As all ACAD members will know, welfare is a fundamental and basic necessity for workers. Providing the right welfare standard sets the tone for a project and demonstrates a commitment to meeting workers’ needs.

To support HSE enforcement in this area, Matt Greenly HM Inspector of Health and Safety, Portfolio holder for Construction Welfare has finalised HSE Internal Operational Guidance following a period of development from a range of HSE Inspectors and others.

This guidance sets out the approach Inspectors and Visiting Officers should take when inspecting issues related to welfare on construction sites.  This has also led to the enhancement of the highly regarded ACAD Site Audit, which now reflects the clearer HSE expectation.  The development of this guide has considered industry perception and understanding of the term welfare and the interpretation of the requirements of Schedule 2 of CDM.

Graham Warren, ACAD Manager commented “This new internal ops guidance will provide everyone with a clearer focus on welfare requirements and more defined expectations which should lead to an improved enforcement consistency throughout the UK.  This guidance provides clarity around a range of elements including the acceptable distance to a WC, the volume of drinking water that should be provided by the employer, as well as ensuring Licensed Asbestos sites are no longer solely focussed on accommodating male workers”.

The new guidance can be accessed here.

In addition, Matt Greenly is expected to be attending the ACAD NW regional meeting on Tuesday 7th March to provide background to this and answer any questions from members. To book on this on any of the others click here.