Health And Safety In The Built Environment Assignment Sample

1. Introduction: Health And Safety In The Built Environment

Access Free Samples Prepared by our Subject Matter Experts, known for offering the Best Online Assignment Help Services in Australia.

The aim of this plan is to make sure that the health and safety off the persons in the project during the project development. Newgen Construction has developed an HSBE for the proposed location at 39 River Rd, Wollstonecraft NSW 2065. Newgen Construction is a company that designs and builds general office buildings into one-bedroom retirement homes. Newgen Construction is known for their known for its health and safety in the built environment. Safety is a very important factor here. This assignment explores the complicated world of health and safety issues involved in converting a general structure into a one-bedroom retirement home, illuminating the numerous precautions needed to protect the occupants' well-being and standard of living as they age. An ordinary structure can be converted into a senior retirement house with one bedroom through an evolving convergence of architectural, design, and safety factors. The importance of providing seniors with safe, warm and accessible living environments is becoming more and more clear as our society sees a noticeable change in demographics towards an aging population. Here the company's job is to create a healthy and safe environment for the elderly after retirement and maintain the health and safety of workers and devolopers.

2. Roles and Responsibilities

To conduct this construction certain roles and responsibilities are divided as per the field demograph.

Roles	Responsibilities
Project Manager	Ensuring that safety and health issues are incorporated into all phases of the remodeling project by overseeing it from beginning to end. Coordinate with contractors, engineers, and architects to ensure respect for safety guidelines and standards. Create a thorough project plan with risk evaluations, safety procedures, and deadlines.
Architect	With an emphasis on developing accessible rooms and secure circulation routes for older inhabitants, retirement residences should be laid out. Ensure that the layout includes elements like ergonomic furniture, well-lit communal areas, and non-slip flooring. Work with engineers to incorporate safety features including smoke detectors, fire alarms, and emergency exits.
Engineer	Assess the building's foundational integrity and suggest any reinforcements required to maintain stability. Create and execute plumbing and electrical infrastructure with a focus on energy efficiency, dependability, and safety. Work with the architect to include security features like fire-resistant materials and sufficient lighting.
Health and Safety officer	Assess the building's foundational strength and suggest any reinforcements required to maintain stability. Create and execute plumbing and electrical infrastructure with a focus on energy efficiency, dependability, and safety. Work with the architect to include security features like fire-resistant materials and sufficient lighting.
Contractors and workers	Implement appropriate signs, barricades, as well as security devices to protect both employees and future residents. Adhere to safety rules and regulations during building operations to prevent injuries and fatalities. Informing the project manager or the safety and health officer as soon as you have any safety concerns.
Legal team	Offer instructions on the local construction codes, rules, and safety requirements that must be followed during the conversion. Make that the project conforms with all applicable safety standards, accessibility, and senior care laws.
Consultant	Examine the structure's design to make sure it complies with ramp, railing and lift rules for older people. Offer guidance on where to position fixtures and amenities that will benefit residents with limited mobility. Work with the engineer and architect to make sure that every part of the structure are simple to access.

3. Consulting Arrangements

Thorough consultation arrangements is essential in attempting to convert a generic structure into a secure and comfortable one-bedroom retirement residence for the elderly. These agreements encourage cooperation among diverse parties and guarantee that health and safety issues are carefully incorporated at each stage of the renovation process. The main methods of consultation for this assignment are outlined in the section below:

Figure 1: Consultation Arrangements flow

(Source: Self-Made in draw.io)

3.1. Project planning phase

One of the most crucial phases of managing a construction project is the start phase. It includes every step you have to follow before the project gets cleared and any kind of planning starts. Identify the requirements that older residents have, such as those for mobility aids, safety features, medical services, communal places, and recreational areas. Work with architects to design floor designs with private sleeping areas, accessible restrooms, common areas, and utilities that maximize space for comfortable living. Accessibility is very much important ass well, making sure the ramps, lifts, handrails, and other amenities have been incorporated in the design to make the building completely accessible for people with mobility issues. Also create an extensive budget that accounts for all associated expenditures, including those for equipment, permits, design fees, and building charges.

3.2. Design and Development Phase

To design and develop the construction there are certain things that will keep the construction accurate. Like, Rearrange the current floor plan to include one-bedroom apartments, each with a separate living area and bathroom, and create gathering spaces including lounges, eating spaces, and entertainment areas. One-bedroom apartments should provide enough room for inhabitants' personal items, giving each bedroom a priority for ventilation and natural light. Designing the one bedroom with bathrooms is important that will have grab bars, walk-in showers, and most importantly non-slippery service for the safety, including adjustable height fixtures for the residents is important., the goal is to create a safe, comfortable, and enriching environment for elderly residents, fostering a sense of community and well-being

3.3. Engineering and structural aspect

The company will appoint structural engineers to evaluate the old structure's integrity and ascertain whether any alterations are necessary to support the fresh layout and added loads, and will also meet the modifications in occupancy, including the extra weight of new walls, floors, and additional equipment, assess the building's load-bearing capacity. The company will verify that the redesigned structure and any possible alterations in loading conditions can be supported by the foundation and footings and including the fire and safety of the building. Developing and comprehensive emergency is a much needed and planning as such that the elderly can move through it is very important.

3.4. Safety Aspect

The company will make sure the building has ramps, lifts and broad doorways to support older residents' demands for mobility. Installing fire-suppressing sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, and fire alarms. Create detailed evacuation preparations and practice fires frequently with emergency call systems in bedrooms and bathrooms, allowing residents to call for help when needed. Designing of medical consultation rooms and treatment areas with proper equipment for residents' medical needs and taking soundproof measures to create a comfortable living environment.

4. Audit Methods

A crucial first step in ensuring that every necessary precaution are in place to establish a safe living space for older residents is to audit the health and safety components of the conversion project. To evaluate and confirm the use of health and safety measures over the project, the following audit techniques are used.

Figure 2: Audit methods discussed.

(Source: Self-Made)

Onsite Inspection

The company will conduct routine on-site inspections to evaluate the building's structural integrity. This entails assessing the construction's progress, ensuring that safety elements like staircases, fire alarms, and emergency exits have been installed, and spotting any possible risks. Also reviewing the project against relevant building codes, regulations, and safety standards, making sure the project complies with all applicable laws on the integrity of the foundation, fire safety, accessibility, and other health and safety factors. Setting up safety drills and scenarios to gauge how well-equipped residents, carers, and staff are for emergencies, and analysing the success of evacuation strategies and the response time.

Safety Evaluation

Examine the directions given to contractors, construction workers, and other project participants. Check to see if they are knowledgeable about safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and how to use safety gear. Making the records of risk evaluations, safety procedures, emergency plans, and the use of safety measures. Making it certain that these records are accurate, thorough, and representative of the project's health and safety methods. Conducting functional assessments on safety systems, including accessibility features, smoke detectors, fire alarms, and emergency lighting. Check the functionality and response of these systems in simulated emergency situations.

Finally, tasks remain like taking the expert reviews and post-occupancy assessment and doing the auditing. Inviting outside safety experts to examine the project impartially. Their knowledge can offer an impartial assessment of the established health and safety measures. After the residents have moved in, conduct an assessment to determine how well the safety elements actually perform in practical situations. During this phase, take note of any problems that may appear. Engage a multidisciplinary team for the auditing process, including residents, architects, engineers, and health and safety officials. Their numerous perspectives contribute to developing an in-depth analysis

5. Safety Performance Indicator

For the process of transformation to be successful, health and safety measures must be evaluated in order to track their efficacy. Quantifiable measures are provided by safety performance indicators to show the level of safety attained. Verify that all individuals, contractors, and employees have finished their safety training. Calculate the percentage of people who completed the mandatory safety training. During safety exercises or simulations, the time how long it takes for emergency personnel to respond is very much important and arrive on the scene. Analyzing the speed at which residents can receive aid in an emergency. With that checking that the safety procedures, such as routine equipment inspections, fire drills, and evacuation procedures, are being carried out. Evaluate the consistency of these procedures throughout time. Examine what kinds of safety checks are performed while construction is underway, keeping an eye on the condition and functioning of safety equipment like fire alarms, smoke detectors, and emergency lighting. Calculating the amount of time that these features work at their best. Integrating these safety execution pointers into the task on health and security guarantees an extensive assessment of the venture's security principles and the effective making of a solid climate for old occupants.

6. Return to work policy

The company has a strict return to work policy. This Return to Work Policy was created to enable the secure and effective integration of workers who became hurt, poorly, or had to take time off due to health issues while working to transform a generic structure into one-bedroom retirement residences for the elderly. The policy emphasizes our dedication to putting our employees' well-being, security, and health first and lays out the procedures and assistance systems that will be put in place to ensure that they return to work. Workers are responsible for immediately informing their immediate manager or their assigned health and safety officer of any injuries, diseases, ranging, or health concerns. Additionally, supervisors will record the incident's specifics, including the problem's nature, the occasion, the time, plus any relevant information. A thorough medical evaluation by a licensed healthcare expert will be needed of workers who suffered injuries or illnesses. The employee's condition must be evaluated, the proper course of treatment will be suggested, and their ability to resume work will be assessed. Employees will engage with their manager and the safety and health officer to create a specific return-to-work plan after gaining medical clearance. A schedule for the employee's gradual integration into the workforce as well as the employee's health issues will all be taken into account in the plan. In accordance with relevant laws and regulations, the organisation is committed to offering reasonable accommodations. To meet the demands of returning workers, accessibility features in the workplace will be examined and, if necessary, modified. Employees may gradually return to work with shifted work hours, responsibilities, or obligations as advised by the medical examination to help with the adjustment. The company will keep track of the worker's progress and modify the return to work schedule as required. Extensive training and information regarding the return to work policies and procedures will be provided to employees. Managers and supervisors should and will receive training on how to support workers who are returning to work and how to facilitate the process. The organization's steadfast dedication to the safety, health, and well-being of all its staff members is reflected in its return to work policy.

Figure 3: Return to work considerations

(Source: www.avalere.com)

This policy makes certain that workers returning to work following injuries, diseases, or health-related vacations can do so with assurance, knowing that their overall health remains a key priority throughout the entire journey.

7. Project Health and Welfare

The main goal of the project is to protect people's health, safety, and general welfare while the area is being completely reconstructed. To carefully handle any potential dangers related to building activities, an extensive strategy is being adopted. Every part of the project is being closely held to strict respect to set health and safety procedures, covering everything from correct equipment usage to regulated work settings. The initiative intends to serve as an example of the significance of balancing progress with the protection of the well-being of people by placing a high priority on the well-being of employees and the local community.

Figure 4: Project Health and Well-fare process

(Source: Self-Made)

The health, safety and well-being of the construction workers and the future inhabitants are of utmost concern as the transformation of a general building into a one-bedroom retirement home for the elderly moves forward. A crucial component of this commitment is the provision of suitable health and welfare services. The strategies and steps for building project wellness and health facilities that serve the requirements of all parties participating in the procedure for conversion are described here. Lay out promptly available emergency treatment stations inside the building site. These stations ought to be outfitted with fundamental emergency treatment supplies, including swathes, germ-killers, pain killers, and other clinical necessities. Prepared faculty ought to be accessible to direct medical aid quickly if there should be an occurrence of wounds. Making sure that in the event of an accident or health crisis, construction workers have access to prompt medical care. A particular communication protocol should be established to notify emergency medical services, and emergency contact points should be clearly identified. Building relaxing restrooms in which staff may recharge, take breaks, and drink water. To reduce the health hazards imposed on by severe temperatures, provide heated spaces throughout cold weather and shaded areas during hot weather. Ensuring that there's a constant supply of safe water to drink across the building site. Distribute hydration stations in strategic locations in order to motivate workers to drink enough water. Encouraging workers to take short breaks to relax and release stress to promote mental wellness. Consider about establishing wellness initiatives or offering resources for managing stress. A vital component of the health and safety project centred on turning a general structure into one-bedroom retirement residences for the elderly is the construction of full-service health and welfare facilities. These facilities help create an appropriate, comfortable, and welcoming environment for all parties engaged in the building conversion process by putting the health of construction workers and future residents first.

8. Conclusion

The importance of prioritizing health and safety concerns cannot be highlighted in the effort to convert office buildings into one-bedroom retirement houses for the elderly. This project reflects the fusion of architectural creativity, construction experience, and a dedication to preserving the well-being of senior citizens. The initiative highlights the need for a complete strategy to build a secure and favorable living environment by thoroughly examining numerous aspects of health and safety. The fastidious execution of chance appraisal, security conventions, openness highlights, and occupant-focused plan on the whole structures the bedrock whereupon this change happens. The undertaking's draftsmen, designers, project workers, and different partners show relentless commitment to sticking to somewhere safe and secure norms, coordinating openness arrangements, and encouraging cooperation between various disciplines. As the structure advances, so does the way to deal with well-being and security. Standard security investigations, progressing preparing, and the commitment of occupants and parental figures stay basic to guaranteeing a protected and happy with living space. The contextual analysis further represents that each step taken, from beginning to the end, lines up with the central rule of making retirement homes that focus on the physical, mental, and profound prosperity of the old tenants. So the conclusion that comes here, one-bedroom retirement homes for the elderly out of a general structure is a memorial to the potential of fusing imaginative design with invincible respect to health and safety. This project serves as a role model for the building sector, highlighting the significance of complete safety strategies, accessibility precautions, and resident-centered issues. In the end, the project creates a setting where senior citizens can live in security, ease, and freedom while still being supported by amenities that genuinely value their wellbeing.

Reference list

Journals

• Akinlolu, M., Haupt, T. C., Edwards, D. J., & Simpeh, F. (2022). A bibliometric review of the status and emerging research trends in construction safety management technologies. International Journal of Construction Management, 22(14), 2699-2711. Retrieved from: https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/9806/1/Final%20Copy%20%281%29-%20Revised%20%28accepted%29.pdf. Retrieve on: 19.08.23
• Alkaissy, M., Arashpour, M., Rashidi, A., Mohandes, S. R., & Farnood, P. (2022). Simulation-based analysis of occupational health and safety continuous improvement (OHSCI) in modern construction and infrastructure industries. Automation in Construction, 134, 104058. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926580521005094. Retrieve on: 19.08.23
• Boadu, E. F., Wang, C. C., & Sunindijo, R. Y. (2020). Characteristics of the construction industry in developing countries and its implications for health and safety: An exploratory study in Ghana. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(11), 4110. Retrieved from: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/11/4110. Retrieve on: 19.08.23
• Boadu, E. F., Wang, C. C., & Sunindijo, R. Y. (2021). Challenges for occupational health and safety enforcement in the construction industry in Ghana. Construction Economics and Building, 21(1), 1-21. Retrieved from: https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/informit.747610723953549. Retrieve on: 19.08.23
• Boakye, M. K., Adanu, S. K., Adzivor, E. K., Coffie, G. H., & Ayimah, J. C. (2023). Factors influencing health and safety performance at construction sites in Ghana: the perspective of building artisans. International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics, 29(3), 1121-1127. Retrieved from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10803548.2022.2112444. Retrieve on: 19.08.23
• Cao, Z., Chen, T., & Cao, Y. (2021). Effect of occupational health and safety training for Chinese construction workers based on the chaid decision tree. Frontiers in public health, 9, 623441. Retrieved from: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.623441/full. Retrieve on: 19.08.23
• Chigara, B., & Moyo, T. (2022). Factors affecting the delivery of optimum health and safety on construction projects during the covid-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe. Journal of engineering, design and technology, 20(1), 24-46. Retrieved from: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JEDT-01-2021-0053/full/html. Retrieve on: 19.08.23
• Duryan, M., Smyth, H., Roberts, A., Rowlinson, S., & Sherratt, F. (2020). Knowledge transfer for occupational health and safety: Cultivating health and safety learning culture in construction firms. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 139, 105496. Retrieved from: https://research.bond.edu.au/files/159842327/AM_Knowledge_Transfer_for_Occupational_Health_and_Safety.pdf. Retrieve on: 19.08.23
• Gao, Y., Gonzalez, V. A., & Yiu, T. W. (2019). The effectiveness of traditional tools and computer-aided technologies for health and safety training in the construction sector: A systematic review. Computers & Education, 138, 101-115. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360131519301125. Retrieve on: 19.08.23
• Liu, R., Liu, Z., Liu, H. C., & Shi, H. (2021). An improved alternative queuing method for occupational health and safety risk assessment and its application to construction excavation. Automation in Construction, 126, 103672. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926580521001230. Retrieve on: 19.08.23
• Mohandas, S. R., Abdelmageed, S., Hem, S., Yoo, J. S., Abhayajeewa, T., & Zayed, T. (2022). Occupational Health and Safety in Modular Integrated Construction projects: The case of crane operations. Journal of Cleaner Production, 342, 130950. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095965262200587X. Retrieve on: 19.08.23
• Onubi, H. O., Yusof, N. A., & Hassan, A. S. (2020). Adopting green construction practices: health and safety implications. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 18(3), 635-652. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hilary-Onubi/publication/337597437_Adopting_green_construction_practices_health_and_safety_implications/links/5ddfd8bb92851c836451af3a/Adopting-green-construction-practices-health-and-safety-implications.pdf. Retrieve on: 19.08.23
• Stiles, S., Golightly, D., & Ryan, B. (2021). Impact of COVID?19 on health and safety in the construction sector. Human factors and ergonomics in manufacturing & service industries, 31(4), 425-437. Retrieved from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/hfm.20882. Retrieve on: 19.08.23
• Umeokafor, N., Evangelinos, K., & Windapo, A. (2022). Strategies for improving complex construction health and safety regulatory environments. International Journal of Construction Management, 22(7), 1333-1344. Retrieved from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15623599.2019.1707853. Retrieve on: 19.08.23
• Zhang, M., Shi, R., & Yang, Z. (2020). A critical review of vision-based occupational health and safety monitoring of construction site workers. Safety science, 126, 104658. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925753520300552. Retrieve on: 19.08.23