Health and Safety in Construction and Built Environment - Assignment Example

The Approved Code of Practice or ACOP has been developed with the aim of integrating health and safety in the Construction and Built Environment to meet the following objectives:

• improve from the very start the planning and management of projects;
• make an early assessment and identification of hazards in order to either reduce or eliminate them at the planning or the design stage;
• make concerted efforts towards creating health and safety parameters in these environments; and
• either discourage or do away with unnecessary bureaucracy.

The overall aim of these regulations is to stress the importance of health and safety at construction sites. These approved codes of conduct are for staff which includes trainees, volunteers, and those gaining work experience. Employees are as much responsible for their health and safety at construction sites as are their employers. They have to ensure their own safety while being at the site of work by using protective equipment and clothing, and they have also to make sure that they do not in a manner that endangers other employees' lives.

• The fundamental principle of ACoP is that contractors and clients need to plan in a proactive manner with regard to the risks that employees are likely to encounter at the construction sites and keeping in view these risks effective safety mechanisms are put in place so that these risks can be minimized.
• The code lays out conditions applicable on projects during, before, and after the work has begun so that correct standards and procedures are followed through all the phases of construction work.
• The code is also related to architects who are responsible for planning the projects. The projects should be such that they do not involve major risks as the construction commences.
• The company in general, its sub-contractors, all employees, and self-employed are bound by the regulations contained in the ACoP.