NHBC initiative puts emphasis on site safety

Following increased focus by the Government on health and safety issues in construction, the National House-Building Council (NHBC) has introduced a new site induction training kit that aims to cover all aspects of security on site.

The induction kit unfolds into an A3 flip chart, and operates as a training tool for anyone responsible for introducing new personnel on site. Illustrated by a series of large colour photographs and bullet points, the flip chart provides a step-by-step guide for site managers. Dealing with such issues as nominating a first-aider and how to deal with fires, the guide also alerts new staff to specific hazards associated with a particular sort of site.

Simon Mantle, NHBC Health and Safety Services Manager, said: “The importance of inducting operatives and visitors to site should not be underestimated. A significant proportion of all accidents that occur on sites happen within the first dew days of arrival. By carrying out a comprehensive induction, you help people who are unfamiliar with a site to avoid potential hazards. It’s about raising awareness.”

In addition to the general safety rule cards, the induction kit also contains helmet stickers and induction training record sheets.

The kit can also be tailored to each site and kept as a permanent record of individual on-site rules. (CL)