One of the most hazardous jobs occurs in the construction industry. Therefore, from an occupational safety perspective, coordination is one of the most important tasks. A variety of hazards can threaten workers on a construction site, such as electrical shocks, exposure to chemicals, cuts, falls, working in confined spaces, improper handling of heavy objects, and many more.
This is why it is crucial to focus on creating safe working conditions for employees. One of the most important aspects is the planning and execution, which requires hiring a qualified expert to carry out and enforce the essential tasks of construction safety coordination.
A good coordinator possesses the appropriate level of professional knowledge and can provide accurate and useful information about occupational safety obligations and regulations. In Hungary, the employment of a construction coordinator is mandated by the 4/2002 (II.20) SZCSM-EüM regulation. This regulation stipulates that the designer must employ a coordinator while preparing the construction documentation, and both the contractor and the employer are required to utilize a coordinator during the execution of the construction work.
Construction Coordination in Practice
This involves monitoring any non-compliance observed in the construction industry and proposing corrective action.
This includes inspecting personal protective equipment, addressing deficiencies in documentation, verifying the validity of fire extinguishers, ensuring medical fitness papers are in order, conducting risk assessments, and examining electrical equipment.
It also entails downloading documentation for hazardous materials and ensuring compliance with usage and storage regulations as specified. Safe storage of tools used in construction, checking the integrity of electrical cables, and properly cordoning off different areas of the building are critical tasks. Furthermore, it is essential to verify that other tools and ropes used during work are intact.
Construction coordination requires exceptional expertise, so it’s crucial to choose the right person for each specific task. A good coordinator can quickly identify incorrect events or issues and take immediate corrective action.
The construction coordinator collaborates closely with project managers and all individuals essential for ensuring safe working conditions.
In larger projects, multiple companies are often involved at the same site, and tasks are frequently performed simultaneously in the same area. This makes it crucial to highlight the dangers of parallel work.
For example, when someone is cutting with a flex tool while electrical wiring is being installed nearby, the situation can be life-threatening. Sparks could easily land on the wires, potentially leading to a fire. Fortunately, there are numerous solutions to mitigate such risks. A well-developed construction coordination plan, managed by a well-trained professional, anticipates these scenarios and implements safety measures to prevent accidents.
Professional Guidance for the Contractor Regarding All Questions
In addition to the tasks outlined above, they are granted additional rights by several large companies. This includes the authority to impose penalty points on subcontractors for safety deficiencies as specified in the contract. The main contractor can deduct these penalties from the subcontractor’s payment in the form of a penalty fee.
The construction coordinator is responsible for overseeing the safe work of multiple subcontractors operating simultaneously. They develop health and safety plans tailored to the different phases of the construction project, ensuring that safety standards are maintained throughout the process.
During construction activities involving buildings and facilities, serious accidents and injuries can occur. Risk factors arise, making it essential for individuals working on-site to be aware of these factors and their potential severity. Understanding and managing these risks is crucial to preventing accidents effectively.
Our occupational safety consultations are tailored to each client. For the follow-up and explanation of regulations, risk assessments, rule development, and the monitoring of safety compliance, as well as the precise execution of construction coordination tasks, contract with us.
