Comparative study of UK and Italian refurbishment sites involving demolition activities and structural instability: risk factors and Health Safety management strategies

摘要

Recent statistics show that refurbishment works involve more risk than new construction sites. Risk factors are heightened on those sites involving demolition activities and temporary works. Evidence of these factors is given in this paper, which is based on a study funded by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and developed by the Loughborough University, the Polytechnic of Milan and Glasgow Caledonian University. This study has investigated the main Health and Safety (H & S) risk factors in refurbishment works and H & S management practices. This paper analyses and documents the results of a comparative exercise on H & S management practices between the refurbishment sectors in the UK and Italy. Some of the key risk factors identified, mainly associated with the lack of design and planning for demolition activities, include the knowledge of the site and structure, workforce supervision, selection of subcontractors, communication, safety information and training. The paper concludes that, despite some examples of good H & S management, some important areas need urgent attention such as H & S management practices for small-medium sites involving further opportunities for new empirical research in H & S management for refurbishment sites.