Occupational Health and Safety Regulations in Construction Works | AES Innovation

Regulation on Occupational Health and Safety in Construction Works: A Basic Overview

The construction sector, by its very nature, is a high-risk area where workplace accidents are frequent. Therefore, ensuring the health and safety of workers and preventing potential accidents and occupational diseases is of paramount importance. In Türkiye, one of the fundamental regulations in this field is... Regulation on Occupational Health and Safety in Construction Works, This regulation specifies the minimum requirements that must be met in construction and other building activities. Beyond being a legal obligation, this regulation forms the basis of a value placed on human life and a sustainable work environment. As AES Innovation, with our TÜRKAK accreditation, we are the most reliable solution partner for businesses in electrical safety inspections and periodic controls required by this regulation.

Purpose and Scope of the Regulation

The Regulation on Occupational Health and Safety in Construction Works was prepared based on the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331. Its main purpose is to determine the minimum requirements that must be followed to ensure occupational health and safety in construction works and to minimize risks in this area. The regulation covers all stages of construction works; it encompasses a wide range from design to construction, assembly, dismantling, demolition, and maintenance and repair works. This scope requires everyone working in construction, from employers to subcontractors and individual workers, to assume certain responsibilities.

• To prevent workplace accidents and occupational diseases.
• To ensure the safety of the work environment.
• To clarify the responsibilities of all parties involved in construction projects.
• To create a healthy and safe working culture.
• To ensure compliance with international standards.

Basic Obligations and Responsibilities

The regulation assigns specific obligations and responsibilities to the various parties involved in construction work. The complete fulfillment of these responsibilities is key to a safe working environment.

Employer's Responsibilities

In construction work, the employer is primarily responsible for the health and safety of the workers. These responsibilities include:

• Risk assessment: To identify and assess all risks at the construction site and take necessary precautions.
• Occupational Health and Safety Plan and Health and Safety Plan: Preparing and implementing an occupational health and safety plan before work begins. Preparing a Health and Safety Plan (HSP) for large projects or situations involving multiple employers.
• Coordination: Coordinating occupational health and safety activities in situations involving multiple employers or subcontractors.
• Education and Information: To provide employees with adequate training and information on occupational health and safety issues both before starting work and throughout their employment.
• Equipment and Hardware: To provide the necessary machinery, equipment, and personal protective equipment for safe working conditions and to have them periodically inspected.
• Emergency Plans: Developing emergency plans and keeping them ready to be implemented.

Responsibilities of the Officials

Under the regulation, officials appointed by the employer, such as the occupational safety specialist, workplace physician, and health and safety coordinator, also have important responsibilities. The occupational safety specialist guides the employer on risk assessment, training, and inspections, while the workplace physician ensures the health surveillance of employees. The health and safety coordinator, especially in projects with multiple employers, is responsible for ensuring the harmonious implementation of occupational health and safety activities.

Risks and Preventive Measures in Construction Works

Construction work involves numerous potential hazards, including falls from heights, electric shocks, excavation collapses, and machinery and equipment accidents. Effectively managing these risks is vital to preventing loss of life and property.

Electrical Safety and Periodic Inspections

Electrical installations on construction sites pose particular risks due to temporary installations, extension cords, and power tools. Measures to mitigate these risks, which can lead to serious consequences such as electric shock, fire, and explosion, are detailed in the regulations. Issues such as the suitability of grounding systems, insulation resistance measurements, the functionality of residual current protection devices, and the safety of electrical panels form the basis of electrical safety. In this context, Construction Site Electrical Safety Periodic inspections carried out in accordance with standards are essential for identifying and eliminating potential hazards in advance.

As AES Innovation, with our TÜRKAK accreditation, we carry out periodic inspections of electrical installations on construction sites in accordance with national and international standards (e.g., IEC 60364 series). These inspections verify that the installation is operating safely and in compliance with regulations, and help employers fulfill their legal obligations.

• Ensuring the proper and safe installation of temporary electrical systems.
• All electrical equipment and hand tools should be regularly inspected and maintained.
• Periodically measuring and verifying the suitability of the grounding system.
• Testing that residual current devices (RCDs) are functioning correctly.
• The notice boards should be locked, labeled, and inaccessible to unauthorized persons.
• Training and raising awareness among employees regarding electrical safety.

Other Important Risk Areas

• Working at Height: The use of fall prevention systems (guardrails, safety nets, safety harnesses) on scaffolding, roofs, and other high work areas.
• Excavations: Establishing appropriate slope stabilization or shoring systems to mitigate the risk of collapse in excavation areas, and identifying underground installations.
• Machine and Equipment Safety: Periodic inspections of construction machinery and lifting equipment, ensuring operator competence and adherence to safe usage instructions.
• Chemical Substances: Safe storage, transport, and use of hazardous chemicals, and provision of appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Noise and Dust: Controlling noise and dust levels in the work environment, taking necessary actions. Occupational health and safety environmental measurements and protective measures to be taken.

AES Innovation and Your Regulatory Compliance Process

At AES Innovation, we are one of the most important supporters of businesses in ensuring occupational health and safety in construction works. As an inspection body accredited by TÜRKAK, we offer many technical control and inspection services required by the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation in Construction Works. With our expert engineering staff and state-of-the-art equipment, we meticulously carry out periodic inspections of electrical installations, grounding systems, lightning rods, and other electrical equipment on construction sites.

Our services not only ensure legal compliance, but also strengthen your workplace safety culture and reduce operational risks. Furthermore, they are tailored to the specific needs of businesses. technical occupational safety and health (OSH) and field safety trainings By raising the awareness level of your employees, we contribute to creating a safer working environment.

What is changing for you? What should you do?

Compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations in Construction Works is not only a legal obligation but also an ethical responsibility. Non-compliance can lead to irreversible consequences such as heavy administrative fines, work stoppage orders, and, most importantly, loss of life or serious injury. Therefore, it is essential to act in accordance with the provisions of the regulations at every stage of your project.

• Comprehensive Risk Analysis: Conduct detailed risk analyses at the beginning of your project and regularly throughout the project duration.
• Creating and Implementing an Occupational Health and Safety Plan: Prepare an occupational health and safety (OHS) plan in accordance with the regulations and implement this plan meticulously.
• Education and Awareness: Provide adequate occupational health and safety training to all your employees and subcontractors.
• Periodic Inspections: Have all critical equipment, such as electrical installations, lifting equipment, and pressure vessels, undergo periodic inspections by accredited organizations.
• Documentation: Regularly document and maintain all occupational health and safety (OHS) activities, risk assessments, training records, and inspection reports.
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly review your HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) performance and take steps for continuous improvement.

Remember, a safe construction site is the foundation of an efficient and sustainable project. At AES Innovation, we are here to help you maximize safety in your construction projects.