How to Manage High-Risk Activities on Construction Sites

Construction sites in cities like London, Manchester or Sheffield and across the UK face daily challenges managing high-risk activities. From scaffolding erection to excavation work, these tasks require robust controls to prevent serious injuries and fatalities (SIF). Understanding how to identify, assess and mitigate these risks is fundamental to construction safety management under the CDM Regulations 2015.

Understanding High-Risk Construction Activities

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that construction remains one of the most dangerous industries in the UK.

Common high-risk construction activities include:

• Working at height.

• Excavation and groundwork.

• Scaffolding operations.

• Lifting operations and crane work.

• Work near overhead power lines.

• Demolition activities.

• Confined space entry.

• Asbestos removal.

• Work with or near fragile materials.

  
  

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 place duties on all parties to manage these risks throughout a project's lifecycle.

CDM 2015: The Framework for Managing Construction Risk

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 changed how construction projects are managed in the UK. These regulations apply to all construction work and create duties for clients, designers, principal designers, principal contractors, contractors and workers.

Key CDM Principles:

The regulations require duty holders to eliminate or reduce risks through good design, proper planning and coordination. The principal designer manages health and safety during the pre-construction phase, whilst the principal contractor takes responsibility during construction. Both must work together to identify and control high-risk activities. For commercial projects, the client must appoint competent principal designers and principal contractors, provide pre-construction information and allocate sufficient time and resources.

Serious Injury and Fatality Prevention

Beyond managing everyday risks, construction sites must focus on preventing Serious Injuries and Fatalities (SIFs). These high-consequence events require specific attention to precursors and critical controls.

SIF Potential Activities on Construction Sites:

• Falls from height.

• Excavations.

• Lifting operations with suspended loads.

• Work close to overhead power lines.

• Struck-by incidents involving vehicles or falling objects...

Leading construction companies now identify SIF precursors, the conditions and behaviours that could lead to catastrophic outcomes and implement controls that receive enhanced monitoring and verification. This proactive approach focuses on preventing life-changing incidents before they occur.

Working at Height: Controls and Best Practice

Working at height kills more construction workers than any other activity. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 requires you to use the hierarchy of controls:

Avoid Work at Height

Can the work be done from ground level? Modern construction techniques increasingly allow ground-level assembly and mechanical lifting.

Prevent Falls

Where work at height cannot be avoided:

Collective Protection Measures:

• Edge protection (guardrails, toe boards or brick guards).

• Safety netting systems.

• Temporary working platforms.

• Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

Individual Protection:

• Personal fall arrest systems.

• Work restraint systems.

• Fall arrest harnesses with appropriate anchor points.

  
  

Practical Controls

On a Manchester residential development, one of our clients contractors implemented:

• Scaffold with full edge protection on all working levels.

• Permanent anchor points for safety harnesses during roof work.

• Exclusion zones below work areas.

• Daily pre-use inspections by competent persons.

• Rescue plans for potential fall arrest situations.

  
  

Scaffolding: Managing a Complex Risk

Scaffolding presents multiple hazards: falls during erection and dismantling, structural collapse and falls of materials. The HSE guidance on scaffolding requires comprehensive management.

Design and Planning

All scaffolding must be:

• Designed by a competent person (typically holding CISRS Advanced Scaffolder or equivalent).

• Erected by trained, competent scaffolders.

• Inspected before first use and after significant changes.

• Inspected at least every seven days and after severe weather events.

  
  

Key Control Measures

During Erection and Dismantling:

• Use advance guardrails or alternative fall protection.

• Implement permit-to-work systems.

• Maintain three points of contact when climbing.

• Secure or lower tools and materials safely.

• Segregate the work area from other activities.

  
  

Structural Integrity:

• Follow the design specifications exactly.

• Use appropriate foundations and base plates.

• Install adequate ties to structures.

• Check tube and fitting condition.

• Apply load class markings clearly.

  
  

Case Study - Sheffield Industrial Project: A steel fabrication facility expansion required complex scaffolding around existing operations. The principal contractor:

• Commissioned a bespoke scaffold design addressing specific site constraints.

• Used CISRS-certified scaffolders exclusively.

• Implemented electronic tagging for inspection records.

• Created segregated access routes away from operational areas.

• Conducted weekly check-ins between scaffolding contractors and the client.

Excavation: Hidden Dangers Below Ground

Excavation work can quickly turn fatal. Ground collapse and underground services strikes claim lives every year.

Pre-Work Requirements

Ground Investigation:

• Conduct soil surveys to understand ground conditions.

• Identify contamination risks.

• Assess groundwater levels.

• Review historical site uses.

  
  

Service Location: All underground services must be identified before breaking ground:

• Obtain service plans from utility companies.

• Use CAT and Genny equipment for detection.

• Trial holes to confirm service locations.

• Apply safe digging practices near identified services.

  
  

Excavation Controls

Structural Support:

• Design support systems (trench boxes, sheet piling, battering) based on ground conditions.

• Install support before workers enter excavations over 1.2 metres deep.

• Design by competent persons following BS 6031:2009.

• Regular inspections by appointed persons.

  
  

Access and Egress:

• Provide safe access/egress within 25 metres of any working position.

• Use substantial ladders or stepped access.

• Secure ladders and extend above landing point.

  
  

Edge Protection and Barriers:

• Install barriers from excavation edges.

• Prevent vehicles approaching edges.

• Create exclusion zones for material storage.

Lifting Operations: Managing Heavy Loads

Crane operations and lifting activities present multiple risks: loads falling, overturning, striking people or structures and contact with overhead power lines.

Legal Requirements

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) require:

• Lifting equipment is strong and stable enough for intended use.

• Positioned or installed to prevent risks.

• Clearly marked with safe working loads.

• Thorough examination by competent persons.

• Lifting operations are properly planned, supervised and carried out safely.

Planning Lifting Operations

Pre-Lift Planning:

• Calculate load weights accurately.

• Select appropriate equipment (crane type, capacity, radius).

• Plan the lift route avoiding hazards.

• Identify ground conditions for crane positioning.

• Consider weather restrictions (wind speeds, visibility).

• Prepare lift plans and method statements.

  
  

On-Site Controls:

• Appoint a lift supervisor.

• Use trained slingers and signallers.

• Establish exclusion zones.

• Check equipment before use (thorough examination certificates, daily checks).

• Communication protocols (hand signals, radios).

• Emergency procedures.

  
  

Electrical Risks: Overhead and Underground

Overhead Power Lines

The HSE guidance requires:

• Maintain minimum clearance distances of 10 metres for lines up to 33kV, 15 metres for higher voltages (consider equipment reach and load swing).

• Contact the electricity distribution company to request temporary disconnection, insulation or re-routing of lines.

• Use goal posts, marker boards or barriers to prevent approach to danger zones.

• Appoint trained banksmen to monitor clearances during operations.

• Brief all workers on electrical risks before work near overhead lines begins.

• Assume all lines are live and dangerous.

Underground Cables

Controls include:

• Obtain plans from distribution network operators.

• Use cable avoidance tools (CAT scans).

• Hand dig trial holes near suspected cable routes.

• Use insulated tools within marked zones.

• Treat all cables as live until proven otherwise.

  
  

Implementing Effective Control Measures

Managing high-risk activities requires a systematic approach:

1. Identification and Assessment

• Conduct thorough risk assessments before work starts.

• Involve workers with practical experience.

• Consider all phases (setup, operation, dismantling).

• Review previous incidents and near-misses.

  
  

2. Hierarchy of Control

Apply controls in this order:

1. Eliminate the risk (design out or use alternative methods).

2. Substitute the risk (safer processes or materials).

3. Isolate people from hazards (barriers, separation).

4. Engineering and Administrative Controls through engineering (guards, interlocks). and administrative (procedures, training, signage).

5. PPE as a last resort only.

   
   

3. Competence and Training

Workers must be:

• Properly trained for specific tasks.

• Holding relevant certifications (CSCS, CPCS, CISRS, etc.).

• Supervised appropriately.

• Given clear instructions and information.

4. Communication

• Daily briefings (toolbox talks).

• Written method statements and risk assessments.

• Visual management (signage, barriers, colour coding).

• Regular safety meetings.

• Incident reporting systems.

5. Monitoring and Review

• Regular inspections by competent persons.

• Workplace inspections.

• Audit compliance with method statements.

• Review incidents and near-misses.

• Update controls based on findings.

Creating a Positive Safety Culture

Leadership: Senior managers visibly demonstrate commitment through site visits, toolbox talks and resource allocation.

Worker Engagement: Involve workers in risk assessments, solution development and safety committees.

Learning from Experience: Share lessons from incidents and near-misses. Celebrate safety successes and innovations.

Zero Harm Approach: All injuries are preventable. This mindset drives continuous improvement rather than accepting incidents as inevitable.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Inadequate Planning: Rushing into work without proper planning leads to improvised solutions and increased risk.

Competence Gaps: Assuming workers can do tasks without verification of skills and knowledge.

Communication Failures: Different contractors working without coordination, particularly during complex operations.

Normalisation of Deviation: Accepting shortcuts and violations as "how things are done" until an accident occurs.

Inadequate Supervision: Workers left without appropriate oversight, particularly during high-risk activities.

Poor Welfare Facilities: Tired or cold workers make mistakes. Adequate welfare supports safe working.

Technology Supporting Safety

Modern construction sites increasingly use technology:

Digital Platforms: Apps for inductions, toolbox talks, permits and inspections improve record-keeping and communication.

Wearable Technology: Smart helmets detect impacts, location trackers identify workers in danger zones and fatigue monitors alert supervisors.

Site Monitoring: CCTV, drones and sensors monitor compliance and identify hazards in real-time.

Building Information Modelling (BIM): 3D models identify design-stage risks and support coordination between trades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Managing high-risk activities on construction sites requires vigilance, planning and commitment from everyone involved. From major infrastructure projects in London to housing developments in Sheffield and Manchester, the principles remain the same: identify hazards, implement controls following the hierarchy, verify competence and maintain oversight.

The CDM Regulations 2015 provide a framework, but successful implementation depends on positive safety cultures where workers feel empowered to speak up and leaders demonstrate genuine commitment to getting everyone home safely.

Technology, training and systematic approaches all play their part, but ultimately, people make the difference.

At DuoDynamic Safety Solutions, we provide CDM awareness training and consultancy to help construction businesses across the UK manage high-risk activities effectively. Whether you're working on major infrastructure in city centres or smaller projects in local communities, we can support your safety management needs.

For more information on construction safety management, explore our other resources on CDM Regulations, Serious Injury and Fatality Prevention and mental health in construction.