HEALTH AND SAFETY

Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP) 

The health and safety function on a construction project is critical. The role of the Project Supervisor for the Design Process (PSDP) is a legal requirement and must be undertaken to co-ordinate the health and safety considerations from project initiation to handover. The PSDP must be appointed before design work commences. This is to ensure effectiveness in addressing and co-ordinating safety and health matters from the very early stages of a project.

The responsibility of the PSDP is to ensure the co-ordination of the work of designers throughout the project. Our engineers have extensive experience in carrying out the role of PSDP on projects of all scales and levels of complexity. Acting as your PSDP, we can offer you advice and support with:

• Your obligations under Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013
• Identifying hazards arising from the design or from the technical, organisational, planning or time related aspects of the project
• How to eliminate hazards or reduce risks
• Ensuring that the work of designers is co-ordinated and achieves safety
• Organising co-operation between designers
• Preparing the safety file for the completed construction project
• Notifying the Health & Safety Authority and you of non-compliance with any written directions issued

Working with us gives you the confidence in knowing that your statutory obligations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 are met. Our knowledge and experience gives you peace of mind that the health and safety element of the project is compliant and professionally managed.

Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS) 

The Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS) is a key appointment in the construction process. Introduced with the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006 and not dissimilar to the PSDP, a PSCS is required if:

• Work is to last more than 30 days, or
• Work is to last more than 500 person days or
• Project involves a ‘particular risk’, or
• Project requires more than 1 contractor.

The PSCS is a significant ‘duty holder’ for a project and must be appointed, in writing, by the client. In effect, this may be prompted by the PSCS themselves, or PSDP, as the client may not be aware of their responsibility. The PSCS must also provide written confirmation of acceptance of the role.

The aim of the PSCS is to minimise the potential safety risks that may arise during the operation of the site or the property. In that role, we work with the design team to ensure that any recommendations made to them and the client take account of the General Principles of Prevention.

The ORS Health and Safety team provides the role of PSCS on behalf of many clients.  Working with us gives you the confidence in knowing that your statutory obligations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 are met. Our knowledge and experience give you peace of mind that the health and safety element of the project is compliant and professionally managed.

The PSCS may be filled by an organisation or individual. The PSCS can, but is not required to, appoint an individual Health & Safety Coordinator to assist with the PSCS duties.

The regulations do not prohibit the same organisation (or person) from being appointed as both PSDP and PSCS. It is, however, good practice for different people within the organisation to fulfil the individual responsibilities.

The PSCS has a key role in coordinating the activities of all the contractors involved in a project. Duties include:

• Develop and update the Construction Stage Safety & Health Plan
• Coordinate the implementation of the Construction Regulations
• Organise cooperation between contractors
• Notify the HSA before work commences, if applicable
• Coordinate the checking of safe work procedures and monitor compliance
• Coordinate arrangements to ensure workers have SafePass and relevant CSCS cards
• Coordinate measures to restrict entry to site
• Coordinate the reporting of accidents to the HSA
• Coordinate the appointment of a Safety Representative, when there are 20+ people on site
• Appoint a Safety Advisor when there are 100+ people on site
• Provide required safety file information to the PSDP

Often, the PSCS will also be the main contractor for the project. For small and medium scale projects this can be very practical. For large or complex projects, the appointment of a specialist company as PSCS, taking on the coordination duties, facilitates a smooth delivery of the project. Even for small projects, the appointment of a separate PSCS can free up the main contractor to focus on site issues such as programme and quality.

PSCS H&S Co-Ordinator role

Members of the ORS Health and Safety team also act as the H&S Co-Ordinator for the appointed PSCS on many projects. Under the construction regulations 2013, the PSCS can be a company, however there should be a nominated person available to complete the day to day duties of the PSCS. In some cases, this may be a dual role along with another individual within the company.  This H&S Co-Ordinator provides support in terms of setting up a H&S system and provides guidance throughout the project.

Health and Safety Assessments/Site Safety Audits

The ORS Health and Safety management team comprises highly qualified and experienced professionals.  Their skills lie in the areas of safety assessments and audits on a range of projects from across Ireland.

Work in this area typically includes an initial visit by an ORS team member to your premises or site. During this visit, we collect vital information on the efficiency, effectiveness and reliability of the entire health and safety management system.  Post visit, we draw up detailed reports and plans for corrective action that may be necessary.

All of our audits are carried out using the latest technology. This allows for an effective process for the reporting stage.  The result is an informative report, provided to the client with detailed advice, recommendations and quick turnaround time.