RICS has today launched Surveying Safely, the first guidance note of its kind intended to ensure consistency in the approach to health and safety procedures across the construction sector.
Surveying Safely, newly upgraded to guidance status, identifies the practical, moral and ethical issues that confront property companies and individual professionals, and has a much broader scope than any other publication.
The guidance includes employers, employees and corporate legislative health and safety duties; the assessment of hazards and risks; a safe workplace; occupational health concerns; visiting premises and sites, and procurement and management of contractors and construction work.
The publication has been used by many organisations as part of their health and safety induction process, particularly to assist the competence of property professionals visiting premises and sites.
In compiling the guidance, the RICS Health and Safety Advisory Group consulted with professional groups from across the globe. Surveying Safely is applicable to RICS members in Great Britain and provides recommendations for good practice in other countries where legislation and regulations may differ.
Ian Watson, Chair of RICS Health & Safety Advisory Group, said:
“This new guidance will be of benefit to RICS members, property professionals and organisations to assist in providing premises and working practices for the health and safety of all. Surveying Safely pulls together existing health and safety guidelines, consolidating and refining them so that they apply to RICS members and other property professionals.”
John Parsons, RICS Associate Director, commented:
“Surveying Safely is intended to prompt property organisations and property professionals to recognise and accept their responsibilities to manage and control health and safety related risks. The guidance should prove to be an invaluable tool to all those operating in the construction sector.”
