What is this document?
INDG344, "The Absolutely Essential Health and Safety Toolkit for Construction", is a free HSE publication designed specifically for smaller construction contractors. It provides a ready-made checklist for identifying and managing common health and safety problems on small construction sites.
The toolkit helps you understand your legal duties and gives practical guidance on protecting workers, clients, and members of the public from construction-related hazards.
Who needs to read this?
This document is essential reading if you are:
- A small construction contractor or sole trader
- A builder, roofer, or tradesperson running your own business
- A subcontractor working on construction sites
- A site supervisor or foreman on small projects
- Anyone responsible for health and safety on smaller construction jobs
Key points covered
The toolkit addresses the main hazards found on construction sites:
- Falls from height - Working on roofs, scaffolds, ladders, and elevated platforms
- Vehicle safety - Safe use of vehicles on construction sites, including plant and delivery vehicles
- Manual handling - Lifting, carrying, and moving heavy materials
- Hazardous substances - Dust, cement, solvents, and other harmful materials
- Noise and vibration - Protecting workers from long-term health damage
- Electrical hazards - Working near overhead lines and with electrical equipment
- Welfare facilities - Providing toilets, washing facilities, rest areas, and drinking water
The document uses a checklist format so you can work through each hazard area and check you have adequate controls in place.
How this applies to you
If you run a small construction business, the toolkit gives you a starting point for managing health and safety on site. Use it to:
- Check your current arrangements - Work through the checklist and identify gaps
- Prioritise action - Focus on the highest-risk activities first (falls from height cause the most deaths in construction)
- Brief your workers - Use the toolkit as a basis for site inductions and toolbox talks
- Demonstrate compliance - Keep a completed checklist as evidence you've thought about health and safety
Construction has specific legal requirements under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM). While this toolkit helps with general site safety, larger or more complex projects may require additional documentation including construction phase plans.
This toolkit is a starting point, not a complete solution. More complex projects or higher-risk activities may need detailed risk assessments, method statements, and specialist advice.
Related Safety Clarity content
- Construction sector guidance - Detailed requirements for construction businesses
- CDM Regulations explained - Understanding your duties under CDM 2015
- Working at height guidance - Preventing falls, the biggest killer in construction
- Workplace safety fundamentals - Core health and safety duties for all employers
Source: HSE - INDG344
Disclaimer: This summary is for information only. Always refer to the official HSE publication for the complete guidance. For specific advice about your situation, consult a qualified health and safety professional.