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Health & safety responsibility - out of normal hours
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markdm  
#1 Posted : 14 June 2011 11:34:27(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
markdm
My organisation are undertaking works on a dam at one of our outlying locations that is unmanned. During normal working hours (08.15 - 1700 Mon - Fri) we have an employee overseeing the works. Our contractors and sub-contractors wish to carry on with works at weekends. As it is a big job being carried out there are numerous safety measures in place. Although we have a duty of care for all who attend any of our sites; are we at liberty to allow works to continue without a representitive of our company being present? Any info on this would be greatly appreciated; I have looked through CDM regs etc. but this area seems a little muddled (well my head is anyway!) Many thanks
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RayRapp  
#2 Posted : 14 June 2011 11:41:06(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp
Indeed, this area of h&s law is not very clear regarding several regulations and guidance. The only option to ensure you stay on the right side of the law is to provide supervision at weekends. After all, if you are already providing it for week days, then what good reason would you have for not providing it at weekends if the Inspector should come calling? That's my view anyway, others may disagree.
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David Bannister  
#3 Posted : 14 June 2011 11:54:27(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
David Bannister
Why are you providing supervision? If you have doubts about the competency of your contractor then the answer is clear: continue to supervise whilst work is being done. If it is for you to be able to answer technical questions, can this be done remotely or does it need a pair of eyes on the job?
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Nick House  
#4 Posted : 14 June 2011 12:34:23(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Guest
Are you using a principal contractor, who is in turn employing the sub contractors? If this is the case, should the principal contractor not be 'overseeing' the works, reporting back regularly to a secific person/ team within the company - who in turn would be making periodic site visits?
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Nick House  
#5 Posted : 14 June 2011 12:35:26(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Guest
'specific' - sorry.
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Ron Hunter  
#6 Posted : 15 June 2011 11:17:44(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter
You need not be there 24/7 but you must be confident that the management arrangements, induction, emergency arrangements etc. will all operate correctly in your absence. In a practical sense, you must be confident that someone is "in charge", and I would advise that there is an emergency contact at all times for a responsible person from your company.
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