The standard of success in a construction services project is not only seen from the quality of the final result or the efficiency of cost and time, but also the extra attention to the safety of its workers.
Because it is undeniable that workers in construction projects are very vulnerable to various risky events while carrying out their work, ranging from being exposed to dust to falling from a height.
If this does not get special attention, then worker productivity and safety may be disrupted. Therefore, project organizers must always ensure that workers' rights are fulfilled so that the project runs as expected.
The trick is to implement construction OHS regulations. What exactly is construction OHS? This article will explain its definition, function, rules, and application. To have a thorough understanding of construction OHS regulations, check out the following explanation!
What Is Construction OHS?
Construction OHS stands for Occupational Safety and Health in construction, or it is widely known as K3 in Indonesian terms. The term refers to an integrated program or system used to provide information to workers regarding construction occupational safety and health.
The construction OHS program is not only applied to builders, but to all workers involved in the project, such as contractors and architects. Moreover, even individuals who are close to the construction area are also encouraged to comply with this system.
Functions of Construction OHS
Construction OHS programs are established to fulfill several vital functions that affect the development of a project. Here are some of the functions of construction OHS:
1. Reducing the Risk of Work Accidents
The most important function of construction OHS is to reduce the risk of work accidents. In fact, the construction OHS program should not only highlight work accidents, but also near misses that may harm certain parties in the project.
The construction OHS program is structured by considering various potential hazards in certain parts. By knowing it from the start, preventive action could be determined appropriately. Furthermore, in its implementation, the program also involves an evaluation process so that new risks can be detected and resolved.
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2. Establishing a Directed Work System
The OHS system encourages every work to be carried out following the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). If the SOP is well implemented, the risk of mistakes can be minimized, and work accidents can be avoided.
In addition, from the construction OHS program, individuals who are responsible for safety in certain sections can be identified. This helps to create a neat and non-overlapping work organization structure. With this program, a disciplined, directed, and professional work culture will be easier to build.
3. Building a Good Reputation
Considering that the construction OHS program is an integrated system, it definitely takes a long time and process to implement. So, it is natural that this one function cannot be felt directly.
However, you need to know that this function is actually very important for building trust in the eyes of clients and the public. If all parties are cooperative in carrying out the construction OHS program, the company will find it easier to build client loyalty and bring in other projects with greater profits.
4. As a Form of Complying with Government Regulations
The application of OHS values in the construction field is officially regulated by the state. So, apart from being related to workers' safety rights and the tidiness of the internal system, the implementation of construction OHS is also proof of the company's compliance with the government.
If a company does not implement this program, it must be prepared to receive legal sanctions, ranging from written warnings, administrative fines, temporary suspension, cancellation of the Construction Services Business License (IUJK), to imprisonment.
Regulations Regarding Construction OHS in Indonesia
The government pays great attention to the construction OHS system in Indonesia, as evidenced by the emergence of several policies governing it. The following are some of the legal foundations related to construction OHS:
- Law Number 1 of 1970 on Occupational Safety.
- Law Number 2 of 2017 on Construction Services.
- Government Regulation Number 50 of 2012 on Implementation of OHS Management System (SMK3).
- Government Regulation of Public Works Number 5 of 2014 on Guidelines for Implementation of OHS Management System (SMK3) in the Field of Public Works.
- Government Regulation of Public Works Number 9 of 2008 on SMK3 Guidelines.
- Decree of the Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Number 05/MEN/1996 on Occupational Safety and Health Management System (SMK3).
- Regulation of the Minister of Public Works, Republic of Indonesia Number 10 of 2021 on Guidelines for Construction Safety Management System (SMKK).
Implementation of the Building Construction OHS Program
The implementation of the construction OHS program cannot run instantly, but it must go through a series of steps that require the cooperation of various parties. Some of the steps that need to be taken to implement a construction OHS program are as follows:
- Identifying risks: This stage is conducted before the project runs and involves stakeholders, including workers, contractors, and project management.
- Develop an OHS plan: A detailed drafting process that includes SOPs, individual assignments, required training, and steps taken to control risks and potential hazards.
- Conduct worker training/socialization: Training to internalize values that support OHS principles. Program makers should inform workers of safety procedures and steps to identify potential hazards.
- Controlling risks: Effective actions to mitigate risks, such as the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), work schedules, safer materials, and work methods.
- Inspection of technical assets: Routine inspection of work equipment, such as machinery and building structures. Furthermore, maintenance is also needed so that assets can be used for a long time.
- Establish effective communication: Communication is not only established during the early implementation of the program, but also intensively between all parties involved. The main purpose is to inform of new risks and procedural changes.
- Taking fast action: This is applied when the slightest hazard is identified.
- Rising OHS awareness: Instilling an OHS culture through simple steps, such as setting positive examples, putting up awareness posters, and rewarding employees who are cooperative in practicing OHS values.
- Reporting and investigation when there is an accident: Reporting accidents as soon as possible to allow for thorough investigation and preventive action to prevent recurrence.
- Evaluating the program and conducting periodic updates: Evaluations are conducted at least once a year to report on the progress of the program, identify deficiencies and opportunities for improvement, and provide opportunities for workers to provide feedback.
Read also: Understanding Construction Project Management and Its Stages
That's all the explanation about construction OHS, whose role is vital in every construction project. The implementation of the construction OHS program is not easy, but if it is implemented properly, the benefits will be very broad.
Individual awareness and solid cooperation between various parties will help this program run optimally in the field. In addition to the construction OHS program, project organizers must also pay attention to the quality of building materials.
Among the many building materials, cement is one of the materials whose role is very crucial. To support the durability of the building, you can entrust it to Semen Merah Putih Watershield, which is equipped with Water Repellent Technology.
This technology provides triple protection to the building, seepage protection from 3 sources (outside, inside, and from the ground), making the building strong, more durable, and requiring minimal maintenance. Semen Merah Putih Watershield is suitable for all building applications such as foundations, concrete slabs, castings, masonry, plastering, and skim coat.
By paying attention to several vital things, which include the application of K3 construction and the use of quality cement such as Semen Merah Putih, project safety and success are not difficult to achieve.
If you want to get complete information about Semen Merah Putih products, contact us now. We are here to provide the best construction solutions for your project!
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