Construction Health and Safety Advisor

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTION

The Construction Health and Safety Advisor will be responsible to the Lead Advisor (Construction and Fire Safety) and the primary function of the role is to provide specialised support and advice to all stakeholders in relation to Construction Health, safety and welfare issues across the capital programme and responsive repairs service.

The Construction Health and Safety Advisor will act as a key advisor to Council’s in house responsive repairs service, leading on the development and updating of policies, procedures, guidance, risk assessments and method statements in relation to this area of work. In addition, the Construction Health and Safety Advisor will also carry out routine health, safety and welfare inspections on the Council’s directly employed operatives and work sites, as well as numerous support contractors working on the Councils behalf.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide technical advice and support to repairs service managers on a wide range of Health and Safety issues arising from the Council’s construction/maintenance activities, including but not limited to; risk assessment and delevopment of safe systems of work (SSW), accident/incident reporting and investigation, development of control of substances hazardous to health assessments, manual handling, management of hot works, asbestos management, CDM compliance and work at height, all of which must be consistent with Islington Council’s corporate Health and Safety policy.
2. To be jointly responsible for day to day supervision, allocation and checking quality of work of the Apprentice Construction/Fire Safety Coordinator in order to develop the individuals competence in both construction and fire safety.

1. To assist in the procurement of construction work/contractors, carrying out competency assessments of potential contractors on behalf of the council, as required by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

1. Ensure that exceptional Health and Safety standards are maintained within Property Services department and internal safety audit systems are followed, consistent with Islington Council policies, in consultation with the Lead Advisor (Construction and Fire Safety) and the Construction, Fire and Gas Safety Manager.

1. Assist in developing and reviewing construction and fire safety policies and guidance in the accordance with changes in legislation, official guidance and industry standards.

1. Develop positive working relationships with team leaders/supervisors within the responsive repairs service, members of capital the project teams and liaise effectively and productively to deliver efficient/safe projects on time and to budget.

1. Review safety policies, risk assessments, method statements and Safety plans developed by contractors, advising client representatives on the suitability of these, as per the requirements of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, both prior to works commencing and throughout the construction phase of a project

1. Advise and assist Council officers/representatives in ensuring contractors work in accordance with agreed safe systems or work, legislative requirements and industry best practice.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

Demonstrable experience within the housing and/or construction industry, advising on all aspects of Construction Health and Safety.

NEBOSH General and/or Construction Certificate (or equivalent)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITY

Knowledge of and ability to advise on Health and Safety legislation, regulations, guidance and industry best practice in relation to the construction industry.

Experience of developing policies, procedures and guidance on a range of Health and Safety matters

Ability to carry out a programme of construction site safety audits and inspections, providing practical guidance where necessary

Effective oral and written communication with employees and contractors, including the production of concise written reports to service managers and senior management team as required.

Ability to identify training needs and develop/deliver a programme of Construction Health and Safety training relevant to construction activities.

Experience of developing working relationships with Trades Unions to promote a collaborative approach to improving workplace Health and Safety

Ability to carry out detailed accident/incident investigations in order to identify immediate and underlying causes and to interpret statistics on accidents, hazards, risks etc. to reach conclusions to improve safety