ABSTRACT
Health and safety is an integral part of the construction industry. The Clerk of Works has a responsibility principally to the client and architect, but also to liaise and work with the principal contractor and principal designer in respect of verifying quality of work carried out on site and materials used. The Clerk of Works should be familiar with statutory regulations, guidance and advice published on the HSE website as relevant to the nature of the site and works being undertaken. It is helpful for a Clerk of Works to verify that the principal contractor has procedures in place for regular inspection and spot-checks of the CPP and health and safety procedures. Emergency Preparedness Plans must cover every aspect of a possible situation. Ultimately, the first objective is to prevent injury or loss of life of site personnel and members of the public. The other objective is to minimise potential losses to the business.
