Managing Health and Safety in the social housing sector

Health and safety management in housing associations and local authorities is paramount, not only to protect workers and residents but also to ensure compliance with legal obligations and maintain organisational reputation.

Here, BSG outlines the key considerations for managing health and safety in repairs, maintenance, and construction projects within housing associations and local authorities.

Legal Framework and Compliance Housing associations must operate within a robust legal framework, primarily governed by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM). The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) provides
additional guidance for assessing and managing risks in residential properties.

Compliance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements is mandatory and forms the foundation of all safety protocols.

Risk Assessment and Management

A systematic approach to risk assessment is essential, encompassing regular property surveys, planned maintenance schedules, and thorough construction project planning. All activities must be supported by comprehensive documentation, including detailed risk assessments, method statements, and safe systems of work.

These documents should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changing conditions and requirements.

In-house Operations

For in-house repairs and maintenance teams, proper training and competency verification are crucial. Staff must possess relevant qualifications and participate in ongoing training programmes. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be provided and maintained, while safe working procedures for high-risk activities such as working at height, electrical work, and asbestos management must be strictly followed.

Construction Project Management

Under CDM regulations, housing associations must clearly define and execute their duties as clients. This includes appointing competent principal contractors and designers, ensuring adequate pre-construction planning, and maintaining effective site safety arrangements. Construction phase plans must be developed and implemented for all projects.

Contractor Management

A robust contractor management system is vital, including thorough pre-qualification processes and regular competency assessments. Ongoing monitoring through site inspections, performance reviews, and compliance checks helps maintain high safety standards across all contracted work.

Emergency Response and Communication

Clear emergency procedures must be established, including accident reporting protocols and investigation processes. Effective communication channels with tenants, staff, and contractors are essential, ensuring safety notices are distributed, access arrangements are clear, and feedback mechanisms are in place.

Documentation and Monitoring

Comprehensive record-keeping is crucial for demonstrating compliance and maintaining an audit trail. Essential documentation includes health and safety policies, risk assessments, training records, and inspection reports. Regular monitoring through performance indicators, safety audits, and compliance checks helps identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Managing health and safety in housing association and local authority projects requires a comprehensive, systematic approach that encompasses legal compliance, risk management, proper training, effective communication, and thorough documentation.

Success depends on maintaining high standards through continuous monitoring and improvement processes, ensuring the safety of workers, residents, and all stakeholders involved in repair, maintenance, and construction activities.

By implementing and maintaining these robust health and safety management systems, housing associations can create safer environments for all while meeting their legal obligations and protecting their organisational interests.

Source: The Building Safety Group (BSG)