Health and safety
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why is Health and Safety important? | Using effective health and safety procedures will: • Provide a safer environment for those involved in property and construction. • Result in higher productivity, and • Lessen the chance of having accidents or suffering illness. If we are to make a difference, and make our industry a safer place to work, we have to take personal responsibility to make it happen by eliminating or reducing risks, and planning and controlling the risks that remain for ourselves, to our colleagues and the public at large. |
| What is RICS’ Position on Health & safety management? | RICS believe that health and safety management should be an integral part of good business and project management as, ultimately, healthier and safer projects are also more profitable projects. All those involved in the construction industry should be committed unequivocally to reducing further onsite risks and hazards with an ultimate goal of preventing all fatalities. |
| Are you aware of any guidance the RICS produce concerning Health & Safety? | The RICS produce the professional standard, ‘Surveying Safely 2nd Edition’. This sets out good principles for the management of health and safety for RICS regulated firms and RICS members. |
| What is PPE? What is included in PPE? | PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipments. It includes Helmets/hard hats, safety shoes, coveralls, safety glasses, hand gloves, ear protection, welding shields, dust masks etc. |
| What site rules can be implemented for health and safety? | Security – Security for areas and facilities, Gate passes (site access), Security control and reports, Only enter and leave the site through approved entrances, Violation of security rules will lead to disciplinary action Personnel Identification – Photo identification/badges/stickers Training – Orientation prior to start work, Proof of training to be carried at ALL times, Contractor Induction, Contractor EHS Training programme Construction EHS Plan – Pre Job Meeting, Job Safety Assessment (JSA), Method Statement, Procedures Construction Equipment and Tools – Proper and sufficient tools, Homemade tools not allowed, Inspections of construction equipment, Third party inspections, inspection of records and equipment, approval before allowed on site Cleanliness and Drainage of Site – Work area cleanliness, Adequate drainage system, Waste management system, Segregation at source, Approved Method of Disposal, Proof of Correct Disposal Pollution – Prevent contamination of water, soil, & the air Lubrication and Fuel – Storage and disposal Materials Storage – Material Inspection Report, Hazardous material, Storage, Inventory, MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), Fire Protection – Adequate fire-watches/fire protections Work Site Location & Access Roads – “SIGNED” system of traffic management, Maximum speed limits, Adhere to boundary limits of Access roads, Parking areas, Storage areas, Construction areas |
| What is the safe maximum sound limit for human beings? | As per the World Health Organisation, the safe volume level of any sound for our ears is below 85 dB for maximum durations of eight hours. Anything above 85 dB for a prolonged duration of time can cause temporary damage to sensitive tissues of the ears or even permanent hearing loss. |
| What to do in event of serious injury requiring urgent medical treatment? | I would assess the situation first without putting myself in immediate danger. I would then call the emergency services if the injury is serious and raise the alarm to call for help. e.g. fracture or suspected internal injuries – DO NOT MOVE the Injured Person – Contact Emergency services 999, They will respond & deal with the injured person in the best possible manner – Inform supervision and the HSE Dept |
| What to do in case of emergency alarm? | Stop work when alarm is sounded, Turn off all equipment, Do not run stay calm, Walk quickly to nearest assembly point, await instructions. |
| What are the causes of fire? | – Smoking around flammable or explosive materials and improper dispose of cigarettes butts – Sparks generated by hot work – Sparks resulting from metallic objects banging together – Dropping containers of volatile substances – Sparks caused by dropping tools – Faults in electrical equipment – Static electricity – Mixing incompatible substances because of wrongly labelled containers; and – Hazardous substance spills |
| What is Fire triangle? | The fire triangle, or combustion triangle, is the three components needed to ignite and sustain a fire. The three ingredients of a fire triangle are; heat, fuel and oxygen. If just one of these components is removed, the fire triangle will collapse and the fire will be extinguished. 1. Heat – A source of heat is required in order for ignition to occur, and different materials have different ‘flash points’ e.g. the lowest temperature at which they ignite. 2. Fuel – A fire cannot begin if there is no material to burn. Homes and businesses are full of flammable materials, such as paper, oil, wood and fabrics. Any of these can serve as a fuel for a fire. Some materials burn more easily than others. Fuels are probably the most difficult ‘side’ of the fire triangle to remove, so it’s wise to store them appropriately to prevent them becoming a fire hazard. 3. Oxygen – To sustain the combustion reaction, oxygen (or an oxidising agent) is needed, as it reacts with the burning fuel to release heat and CO2. Earth’s atmosphere consists of 21% oxygen, so there is plenty available to trigger a fire if the other two components are present. Fire blankets and certain fire extinguishers remove the oxygen ‘side’ of the triangle by removing it or displacing it, causing suffocation and thereby ceasing the combustion reaction. |
| Why is housekeeping important? | Poor housekeeping causes accidents and injuries, Poor housekeeping delays the work. A tidy site is a safe site. |
| What is Hot work? | HOT WORK – means any work where heat or sparks may be generated – making it possible to ignite flammable liquids, vapours, gases. This work includes: • Welding, • Cutting, Grinding, • Chipping, • Use of electrical equipment, • Use of petrol/diesel engines • Hot Work permit will be required • Fire protection prior to starting work • Protection for existing plant and equipment • Fire Check will be conducted after the completion of work (for 1 hour) |
| What precautions to take while WORKING AT HEIGHTS (WAH)? | •All operatives will undertake training for WAH •Working at Heights of over 2m HARNESS shall be provided •Lanyards to be tied off to suitable anchor point •Shock absorber / restraining lanyards are required as identified in the applicable risk assessment •Dual lanyards to be issued with harness •Visually inspect lanyards, harness, carabiner for proper color code •Tie off point must be strong enough and above the person •Safety harness must be used in elevated work platforms and man-baskets •To violate the site 100% tie off program is very serious HSE violation and will result disciplinary action |
| What precautions to take while using ladders? | •Check for defects and for correct inspection tag •Must project at least 1m above the platform •Must be tied off at the top •Must have anti skid footing •4:1 height/base ratio •Do not stand on top 2 rungs •Only approved ladders to be used for electrical work – Portable METAL LADDERS or timber ladders with metal fittings must not be used where there is a risk of contact with electricity. |
| What precautions to take while using scaffolding? | • Never alter scaffolding unless you are an authorized scaffolder. • Always check the last inspection date on the “Inspection” tag. • Inspection must be done every 7 days by Scaffold Inspector. • Ensure that the Safe Working Load (SWL) of the scaffold is not exceeded. • If you detect any faults with a scaffold, even if it has a valid “Inspection Tag“ report the problem to your supervisor, Your supervisor shall report it to the Authorised Inspector immediately |
| When you are visiting the site you have noticed unprotected excavation, what action you will take? During site visit, you notice an unsafe act by an worker, what you do? | I will ‘stop’ the works immediately. HSE is everybody’s responsibility. Then I will inform site HSE coordinator / engineer to take care about the unsafe working conditions. |
| How you will take-care safety by yourself? | • I will make sure that I am familiar with my organisation’s health and safety policy and arrangements for implementing safe working procedures • I will comply with the office safety policy and ensure that any equipment I may use is in good and safe condition • I will Comply with my organisation’s safe systems of work, or ensure one is put in place prior to carrying out work, particularly where a risk assessment shows that a hazard exists • I will refuse to overlook unsafe working practices by myself or others and distribute information on hazards • I will make sure my advice to clients will minimise the risk to the health and safety of others • Make sure I am aware of any hazards which may exist, together with any safe working instructions, which have been issued by clients prior to carrying work at their premises • If I am working alone, I will make sure to follow my organisation’s lone working procedures. In other words, follow the dictates of common sense. |
| What H&S precautions do you take when visiting a construction site? | I ensure that I wear the necessary PPE including:- Hard Hat, High Viz Vest., Boots, Gloves, Eye Protection, Ear protection. I also ensure that I have had a site induction, signed in and made myself known to the site team. |
| Who do you inform that you are going on site? | I always sign in on site using the sign in book and check in with the site manager to gain an understanding of any key health and safety issues. I make sure my manager is kept aware of my movements. |
| What is the code for H&S regulation in UAE? | • Code of Construction Safety Practice (Drafted as per “The Environmental Protection Regulations”) • UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice by Civil Defence |
| What is the authority in Dubai for Fire? | DCD – Dubai Civil Defense |
| Which are the HSE authorities in UAE? | The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is the primary federal authority responsible for environmental protection and HSE matters across the country. Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) responsible for ensuring the safety, health, and welfare of workers. Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) responsible for developing and implementing health policies and programs to regulating healthcare providers and facilities and responding to public health emergencies. General Directorate of Civil Defence (DCD), Ministry of Interior responsible for protecting people, property, and the environment from the effects of disasters and emergencies. |
| What is the emergency number for fire? | Police 999 Fire Department 997 Ambulance 999 Electricity 991 Water 991 |
| There is Safety violation on site. What do you do as a QS? | Stop the works and informing to safety in charge, further seek for NCR from the Engineer to hold some money against PCs until NCR is closed. |
| Who is responsible for HSE in your Project? | Safety is everybody’s responsibility. Contractor’s HSE in charge is responsible for implementation of HSE policy. |
| Have you attended any Tool-box Meeting? What is it? | Toolbox talks are quick and easy to understand work safety meetings conducted before a shift. Also known as safety briefings, pre-start, or take 5 safety talks, a toolbox talk is ideally conversational in tone and takes about 5-10 minutes of engaging workers to discuss their awareness of health and safety risks associated with their tasks. • The meeting is attended by all the employees in the workgroup or team; • The meeting is conducted by first line supervision; • The meeting is usually “on-the-job” or in the workplace; • The meeting is generally focused on the issues under the control of the workgroup, or which directly affect them. These will include production issues, quality, discipline concerns, and of course occupational health and safety; and • The meetings are of a short duration, but conducted frequently and when required. |
| What does Safety Plan include? | A “health and safety plan” means a documented plan which addresses hazards identified and includes safe work procedures to mitigate, reduce or control the hazards identified. |
| Who are the responsible bodies for Health & Safety in Dubai? | DM, Dubai Civil Defense, Dubai Police, ministry of health, labour ministry |
| Is there anything about safety in method statement? | Yes. Every method statements shall include safety of the works. Work method statements can assist employers or self-employed people to consider how certain activities will be carried out safely. Further ….A work method statement, sometimes referred to as a safe work method statement or a safe work procedure, is a part of a workplace safety plan. It is predominately used in construction to describe a document that gives specific instructions on how to safely perform a work related task, or operate a piece of plant or equipment. In many countries it is law to have work method statements, or similar, in place to advise employees and contractors on how to perform work related tasks safely. |
| Why is asbestos dangerous? | Asbestos fibres are present in the environment. So people are exposed to very low levels of fibres. However, a key factor in the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease is the total number of fibres breathed in. Working on or near damaged asbestos-containing materials or breathing in high levels of asbestos fibres, which may be many hundreds of times that of environmental levels could increase your chances of getting an asbestos-related disease like lung cancer, mesothelioma. |
| When you notice asbestos at site, what you do? | Do not touch or disturb the material. Keep everyone, including pets, away from the area. Seal off the area if possible, using plastic sheeting and tape. Do not sweep, vacuum, or dust the area. Contact a licensed asbestos abatement professional immediately. |
| On the project described in your critical analysis, what measures did you or your company take to ensure good standards of health and safety when either undertaking your work or delivering the project? | As part of my firms health & safety working procedures, the following items are put in place to ensure good standards of health and safety are achieved:- Preparation of work risk assessments. Wearing of personal protective equipment on site. Adhering to contractor’s site rules. Attending site inductions. Ensuring health and safety is discussed at meetings. Reporting of visible risks. |
| What is a risk assessment? What is Safety risk analysis? | A risk assessment is a careful examination of what hazards in your line of work could cause harm to people. This is to establish whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent potential harm. The law does not expect all risk to be eliminated but you are required to protect people as far as ‘reasonably practicable’. |
| What are the 5 steps to risk assessment? | Step 1 – Identify the hazards. Step 2 – Decide who might be harmed and how. Step 3 – Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions. Step 4 – Record your findings and implement them. Step 5 – Review your assessment and update if necessary. |
| What kinds of incidents are the causation of most deaths within the construction industry? | Falls from height. |
| What is the biggest cause of long-term health issues in the construction industry? | Breathing in Hazardous Dust and Fumes. |
| What does the Beaufort Scale measure? | The Beaufort Scale is used to measure windspeed which is important when working on site. |
| When are visitors most likely to have an accident on a construction site? | When they make their first visit to a new site. |
| What is Occupational Health and Safety? | Occupational health and safety (OHS) is a practice that deals with the safety, health, welfare and wellbeing of people when they are at work. |
| What is HSE Policy? | A health and safety policy is a document outlining an organisation’s commitment and approach to managing health and safety in the workplace. The policy is ultimately signed off by the person at the head of the organisation. Usually there are three sections to a health and safety policy. 1. Statement of intent – sets out the organisation’s aims and objectives. 2. Roles and responsibilities – outlines who has specific responsibility for managing health and safety and what they are responsible for. 3. Arrangements – this section is likely to be the largest part of your health and safety policy. It details how risks are managed in the workplace and often includes: risk assessments safety procedures training of workers consultations such as safety committees or on-site meetings emergency and evacuation arrangements. |
| What is Means of Access or Egress? | Access and egress refer to the rate or means of entry and exit to a workplace. Access and Egress are fundamental aspects to the safe working conditions that should prevail within any workplace. Over 30% of workplace accidents are as a result of slips, trips and falls. |
| What is hazard and risk? | Hazard is something with the potential to cause harm to someone. Risk is the likelihood (whether high or low) of the harm being caused. |
| What is an Incident and Accident? | An incident is an event that has unintentionally happened, but this may not result in damage, harm or injury. An accident is an event that has unintentionally happened, that results in damage, injury or harm. |
| What is a near miss? | OSHA defines a near miss as an incident in which no property was damaged and no personal injury was sustained, but where, given a slight shift in time or position, damage or injury easily could have occurred. |
| What are most common health and safety risks in the construction industry? | Working from height. Falls, trips and slips. Moving equipment. Noise. Vibration. Manual handling. Collapses. Asbestos. |
| What is an Occupational Accident (Employment injury)? | An occupational accident is considered to be any accident experienced by a worker during and due to the performance of their employment contract, and which causes injury. An occupational accident is also any accident that occurs on the way to or from work. |
| What is an Occupational disease? | An occupational disease or industrial disease is any chronic ailment that occurs as a result of work or occupational activity. Examples include contact dermatitis, eczema, or rash caused by primary irritants and sensitizers or poisonous plants; oil acne; chrome ulcers; chemical burns or inflammations. Respiratory conditions. Examples include silicosis, asbestosis, pneumonitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis or acute congestion, and farmer’s lung. |
| What are the various colours used in the Safety system? | Red – for emergency stops, fire protection equipment, and danger about workplace-related hazards that can incur significant injury. Yellow – Marks physical hazards and signals caution Orange – to convey Warning, which indicates the potential for a hazard to cause severe injury or death. Green – for indicating first-aid equipment and exit signs Fluorescent orange or orange-red – Biological Hazard Purple – to signify radiation hazards |
| What are the various colour tags used in the Scaffolding system? | Green – safe to use for intended purpose Yellow – Caution. This Scaffold Does Not Meet Safety Regulations. Safety Harness Must Be Used Red – Warning. This Scaffold Is Not Complete. Do Not Use |
| What is CDM regulations? | CDM cover the management of health, safety and welfare when carrying out construction projects in UK. |
| What are the HSE provisions for the Workers in UAE? | According to Clause 13 of Article 13 of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, the employer is obliged to provide a safe and appropriate work environment to his employees, provide the necessary means of protecting from the hazards of occupational injuries and diseases, provide appropriate training, place instructional boards with awareness materials etc. Midday break – all work performed directly under the sun and in open places shall not be allowed between the peak hours of 12.30 pm and 3 pm from 15 June to 15 September every year. Workers should be provided with safety gear and suitable clothing to protect them against injuries and dangers. They shall undergo medical examination to detect any occupational disease they may have contracted. Health insurance for workers, workmen compensation insurance should be there. |
| What are necessary services to be provided for the Workers working in remote areas? | Suitable means of transport, suitable accommodation, potable water, suitable foodstuff, medical aid services, and means of entertainment and sports activities. |
| What is Emergency evacuation plan? | Emergency evacuation plans are developed to ensure the safest and most efficient evacuation time of all expected residents of a structure, city, or region. |
| What is Assembly point? | a location designated as the place for a group to meet or for people to gather in an emergency so that head count of people can be done to ensure no one is left behind during an emergency. |
| What is First aid? | First aid is the first and immediate assistance given to any person with a medical emergency, with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, or to promote recovery until medical services arrive. First aid is generally performed by someone with basic medical or first response training. First aid deals promptly with minor injuries like cuts, scratches, bruises and burns.Trained first-aid personnel should be available and their names exhibited at the location. |
| What are the things to be available in the First aid box? | Guidance card, plastic band aids, adhesive tape, absorbent cotton bundle, gauze bandage, oval eye pads, triangular bandage, ammonia inhalant bottle, eye wash, first aid cream, paracetamol tablets, rescue breather, surgical scissors, anti-sceptic solution. |
| How many First aid box must be provided as per UAE law? | At least 1 First Aid box should be provided per 150 employees and one additional complete set for up to 250 employees. Where there are 250 or more workers at work, a first-aid room of size 20 sq. meters containing the prescribed equipment and material under the charge of a qualified first-aider must be provided. |
| What is Health and Safety at Work act? | The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in Great Britain. |
| What is Construction Waste management plan? | Construction Waste management plan sets out how resources will be managed and waste controlled at all stages during a construction project. It covers: • Who will be responsible for resource management. • What types of waste will be generated. • How the waste will be managed – will it be reduced, reused or recycled? • Which contractors will be used to ensure the waste is correctly recycled or disposed of responsibly and legally. • How the quantity of waste generated by the project will be measured. |
| What is Fire protection? | Fire protection is the study and practice of mitigating the unwanted effects of potentially destructive fires. |
| What is Active fire protection? | Active systems provide immediate response and fire suppression, it requires an action to detect, respond to, contain, or suppress a fire. Active Fire Protection Examples: Smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, Fire hydrants. |
| What is Passive Fire Protection? | Passive fire protection systems protect a building against fire without needing a specific operational action. The key elements of passive fire protection systems are fire-resistant walls, heavy-duty fire doors, and fire-resistant glass. Other assets can sometimes be passively protected through spray-applied fireproofing. |
| What is Fire alarm and detection system? | A fire alarm system is a building system designed to detect, alert occupants, and alert emergency forces of the presence of fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, or other fire-related emergencies. |
| What is Life jacket? | Life jackets are designed to keep you afloat in water. They will automatically turn you into a face-up position, keeping your mouth and nostrils clear of the water to prevent the risk of drowning. This is particularly important if, for any reason, you are unconscious when you fall into the water. |
| What is UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice? | It is this code that highlights guidelines on the prevention and suppression of fire in commercial, residential, industrial and public buildings. According to the Code, it purpose is to prescribe minimum guidelines for determining design, construction, modification and installation of buildings, structures, occupancies, fire detection systems, fire protection systems, fire prevention systems and life safety concerns to achieve safer societies. Owners, designers, consultants, contractors, suppliers, installation and maintenance companies are obliged to follow the minimum requirements of the codes and regulations. |
| You are visiting the Project site first time to check the work progress, what you do? | Before visiting a premises or site to carry out an inspection, the RICS member should carry out a pre-assessment of the hazards and risks that are likely to be encountered on the visit. The pre-assessment should include the requirement for appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). On arrival, review the original risk assessment of the hazards and be alert during the visit to other hazards. After completing the visit, the premises or site should be left secure and any occupier or manager who is present at the premises or site should be informed that you are leaving. Similarly, it is recommended that someone in the office or at home knows where you are and when you are due to return. Let them know as you leave and confirm when you expect to be back. |
| A topmost VIP wants to enter your site without any PPE where you are the only one standing at the entrance to the site, what would you do? | Explain to them the importance of wearing PPE. If they still don’t agree, ask them to wait until you stop all activities on site and ensure safe path for them to visit the site. |
| How is H&S addressed in prequalification documents and what you will get under H&S? | INSURANCE/WORKERS’ COMPENSATION HEALTH & SAFETY PERFORMANCE – statistics such as Total hours worked, Fatalities, Lost time injuries, safe manhours etc. HEALTH & SAFETY PROGRAM |
| What is a Safety budget and what does it include? | A safety budget is a financial plan that outlines the allocation of resources for various safety-related activities and initiatives within an organization. It helps ensure that sufficient funds are available to maintain a safe and healthy work environment. The main elements of a safety budget typically include: Staff salaries, Costs related to safety training and development, Safety Equipment and Gear, Safety Programs and Initiatives, Training and Certification, Safety Inspections and Audits, Funds for equipment and resources needed during emergencies, safety-related materials, including posters, newsletters, and digital communications, Contingency Fund, etc. |
| What are the responsibilities of Health and Safety department? | 1. ensuring that a business complies with health and safety regulations 2. advising businesses on how to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees in the workplace 3. identify hazards and carry out assessments of risk 4. monitor working conditions and the effective application of risk controls 5. ensure that all employees follow the rules regarding safety and health. 6. Conducting workplace inspections 7. Providing training and education about safe systems of work 8. Conducting investigations into safety incidents 9. Implementing policies related to health and safety 10. Guiding employees in case of an emergency situation 11. Monitoring safety performance |
| What is safety education and training? | Safety education and training provides employers, managers, supervisors, and workers with: 1. Knowledge and skills needed to do their work safely and avoid creating hazards that could place themselves or others at risk. 2. Awareness and understanding of workplace hazards and how to identify, report, and control them. 3. Specialized training, when their work involves unique hazards. |
| What is a safety induction? | A safety induction is conducted to welcome new employees to the company and prepare them for their new role. It ensures workers are fully informed about the organization and are aware of their work and responsibilities, along with the risks and hazards that may come with their job. A construction site induction is a safety briefing given to workers at the start of the project. It tells them about the safety rules and controls in place, the hazards they might be exposed to, and how to work safely on the site. It is very similar to the induction you would get when you start a new job. |
| What is safety record keeping? | Safety records encompass documentation related to incidents, near misses, training, and equipment maintenance. These records provide a comprehensive overview of a company’s commitment to maintaining a safe working environment. |
| What is safety inspection and audits? | A safety inspection is an on-site walk through to identify potential hazards to occupants and personnel and options for remedial action. A safety audit is a systematic process aimed at identifying the hazards and risks in a workplace and assessing whether existing measures comply with applicable industry standards and regulations. During the audit, auditors observe the work environment, equipment, and different processes to determine the organization’s adherence to safety practices, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that safety protocols are being followed properly. |
| What are to be covered under the Safety Induction? | 1. Site Overview 2. Site-Specific Hazards 3. Health and Safety Policies 4. Work Procedures and Rules 5. Communication Protocols 6. Waste Management and Housekeeping 7. Training and Competency 8. Emergency Contacts and Resources 9. Site Management and Personnel Details |
| What is safe person concept? | RICS considers the concept of a ‘safe person’ to mean that each individual assumes individual behavioural responsibility for their own, their colleagues’ and others’ health and safety while at work |
| As per Surveying Safely guide, what does Vigilance mean? | remaining vigilant, at all times, for their own safety and that of colleagues and others |
| What is Zero tolerance in terms of HSE Policy | A zero-tolerance policy is one that aims to eliminate any injuries, accidents, or violations of safety rules by imposing strict penalties and consequences for offenders. |
| What is your understanding on COSHH? | COSHH stands for ‘Control of Substances Hazardous to Health’. COSHH is a set of regulations in UK put in place to protect workers from ill health when working with specific substances and materials. Breach of COSHH regulations by an employer or employee is a crime, punishable by an unlimited fine. The ‘substances’ part of COSHH includes any form of hazardous material, including liquids, solids, fumes, dust, vapours, fibres, nano-particles, mists, gases and biological agents such as bacteria and viruses. The ‘hazardous’ part includes damage to lungs, skin, nose, mouth, genes, internal organs, eyes or central nervous system as well as the risk of injury due to combustion or explosion. |
| What is a Safe Journey Plan? | It is a process used by organisations to ensure their travelling workforce are safe, prior to, during and post travel. It involves: Risk Assessment: Evaluate potential risks associated with the journey, such as road conditions, weather, security threats, and health risks. Determine the level of risk for each segment of the journey. Journey Plan: Define the route, considering the safest and most efficient path. Establish checkpoints or rest stops, especially for long journeys. Determine the expected duration of the journey. Vehicle and Equipment Check: Ensure that the vehicle is in good working condition. Check necessary equipment, such as communication devices, first aid kits, and safety gear. Communication Protocol: Establish a communication plan, detailing how often the traveller should check-in and through which means (e.g., phone, radio, GPS tracking). Provide travellers with emergency contact numbers. Training and Briefing: Ensure that the traveller is aware of potential risks and knows how to respond to emergencies. Brief them on the journey’s specifics, including the route, checkpoints, and expected duration. Monitoring: Track the traveller’s progress using GPS or periodic check-ins. Monitor external factors that might affect the journey, such as sudden weather changes or security alerts. Emergency Response: Have a clear protocol in place for emergencies, detailing how to respond to various scenarios, from vehicle breakdowns to security threats. Ensure rapid communication channels are available for immediate assistance. |
