Health and Safety
Executive / Commission
Construction
On Monday,4 February 2008, HSE launched a new web site based tool to help contractors understand and manage occupational health risks more effectively. The tool is called the Construction Occupational Health Management Essentials(COHME for short).
Over the years HSE and the construction industry have published plenty of guidance on specific risks. However, what's new about COHME is that it describes a framework to manage occupational health risks in general. COHME is intended to assist clients, designers and contractors and deals with 7priority risks:
COHME contains examples, case studies and links to 3rd partywebsites. COHME also provides guidance on important matters like Safety-Critical Work, Health Surveillance and obtaining Expert Help.
HSE Chief Inspector of Construction, Stephen Williams said“We want occupational health to move up the agenda for all construction companies. Large companies can show real leadership in influencing this cultural change. Properly managing occupational health is not a new legal requirement and we expect to see good practice in the industry.
The COHME tool will equip all construction companies with practical advice on how to tackle rising occupational health issues such as dermatitis, asbestos, respiratory diseases and musculoskeletal disorders.
The COHME tool will facilitate the initiative and leadership that the construction industry needs to take to tackle the occupational health issue. I urge large construction companies to act on this, with smaller companies adopting this as a part of the supply chain process. Time is ticking and now is the time to show ownership of this issue.”
COHME does not mean that HSE expects the industry to do more. The legal requirements to eliminate assess and control occupational health risks have existed for many years. COHME is intended to help the industry understand and deal with these risks in a smarter and more holistic way.
Have a look at what COHME has to offer: http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/index.htm
Want to comment about the new site or share your experience of successfully dealing with occupational health risks? HSE are interested to receive your comments and for you to share your experiences. We are keen to use real life examples as case studies on the COHME website. http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/feedback.htm
Infoline - Health and safety information and advice: Call 0845 345 0055 or visit: http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/index.htm
Report an accident: Call 0845 300 9923 or visit: http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/index.htm
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Thank you to those who provided feedback on the previous editions - we have tried to incorporate as many of the suggestions as possible. You can contact us at: construction-manager@bulletins.hse.gov.uk