Risk assessment is a crucial element of the UK’s construction industry. Construction companies, contractors, employers and workers are all responsible for understanding, assessing and mitigating health and safety risks to avoid injury.

In this blog from Safety Systems Technology UK, we will explore machine safety in the construction industry and provide tips on how you can ensure safety and avoid incidents.

What Do We Mean By Machine Safety?

Machine safety in the construction industry encompasses the range of measures taken and solutions utilised to reduce the risk of harm to workers and ensure machines operate safely.

This includes physical machine guarding, such as barriers, enclosures, gates, interlocking devices and bespoke machine guarding systems. It also includes safety systems, such as emergency stop buttons and stop time testing, which measures the amount of time it takes for a machine to come to a stop after a protective device has been triggered.

Machine safety also relates to personal protection equipment (PPE) worn by those operating the machine and the necessary signage that needs to be displayed in the vicinity.

Ongoing machine maintenance, regular inspections, PUWER Assessments, and employee training are also necessary to ensure that machine safety compliance is achieved in the construction industry.

The Importance Of Machine Safety In The Construction Industry

Heavy machinery, plant vehicles and specialised equipment are regularly used within all areas of the construction sector, including demolition, manufacturing and building. Construction sites also regularly have hazardous areas, which often include moving parts.

Employee Safety

Unfortunately, machine-related incidents are not uncommon in the UK’s construction industry. In fact, the construction industry has some of the highest rates of workplace injuries and fatalities.

By complying with health and safety regulations in relation to machine safety, construction companies and employers can reduce the risk of workplace incidents and protect their workforce.

Legal Compliance

Ensuring adequate machine safety is in place will also ensure that your company is adhering to the necessary legal requirements, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

Aside from increasing the risk for your workforce, failing to comply with these legal requirements can also result in penalisation, including hefty fines and even imprisonment.

Financial Implications

Neglecting to prioritise machine safety on your construction site can also lead to severe financial implications if a machine-related incident occurs.

For example, you may be responsible for paying medical expenses, legal fees, increased insurance premiums, and lost productivity. You may also have to pay to replace or repair the machinery/equipment involved in the incident.

Complying with health and safety regulations is in your best interest and can help your construction company build a solid reputation and attract more business.

How Safety Systems Technology UK Can Help You

At Safety Systems Technology, we specialise in bespoke machinery safety solutions for a range of valued clients across the UK.

We have a wealth of experience in providing innovative safety systems for companies across a range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, steel making, defence and aerospace, recycling, engineering and more.

Our services include designing and manufacturing advanced electrical engineering solutions as well as tailored perimeter and bespoke guarding systems.

We also offer fixed machinery access, safety circuits, electrical upgrades, safety component features and stop time testing. Our dedicated team of safety experts can also conduct equipment testing to ensure compliance with PUWER.

Get In Touch

If you require high-quality machine safety in the construction industry, get in touch with our team today. You can call us on 0845 075 0008, email us at info@safetysys.co.uk or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!