Reflective Account For Health And Safety

Since joining WSP | PB, I have gained working knowledge of my duties as a design engineer under CDM regulations 2007 and 2015. I have gained experience of assessing and managing risks while working on projects and understanding of my duties as a design engineer, to reduce risks in order to comply with the Health and Safety law. Most importantly I have understood the importance of knowing my competence, to judge my skills and experience, for the required work.

I have undertaken several internal courses to learn and refresh my knowledge, including:

• WSP | PB’s E-learning module on company’s approach to Health and Safety, industry’s requirements and internal policies.

• Took a one day course on “Safety in Design” focusing on CDM regulations.

This I have learnt through attending sites and observing practises. Upon arrival on site for 3 Merchant Square, London Wall Place and Key Bridge House, I underwent a full site induction, which covered the overall understanding of the works on site and procedures implemented on site by the Contractors to ensure safety of both workers and visitors on site. On visiting sites for other projects, I read the WSP’s general risk assessment and signed off to confirm I understand the company’s policies followed by a brief update on the works on site. For these projects, I understood that I must be accompanied by a competent representative of the contractor

I noticed how the requirements for health and safety on site as compared to UK were so different. Though the construction workers were required to wear PPE kit, I did not see secure edge protections against excavation in ground. The simple tape was tied around the rebar embedded in ground at corners. I also noticed that any starter bars protruding through ground were exposed, without any caps to avoid personal industry on site. However, there were good welfare facilities available, including cold water to help the workers in extremely hot working conditions, fully set up canteen with seating space for eating and toilet facilities for workers to use. I also learnt that during the peak hours in day i.e. 12:30pm to 4pm, the workers were not allowed to work outside in sun; therefore the construction work was planned accordingly. The work either stopped during those hours or continued in internal areas, away from the exposed