibilities

HSG150 explains the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and the duties they create for different parties:

Clients must make suitable arrangements for managing the project, ensure adequate time and resources are allocated, and provide pre-construction information to designers and contractors. Commercial clients have additional duties including appointing a principal designer and principal contractor for projects involving more than one contractor.

Principal Designers must plan, manage, and coordinate health and safety during the pre-construction phase, identify and eliminate or reduce risks through design, and prepare the health and safety file.

Principal Contractors must plan, manage, and coordinate health and safety during the construction phase, prepare the construction phase plan, and ensure suitable welfare facilities are provided.

Designers must eliminate hazards and reduce risks through design decisions, provide information about remaining risks to those who need it, and consider buildability, maintenance, and eventual demolition.

Contractors must plan, manage, and monitor their own work, ensure workers have appropriate skills, knowledge, and training, and cooperate with others on the project.

Managing Common Construction Hazards

Working at Height

Falls from height remain the leading cause of fatal injuries in construction. HSG150 covers:

• Hierarchy of controls: avoid working at height where possible, use collective protection (scaffolds, edge protection), use personal protection (harnesses) as a last resort
• Safe use of scaffolding, mobile towers, and access equipment
• Fragile surfaces and roof work
• Edge protection requirements
• Ladder safety and appropriate use

Excavations

Excavation work presents risks from collapse, contact with underground services, and falls. The guidance addresses:

• Ground conditions and support requirements
• Identification and protection of underground services
• Safe access and egress from excavations
• Protection of adjacent structures
• Preventing falls into excavations

Structural Stability

Construction work can compromise the stability of structures, both during alteration and demolition. HSG150 covers:

• Assessment of structural stability before and during work
• Temporary support requirements
• Demolition planning and sequencing
• Protection of workers and the public

Hazardous Substances

Construction workers encounter numerous hazardous substances. The guidance addresses:

• Asbestos awareness and management
• Silica dust from cutting and grinding
• Cement and concrete burns
• Solvents, adhesives, and coatings
• Lead in older buildings

Manual Handling

Construction involves significant manual handling of materials and equipment. HSG150 covers:

• Risk assessment for manual handling operations
• Mechanical handling alternatives
• Safe techniques and training
• Workstation design and material storage

Plant and Equipment

Mobile plant and work equipment present significant hazards. The guidance includes:

• Selection and maintenance of equipment
• Operator competence and training
• Traffic management on site
• Lifting operations and crane safety

Site Organisation and Welfare

HSG150 emphasises the importance of good site organisation:

• Site layout planning
• Traffic and pedestrian segregation
• Material storage and handling
• Housekeeping and waste management
• Security and public protection

Welfare facilities are legal requirements on construction sites. The guidance covers:

• Toilets and washing facilities
• Drinking water
• Rest facilities and eating areas
• Changing rooms and clothing storage
• First aid provision

Construction Phase Planning

The construction phase plan is a key document for projects where CDM applies. HSG150 explains:

• When a construction phase plan is required
• What the plan should contain
• How to develop the plan
• Reviewing and updating during the project

Using This Guidance

Step 1: Understand Your Role and Duties

Identify your role in any construction project - you may be a client, designer, contractor, or worker, and possibly several of these simultaneously. Use HSG150 to understand the specific duties that apply to your role.

Step 2: Plan Before Starting Work

Effective planning is essential for safe construction. Before work begins:

• Identify the hazards that will be encountered
• Assess the risks and determine control measures
• Ensure appropriate resources and time are allocated
• Prepare method statements for high-risk activities
• Communicate plans to all involved

Step 3: Establish Safe Systems of Work

For each construction activity, establish safe systems of work that address the identified hazards. These should specify:

• The sequence of operations
• Equipment and materials required
• Competence requirements for workers
• Specific safety measures and precautions
• Emergency procedures

Step 4: Implement Effective Site Management

During the construction phase:

• Maintain good site organisation and housekeeping
• Ensure welfare facilities are available and maintained
• Monitor compliance with site rules and safe systems of work
• Hold regular safety briefings and toolbox talks
• Investigate and learn from incidents and near misses

Step 5: Communicate and Coordinate

Construction projects typically involve multiple parties. Effective communication ensures everyone understands the hazards and controls:

• Regular coordination meetings
• Clear site rules understood by all
• Permit-to-work systems for high-risk activities
• Reporting systems for hazards and concerns

Step 6: Review and Learn

Throughout the project and upon completion:

• Review risk assessments when circumstances change
• Investigate incidents and implement improvements
• Compile the health and safety file for future reference
• Apply lessons learned to future projects

Why It Matters

Preventing Deaths and Serious Injuries

Construction workers face some of the highest risks of any industry. Falls, structural collapse, and contact with plant cause deaths and life-changing injuries every year. Following HSG150 guidance significantly reduces these risks.

Legal Compliance

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 create legal duties for everyone involved in construction. HSG150 provides the practical guidance needed to comply with these requirements.

Business Protection

Construction accidents can devastate businesses through:

• Prosecution and substantial fines
• Civil claims for compensation
• Project delays and additional costs
• Damage to reputation
• Difficulty winning future contracts

Client Responsibilities

Clients commissioning construction work have legal duties they cannot delegate. Understanding HSG150 helps clients meet these duties and avoid liability for failures on their projects.

Industry Reputation

The construction industry's safety record affects its ability to attract workers and win public confidence. Following guidance like HSG150 demonstrates professionalism and contributes to improving the industry's reputation.

Protecting Workers and the Public

Construction work often takes place in or near occupied premises and public spaces. Good safety management protects not only workers but also building occupants, neighbours, and passers-by from construction hazards.

Project Success

Safe projects are typically well-managed projects. The planning, organisation, and communication required for good safety management contribute to project success in terms of time, cost, and quality.