Timber iQ Dec 2017 - Jan 2018 // Issue:35 | Page 54

CONTRIBUTORS Implementing proper health and safety on site It is important that individuals working on a construction site are supplied with and make use of personal protection equipment (otherwise known as PPE). By Werner Slabbert, director of Rustic Homes Correct PPE is imperative on a construction site. P PE items include safety paraphernalia like hard hats, safety harnesses, safety gloves, safety boots, overalls, safety goggles and earplugs, among others. Site or project managers must ensure that the sites they oversee are as hazard-free as possible at all times. HEALTH AND SAFETY BASICS The use of tools and equipment on a construction site also fall under regulations governing health and safety. Regulations state that each person on a construction site must go through the necessary training to competently 52 DECEMBER 2017 / JANUARY 2018 // use their equipment safely. Every individual on site who uses any tools or equipment must have attended and successfully completed a Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA)-accredited course on the use of a tool or piece of equipment. The training offered is broad and will usually cover several items of equipment in one course. The certificates awarded after successful completion of such a training course must be kept in a health and safety file, which should remain on site. The same principle applies to any aspect of the project with which a worker is involved, for