Construction prevention in the building and public works sector refers to all the measures, practices and actions implemented to anticipate, assess and reduce occupational risks in the building and public works sector. The concept encompasses the protection of workers’ health and safety, the prevention of workplace accidents and the reduction of occupational illnesses associated with building and civil engineering activities. Construction prevention is crucial because of the particularly risky nature of the work carried out in this sector, which often includes the use of heavy machinery, working at height, exposure to dangerous substances, or operating in potentially unstable or confined environments.
The Building and Public Works sector is intrinsically exposed to a multitude of risks, making accident prevention a major issue for the health and safety of workers. These risks can be classified into several categories, each presenting its own specific challenges.
Statistics show that falls from a height are the leading cause of fatal accidents in the construction industry, closely followed by accidents involving the handling of machinery and equipment. MSDs also account for a significant proportion of occupational illnesses in the sector, underlining the importance of ergonomics on worksites.
The consequences of accidents and occupational illnesses in the construction industry go beyond the physical and psychological impact on workers. They also entail considerable economic costs for companies, due to work stoppages, compensation and loss of productivity. What’s more, companies’ reputations can be seriously damaged, underlining the importance of a proactive approach to risk prevention.
Effective training starts with a precise assessment of employees’ specific needs. This involves analysing the different workstations, the tasks performed and the risks associated with each. By clearly identifying these elements, it is possible to design tailor-made training programmes that directly address the hazards and the skills needed to avoid them. This customisation ensures that the training is relevant and directly applicable in the field.
Integrating risk prevention training into the onboarding process for new employees establishes the importance attached to safety from the outset. This ensures that all workers have a basic understanding of safety practices before they even start work on the worksite. Particular emphasis should be placed on familiarisation with personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency procedures, and safe communication protocols.
To maximise the effectiveness of training, it is crucial to use a variety of teaching methods. Theoretical sessions are important for understanding safety concepts, but they need to be complemented by practical demonstrations, simulations of real-life situations and interactive exercises. Practical learning enables employees to retain information better and apply their knowledge in a concrete way.
Training is not just about imparting knowledge; it must also encourage the adoption of a safety culture within the company. This means promoting values such as vigilance, individual responsibility and mutual support. Employees should be encouraged to report unsafe conditions, share best practice and actively participate in the continuous improvement of safety measures.
Risk prevention training should be a dynamic process, with regular evaluations of its effectiveness and updates in line with changes in working conditions, technologies and regulations. Gathering feedback from employees on the training they have received and observing trends in accidents and incidents can provide valuable information for adjusting training programmes.
OPPBTP (Organisme Professionnel de Prévention du Bâtiment et des Travaux Publics) plays a crucial role in promoting safety and the prevention of occupational risks in the French building and civil engineering sector. Founded to support companies in the sector in their prevention initiatives, the OPPBTP implements a range of actions and tools aimed at reducing accidents at work and occupational illnesses, thereby improving working conditions for employees in the building and public works sector.
Information and awareness-raising: It informs and raises awareness among building and civil engineering companies of the importance of preventing occupational risks, through communication campaigns, publications and dedicated events.
Training and consultancy: The organisation offers specific training in risk prevention in the building and civil engineering sector, aimed at both managers and employees. It also offers personalised advice to companies on drawing up and implementing their prevention plans.
OPPBTP’s work has had a significant impact on reducing work-related accidents and illnesses in the building and public works sector. By offering practical solutions tailored to the specific requirements of worksites, the organisation is helping to improve health and safety in the workplace. As a result, companies benefit from a safer working environment, with fewer work stoppages, higher productivity and, ultimately, improved competitiveness.
The safety quarter-hour, also known as the safety talk, is an essential practice on construction worksites. Set aside at the start of the working day or before the start of a specific task, this moment allows the team to focus on safety. It’s a brief meeting where workers and management discuss the risks, the safety measures to be applied, and share lessons learned from previous incidents. This daily ritual plays a crucial role in accident prevention, by reinforcing the safety consciousness of each individual and ensuring that all participants are well informed of the procedures to be followed for their safety and that of their colleagues.
With MyForm, worksite managers have a solution for creating customised forms that specifically meet the needs of each project. These forms can be used to record equipment checks, assess the condition of PPE, and even report potentially dangerous situations that require immediate attention. The benefit here is twofold: not only does it enable structured and efficient data collection, but it also encourages a culture of vigilance and responsibility among all workers.
Real-time access to information collected via MyForm improves communication between teams and management. Data can be analysed to identify trends, highlight areas requiring particular attention, or track the effectiveness of preventive measures put in place. In addition, MyForm facilitates the tracking of corrective actions and the documentation required for safety audits, ensuring compliance with the most stringent safety standards.
