Noisy work

Exposure monitoring for noise identifies a number of activities which produce high noise levels, but also shows that operatives undertaking what would be deemed 'low risk' work also receive significant noise exposure when working on projects where the superstructure is complete or the work is performed on multiple faces of the structure.

This knowledge has allowed contractors to appreciate the severity of the risk from noise exposure and put suitable control/reduction measures in place. One of our Principal Contractors has even purchased their own noise monitoring kit to allow them to take regular measurements - training was provided by Sypol to ensure the correct use of equipment.

Good practice in controlling noise has been identified regularly and that knowledge passed on to other contractors. For example, the use of baffle boxes for cold cut saws was seen on site - a guidance document has since been created by Sypol to allow other contractors to build their own box.

Many contractors have undertaken audiometry for their employees and also provided suitable hearing protection based on the octave band analysis performed during the noise survey.

Congratulations Steve

We are pleased to announce that last week Steve McCrorie, our Head of Occupational Health & Hygiene became the proud father of a bouncing baby boy called Callum.

Lead based paint avoidance

Whilst we've been working with a Principal Contractor, we identified the painting of roof steels on a construction site as a potential occupational health risk. Investigation into the materials being used showed that a lead based primer had been stipulated by the designers to be used for this task.

Having spoken to the designers to identify the specification requirements for this primer, we then consulted with the suppliers of the paint to find any healthier alternative which will have the same specifications. The outcome ultimately was that three alternative non-lead based primers were sourced, resulting in no exposure to lead and lower exposure to hazardous substances.

A good example of how to eliminate exposure at the front end, rather than using PPE to protect the workers.

How training works in practice

The Sypol OH Team have supplied more than 500 personnel on major construction projects with asbestos awareness training in line with HSE recommendations and campaigns on asbestos awareness in construction trades over the past 18 months.

On one occasion contractors on site uncovered a redundant water pipe and were about to cut through it when the supervisor (having recently sat the Sypol asbestos awareness training) identified that the material was likely to contain asbestos. Work was halted and samples were taken. The pipe was confirmed as asbestos cement and was subsequently removed and disposed of safely.

Partnership with Crossrail raises health profile in construction

Health and safety management and commercial productivity in construction are not always considered to be a marriage made in heaven, yet the benefits of robust HS&E management are undisputed and achievable. Together Crossrail and Sypol have shown that with the will to achieve world class standards and the support of specialist expertise, a major construction project can operate with a fully integrated approach to a health, safety and efficiency.

Read more

Introducing us

Hello fans, for those of you who have been unlucky enough not to make my acquaintance, I am the mascot and celebrity of the Sypol Occupational Health & Hygiene team.

I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce some of the marvelous work that I am accomplishing on some major projects and also let you know about some of the less important peripheral work undertaken by the rest of my crew.

First a little background information on myself, I was first introduced on the project by Melodie Gilbert during a presentation to designers. Apparently I am supposed to represent the workers, who are the people Sypol are there to protect (though I am sure that you will agree that not all of the workers will have the rugged good looks and taut physique that I am blessed with).

The original meeting with designers went well, since then we were able to assist the designers with further training and a healthier substitution list for hazardous substances to make the project healthier by design.

I have also put in an appearance at a recent visit by Dame Carol Black (she is almost as famous as me!). She was introduced to me and to some of the work done by the Occupational Health & Hygiene team and was very impressed. She even sent a very nice thank you letter stating that she thought the work undertaken by the team was EXCELLENT.

Well, my fame and celebrity just goes from strength to strength on the project. I have just finished a very interesting visit with the director of Health and Safety for another major project we are assisting with. They were VERY impressed by the team and told us that they thought we were doing ground breaking work.

If you want any more information about the work being undertaken by the Sypol Occupational Health & Hygiene team or are interested in the wide range of ways we can help you, click www.sypol.com or ring me, Steve McCrorie, Head of Occupational Health and Hygiene, on 01296 415715 for further details.