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Managing essentials - Managing occupational health risks in construction
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href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/storage.htm">Materials storage and waste management</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/welfare/index.htm">Welfare</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/admin.htm">Administration</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/falls.htm">Slips and trips</a></li> <li><a href="#">Work at height</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/workingatheight.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Work at height </span>Overview</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/assess.htm">Assessing all work at height</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/roofwork.htm">Roof work</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/fragile.htm">Fragile surfaces</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/ladders.htm">Ladders</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/scaffold.htm">Tower scaffolds</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/mewp.htm"><abbr title="Mobile Elevating Work Platform">MEWP</abbr>s</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/scaffoldinginfo.htm">Scaffolds</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/safety-nets.htm">Safety nets and soft landing systems</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#">Structural stability</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/stability.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Structural stability </span>Overview</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/buildings.htm">Alteration, demolition and dismantling</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/excavations.htm">Excavations</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/lifting-operations.htm">Lifting operations</a></li> <li><a href="#">Electricity</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/electricity.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Electricity </span>Overview</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/systems.htm">Systems in buildings</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/overhead.htm">Overhead power lines</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/underground.htm">Underground cables</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#">Fire</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/fire.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Fire </span>Overview</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/generalfire.htm">General fire safety</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/processfire.htm">Process fire hazards</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#">Mobile plant</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/mobileplant.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Mobile plant </span>Overview</a></li> <li><a href="#">Excavators</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/excavators.htm">Excavators overview</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/quickhitches.htm">Quick hitches</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/safehitch.htm">Semi-automatic quick hitches</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/telescopic.htm">Telehandlers</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/mewp.htm"><abbr title="Mobile Elevating Work Platform">MEWP</abbr>s</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/dumpers.htm">Dumpers</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/demolition.htm">Demolition</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/prevention-of-drowning.htm">Prevention of drowning</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/temporary-works.htm">Temporary work</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/steel-erection.htm">Steel erection</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#">Health risks</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/index.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Health risks </span>Overview</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/key-points.htm">Health risk key points </a></li> <li><a href="#">Managing essentials</a> <ul> <li><a href="index.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Managing essentials </span>Overview</a></li> <li><a href="managing-essentials.htm">Managing essentials key points</a></li> <li><a href="who-does-what.htm">Who does what</a></li> <li><a href="assess-the-risks.htm">Assess</a></li> <li><a href="wellbeing.htm">Wellbeing</a></li> <li><a href="control-the-risks.htm">Control</a></li> <li><a href="#">Review</a> <ul> <li><a href="review-the-controls.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Review </span>Overview</a></li> <li><a href="exposure-monitoring.htm">Exposure monitoring</a></li> <li><a href="health-surveillance.htm">Health surveillance</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#">Welfare</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/welfare/index.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Welfare </span>Overview</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/welfare/toilets-and-washing.htm">Toilets and washing</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/welfare/changing-rooms-and-lockers.htm">Changing, eating and rest areas</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/involving-workers.htm">Involving workers</a></li> <li><a href="#">Cancer and construction</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/cancer-and-construction/index.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Cancer and construction </span>Overview</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/cancer-and-construction/key-points.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Cancer and construction - </span>Key points</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/cancer-and-construction/asbestos.htm">Asbestos</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/cancer-and-construction/silica-dust.htm">Silica </a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/cancer-and-construction/diesel-engine-exhaust.htm">Diesel engine exhaust</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/cancer-and-construction/painting.htm">Painters</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/cancer-and-construction/skin-cancers.htm">Skin cancers</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#">Controlling hazardous substances</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/index.htm">Controlling hazardous substances overview</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/key-points.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Controlling hazardous substances - </span>Key points</a></li> <li><a href="#"> Construction dust </a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/construction-dust.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Construction dust </span>Overview</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/workers-stories.htm">Worker's stories</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/construction-dust-specific-tasks.htm">Dust specific tasks</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/cement.htm">Cement</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/lead.htm">Lead</a></li> <li><a href="#">Solvents</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/solvents.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Solvents </span>Overview</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/spraying.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Solvent </span>Spraying</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#">Isocyanates</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/isocyanates.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Isocyanates </span>Overview</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/isocyanates-spraying.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Isocyanates </span>Spraying</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#">Harmful micro-organisms</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/harmful-micro-organisms.htm">Harmful micro-organisms overview</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/harmful-micro-organisms/index.htm">Micro-organism specific tasks</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/carbon-monoxide.htm">Carbon monoxide</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#">Controlling physical ill health risks </a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/physical-ill-health-risks/index.htm">Controlling physical ill health risks <span class="visually-hidden"> overview</span></a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/physical-ill-health-risks/key-points.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Controlling physical ill health risks - </span>Key points</a></li> <li><a href="#">Noise</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/physical-ill-health-risks/noise.htm">Overview <span class="visually-hidden"> - Noise</span></a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/physical-ill-health-risks/assessing-noise.htm">Assessing noise for larger sites</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/physical-ill-health-risks/vibration.htm">Vibration</a></li> <li><a href="#">Manual handling</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/physical-ill-health-risks/manual-handling.htm">Overview <span class="visually-hidden"> - Manual handling</span></a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/physical-ill-health-risks/manual-handling-specific-tasks.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Manual handling - </span>Specific tasks</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/physical-ill-health-risks/repetitive-work.htm">Repetitive work</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#">Design and Management</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/index.htm">Overview <span class="visually-hidden">- Design and management</span></a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/summary.htm">Summary of duties</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/commercial-clients.htm">Commercial clients</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/domestic-clients.htm">Domestic clients</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/designers.htm">Designers</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/principal-designers.htm">Principal designers</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/principal-contractors.htm">Principal contractors</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/contractors.htm">Contractors</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/workers.htm">Workers</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/f10form.htm">F10 form</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/buildingcontrol.htm">Building control</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/legal.htm">Legal requirements</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/timeline.htm">CDM 2015 timeline</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/faq/index.htm">CDM 2015 FAQs</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/bim.htm">BIM - Building Information Modelling</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/languages/index.htm">Migrant workers</a></li> <li><a href="#">Are you a ...?</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/areyou/index.htm">Overview <span class="visually-hidden">- Are you a...?</span></a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/areyou/builder.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Are you a </span> Small builder</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/areyou/commercial-client.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Are you a </span>Commercial client</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/areyou/domestic-client.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Are you a </span>Domestic client</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/areyou/principalcontractor.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Are you a </span>Principal contractor</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/areyou/principal-designer.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Are you a </span>Principal designer</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/areyou/contractor.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Are you a </span>Contractor</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/areyou/designer.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Are you a </span>Designer</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/areyou/worker.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Are you a </span>Worker</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#"><span class="visually-hidden">Construction </span>Resources</a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/resources/index.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Construction Resources </span>Overview</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/resources/freeleaflets.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Construction </span>Free leaflets</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/resources/casestudies.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Construction </span>Case studies</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/resources/law.htm">Construction law</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/resources/enforcementregister.htm">Enforcement register</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/resources/guidance.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Construction </span>Guidance</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/resources/inquiries.htm">Inquiries</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/resources/posters.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Construction </span>Posters</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/resources/research.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Construction </span>Research</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/resources/statistics.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Construction </span>Statistics</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/resources/toolboxtalks.htm">Toolbox talks</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/resources/links.htm">Useful <span class="visually-hidden">construction </span>links</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/resources/videos.htm"><span class="visually-hidden">Construction </span>Videos</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#"><abbr title="Frequently asked questions">FAQs</abbr></a> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/faqs.htm">Overview <span class="visually-hidden">- FAQs</span></a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/faq-firstaid.htm">First aid</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/faq-scaffold.htm">Scaffolding</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/faq-banksmen.htm">Banksmen and signallers</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/infonet.htm">Subscribe to updates</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/who.htm">Who we are</a></li></ul> </div><!-- #EndLibraryItem --><!-- InstanceEndEditable --> </nav> </div> <!-- end grid column (one-quarter and three-quarters) --> <!-- Start grid column (three-quarters) --> <div id="page-contents" class="hse-grid-column-three-quarters hse-page-contents"> <article id="article"> <!-- start page content --> <!-- InstanceBeginEditable name="content" --> <h1>Managing essentials </h1> <p>Managing health risks is no different to managing safety risks. This page outlines the essential principles that you need to know.</p> <ul class="linkList"> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/faqs.htm#health">FAQs</a> – discover answers to Frequently Asked Questions on construction health risks. </li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/managing-essentials/managing-essentials.htm">Key points</a> – understand the basic principles for managing health like safety.</li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/managing-essentials/who-does-what.htm">Who does what?</a> – the law places duties on all those involved in construction work. Find out what you have to do.</li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/managing-essentials/assess-the-risks.htm">Assess</a> – you cannot properly control construction health risks without first having clear plans. Discover more about what this involves.</li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/managing-essentials/control-the-risks.htm">Control</a> – clear plans are no good if you do not act on them. Learn more about the controls available.</li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/managing-essentials/review-the-controls.htm">Review</a> – you may already have controls in place but are they all working? Find out more about the key checks needed.</li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/welfare/index.htm">Welfare</a> – workers have a right to decent welfare. This can also be an important control for some health risks. Understand what the law requires. </li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/involving-workers.htm">Involving workers</a> – workers can play a key part in identifying solutions and developing a positive culture where health risks are managed effectively. Learn more about this.</li> </ul> <aside id="contentAside"> <div class="box"> <h2>Resources</h2> <ul class="linkList"> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/managing-essentials/essentials.pdf">Essentials of Managing Construction Health Risks</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg150.htm">Health and safety in construction</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l153.htm">CDM Regulations 2015 – Legal Series Guidance (L153)</a></li> </ul> <p class="more"><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/resources/index.htm">More resources</a></p> </div> <div class="box"> <h2>See also</h2> <ul class="linkList"> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/managing/index.htm">Managing for health and safety</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/index.htm">Risk management</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20240220183024/https://www.hse.gov.uk/health-surveillance/index.htm">Health surveillance</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240220183024/https://www.nhshealthatwork.co.uk/">Health4Work</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240220183024/https://www.healthyworkinglives.scot/">Healthy Working Lives</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240220183024/http://www.healthyworkingwales.com/">Healthy Working Wales</a></li> </ul> </div> </aside> <!-- InstanceEndEditable --> <!-- end page content --> </article> </div> <!-- end grid column (three-quarters) --> </div> <!-- end grid row --> </main> <!-- end <main> --> <!-- start feedback component --> <div class="hse-width-container"> <section id="feedback" class="hse-feedback " aria-describedby="feedback-message" aria-label="Is this page useful"> <div class="hse-feedback__prompt"> <div class="hse-feedback__prompt-questions-answers"> <p class="hse-feedback__prompt-question" 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