Step into the shoes of Nick, our committed Health and Safety Advisor, as we explore a typical day in his dynamic role. Health and safety is a field where no two days are the same, and Nick’s work ensures that safety standards are maintained, risks are mitigated, and compliance with regulations is upheld across all sites.
Morning Routine: Setting the Day in Motion
Nick’s day begins with a much-needed cup of tea and a review of his schedule. His morning routine involves carefully planning site visits, addressing pressing emails, and prioritising tasks to ensure efficient time management. This structured approach allows Nick to remain responsive to immediate H&S concerns while maintaining oversight of long-term safety strategies.
Site Visit 1: St Helen’s Council – Ruskin Sports Village Bath House Changing Rooms
Nick’s first site visit is to the Bath House Changing Rooms, where we are modernising the facilities as part of a comprehensive refurbishment. Upon arrival, he delivers a targeted toolbox talk on working on scaffolds, a persistent risk in construction environments. He highlights preventative measures, including effective housekeeping practices and proper safety procedures, to mitigate potential hazards.
Following the talk, Nick undertakes a detailed site walkthrough with the Contract Manager and Site Manager. Together, they review ongoing tasks, ensuring adherence to approved risk assessments and method statements (RAMS). Nick evaluates the implementation of control measures, such as signage, barriers, and access restrictions.
Site Visit 2: Manchester Metropolitan University Chatham Bridge
The next stop is Manchester Metropolitan University, where scaffolding is being utilised for structural enhancements to Chatham bridge. Nick conducts a comprehensive scaffold check, checking for compliance with Work at Height Regulations 2005.
He also audits the site’s Health and Safety Board, ensuring it displays up-to-date and accurate documentation, including emergency contacts, first-aid arrangements, and site-specific RAMS. By maintaining visibility and accessibility of safety information, Nick reinforces the culture of safety on-site.
Site Visit 3: Hopwood Hall – Theatre Rooms Refurbishment
Nick’s final visit of the day takes him to Hopwood Hall, where a refurbishment is underway. He reviews critical site documentation, such as the Construction Phase Plan (CPP) and COSHH assessments for hazardous materials in use. His keen eye identifies potential gaps or inefficiencies, which if any he addresses collaboratively with the Site Manager.
During the site walkthrough, Nick inspects operations for compliance with PPE requirements and evaluates risks associated with intricate tasks. He advises on best practices for hazard mitigation and ensures that all safety measures are in place to protect the workforce and stakeholders.
Afternoon: Office-Based Responsibilities
After a productive day on-site, Nick returns to the office to complete the administrative components of his role. He updates H&S files with findings from his visits, compiles reports for senior management and provides expert guidance to Site Managers and Contract Managers.
Nick also dedicates time to reviewing incident reports, identifying trends, and implementing preventative measures to reduce recurrence. Preparing for upcoming audits, inspections, and internal reviews forms a critical part of his afternoon tasks, ensuring that Greenmount Projects maintains exemplary standards of compliance and safety across all operations.
Reflections on a Dynamic Role
As the day concludes, Nick reflects on the multifaceted nature of his role. From delivering impactful safety briefings to conducting meticulous inspections and advising on compliance, his contributions are vital to keeping a safe, efficient, and legally compliant work environment. Every day brings new challenges, but Nick’s unwavering dedication ensures that safety remains at the forefront of everything Greenmount Projects undertakes.