Health & Safety In construction

Improving the construction sector’s health and safety records is high on the agenda of both the industry and the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE). SCI is very supportive of such agenda and in 2004 began work on the 'Trojan Horse' project which conveys vital health and safety information on construction sites by applying graphical messages onto site components and equipment. This HSE sponsored project was also supported by a number of major contractors and industry bodies such as Skanska, Taylor-Woodrow, Multiplex, Bovis and Mace.

Objectives

The aim of the Trojan Horse project is to deliver safety messages directly to site operatives by attaching pictorial messages directly to the material or equipment being used to ensure timeliness and relevance. The pictorial elements of this unique technique not only communicate vital information to construction workers from various backgrounds at the right place and time but also overcome language barriers.

The Trojan Horse project clearly demonstrates that awareness of the messages increases after repeated exposure to the messages and observations suggest positive impact on operatives’ behaviour.

Benefits

The outcome of the pilot project is now being used to further improve Health and Safety on construction through a dedicated website, which will enable the various disciplines within the construction industry to download the messages and all relevant information to raise awareness. The Trojan Horse messaging technique can be used as part of a health and safety strategy to deliver a safer working environment and is a good example of a successful working partnership within the construction industry that will lead to real benefits in reducing risks on construction sites.

As the UK prepares to welcome more European workers to work on the Olympics complex it is critical that key aspects of health and safety are largely understood and embraced by site workers regardless of their native language. The Trojan Horse messaging technique contributes to a safer environment for construction workers and represents a sustainable solution to the problems of language barriers.

For more information, please contact: Nancy Baddoo
Tel: +44 (0)1344 636547 or email: n.baddoo@steel-sci.com