Site supervision is a vital role in the construction industry, where safety is a key issue – that needs a lot of attention! As the site supervisor, it’s your job to both assess and manage safety hazards in the workplace. Responsibilities may also include managing and instructing the site workers, setting goals for the team, and seeing projects through to completion. Here, we’re going to look at some of the main duties of the site supervisor, as well as some useful information if you’re planning on training as a site supervisor.
The 3 Key Safety Responsibilities
Construction workers need to be aware of all safety hazards and precautions, so that they are safe even when the supervisor isn’t there to oversee everything. That’s why it is your duty to ensure all traders are inducted before they start work. Contractors need to be aware of site rules, and you should talk to them and their crews on a regular basis about on-site safety.
1. On Site
Your responsibility as a supervisor on site includes assessing various safety hazards, and determining the likelihood of an accident occurring. This involves conducting regular inspections to make sure everything is as it should be, which will involve looking for and fixing any hazards. If you can’t fix a hazard, it is still your duty to raise the issue. It’s also important that you have an idea of how much of a disruption any potential accidents could cause, and how much they would cost to resolve.
2. Site Workers
It is absolutely vital that each worker knows how to work safely and without risk to their health, and have absolute understanding of the organisation’s rules. You can coach, help or guide them to become and remain competent in these areas, as well as others.
You should always know who is working on the site, and it is your responsibility that each individual knows of all potential safety hazards. You should also make yourself as contactable as possible, making sure the right people have your number.
You must make sure there is a safety programme/routine in place so that everyone knows the precautions and actions to take in case of an accident. It is your duty to ensure everyone knows of this, and you should determine the effectiveness of the controls in place. You should be capable of performing emergency first aid at work, so you may need to complete a course and acquire a ‘first aid at work’ certificate.
Here at SAMS, we offer a variety of courses, including a CIEH Introduction to First Aid, for those looking for a basic overview, as well as CIEH Level 2 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work.
3. Management Approach
As a site supervisor, your main priority is safety, but it may also be your responsibility to motivate and, in some, cases even discipline staff. You may be asked to mentor and encourage members of the team, which is why many companies look for a qualified supervisor with years of experience working as part of a team. It certainly isn’t considered an entry level job. You need industry experience and, in some cases, training. This might be in a specific technical skill, or in something more general like business administration.
Are you looking for health and safety courses in Kent? SAMS offers a wide range of training courses in health and safety management, providing you with the training you need to be the strongest site supervisor you can be. If you are looking to prepare you for dealing with your new responsibilities as a site supervisor then we strongly advise you take the SSSTS course or Site Supervisor Safety Training. Browse our range of training courses to find the right course for you.