New construction codes of practice come into effect

Thursday 03 December 2020

Updated Codes of Practice have been introduced for the Bailiwick’s construction industry in an effort to ensure workplace safety in "high risk" and "ever-changing" site conditions.

After more than a year of development, the States' Health and Safety Executive has introduced the amended codes that include the "very latest best practice".

“Construction and building work is by its very nature a high-risk occupation, with people involved in this sector having to work in arduous conditions, often exposed to the elements, in a constantly changing workplace, which is taking form and shape as a result of their activities,” said Chief Health & Safety Officer Robin Gonard.

“The aim of this code is to help busy construction professionals in Guernsey carry out their tasks using appropriate control measures in what remains a high-risk industry.”

The new codes came into effect yesterday and the industry has until May 2021 to adapt to the changes.

Pictured: Updated legal requirements for health and safety in the construction industry have come into effect.

Requirements for construction standards and health and safety precautions have not changed, but the codes highlight additional areas the industry will need to consider.

“For most small projects, the [new] approach will require more coordination of construction work with other contractors,” said Mr Gonard.

“For larger projects, there is a greater emphasis on pre-construction planning, and the role of the health and safety project coordinator is crucial in ensuring that designers, principal contractors and subcontractors work together effectively to protect the health and safety of construction workers.”

Following the Approved Codes of Practice will mean that enough is being done to comply with legal requirements, but they are not requirements in and of themselves.

If a member of the construction industry is found to breach Health & Safety Law, and the relevant ACoP provisions have not been followed, it would need to be shown that the law was followed in some other way.

The Codes can be viewed on the States of Guernsey Website.