Why health and safety matters on a self build
Construction is one of the most hazardous industries there is. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), around a third of all workplace fatalities in the UK occur in construction, and many thousands more people are injured each year.
When you build your own home, you are not just making decisions about bricks and timbers, you are responsible for a live construction site. That responsibility includes the safety of everyone who works on it: contractors, trades, and yourself.
The good news is that for most self builders, following the rules in practice is straightforward. You do not need to become a health and safety expert, but you do need to understand your role, make the right appointments, and take the process seriously from the outset.
Most self builders who appoint an architect and a main contractor can hand their health and safety duties to those professionals. The key is understanding which scenario applies to you, and making the right appointments at the start.
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