Health & Safety at Bigness
Safe working is part of how Bigness Built Environment plans, coordinates and delivers building compliance, maintenance and improvement work.
Our approach considers the people carrying out the work, those occupying the building and anyone who may be affected by our activities.
Planning for Safe Delivery
Before work begins, we consider the scope, site conditions, access arrangements and foreseeable risks.
Risk assessments and method statements are prepared as appropriate to the work. Relevant information is shared with the people undertaking and coordinating the activities.
Planning may include:
- identifying hazards and agreeing control measures;
- reviewing available asbestos information and building records;
- arranging safe access and suitable equipment;
- coordinating isolation of building services;
- agreeing emergency procedures;
- protecting residents, occupiers and the public.
If conditions change or an unexpected hazard is discovered, the affected work is reviewed before proceeding.
Competent People and Specialist Work
We use personnel and specialist contractors with the skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications appropriate to their tasks.
Gas work is undertaken by appropriately registered Gas Safe engineers. Electrical and other specialist work is assigned to competent professionals with the registrations or accreditations required for the activity.
We coordinate relevant safety information and working arrangements across the contractors involved.
Working Safely in Occupied Buildings
Many buildings remain occupied while maintenance, inspections and repairs take place.
We plan activities around the building’s use and coordinate access, work areas and service interruptions with the authorised client representative.
Depending on the work, precautions may include:
- separating work areas from occupied spaces;
- maintaining safe access and escape routes;
- controlling tools, materials and trailing cables;
- communicating planned shutdowns;
- managing dust, noise and other disruption;
- securing incomplete work before leaving the site.
Site Controls and Supervision
Safety arrangements are proportionate to the nature and risk of the work.
These may include site inductions, task briefings, suitable personal protective equipment, equipment checks and supervision. Work at height requires appropriate access equipment and protective measures.
Where several contractors are involved, responsibilities and coordination arrangements are established for the project.
Responding to Hazards
If we identify an immediate safety concern, we communicate it to the relevant person and take appropriate action within our authority and responsibilities.
This may involve stopping work, restricting access, isolating equipment or arranging specialist investigation.
Affected work resumes when suitable controls are in place. Outstanding safety actions and recommendations are recorded and communicated.
Environmental and Community Considerations
We seek to reduce unnecessary disruption to residents, neighbouring properties and the wider community.
Materials and waste are handled responsibly, with suitable arrangements for storage, removal and disposal. Dust, noise and spill controls are considered according to the work and site conditions.
We aim to leave work areas safe and orderly at the end of each attendance.
Shared Information and Clear Responsibilities
Safe delivery depends on cooperation between Bigness, the client, building occupants and specialist contractors.
Clients help by providing available hazard information, relevant records, permissions and access arrangements. Bigness communicates the requirements for the agreed work and coordinates the activities within its appointment.
Project-specific responsibilities, including any required dutyholder appointments, are established as part of the project arrangements.
Our Commitment
We aim to deliver work safely, with clear planning, competent people and practical controls suited to the building.
To discuss access requirements or a safety concern relating to our work, contact us:
Email: office@bigness.co.uk
Telephone: 020 7183 5768