Safety Works Ltd have recently signed up its 5000th registered user to its new web site, www.fastplanonline.co.uk, which provides construction site health and safety documentation.
The site was first launched two years ago and is proving to be very popular with contractors and project personnel who need to prepare documents such as Risk Assessments, Method Statements and Construction Phase H&S Plans amongst other things.
The requirement
Health and safety is often seen as a bureaucratic paper chase, what this web site does is simplify matters, enabling even those who know little about health and safety to produce meaningful documents.
It is widely acknowledged that there is an urgent need amongst the construction industry to change attitudes and behavior toward health and safety. Many contractors continue to produce generic documentation and in doing so fail to meet the requirements of the CDM and MHASAW regulations. Too much effort seems to go into being legal' rather than being safe.'
The solution
Fastplan will appeal to all types of contractor as well as Architects, Engineers and Project Managers, who have a need to prepare H&S documentation. Users simply log on, answer the site-specific questions and then download the required documentation.
The documents are professional and practical, and there is even guidance on how to use them on site. Charges are "pay as you go" per project and the file can be downloaded time and time again at no additional cost.
Key features
The contractor is able to tailor the documentation specifically to his site and its unique set up, by answering a series of simple questions on plant, machinery, activities, and set up.
The documentation is created using a comprehensive database of risk assessments that provide solutions to the risks and hazards identified on site. The database is the culmination of years of experience in dealing with this subject.
It is presented in such a way as to provide a complete management tool for the practical application of site safety, not just legal compliance. This system does not provide generic forms, or templates, but solutions.
Access to the web site is available any time, any place, to suit the user. No investment in application software is needed and files can be saved, altered, closed and returned to in the same way as any other electronic document.
The site comprises a range of modules: Outline Plan, Risk Assessments, Method Statements, COSHH Assessments, Noise Assessments, Toolbox Talks, Site Management Documents (Work Permits, First Aid, Induction Records) and Full Construction Phase H&S Plans.
Step by step questions identify the plant, machinery, tools and equipment that will be used, together with the work activities. This information is then matched to a database of over 1100 risk assessment scenarios in order to identify a solution, and the file is then compiled on Safety Works in house servers. The resultant documentation can then be downloaded or emailed.
Key benefits
Testimonies from satisfied users focus on simplicity, speed and therefore low cost. Contractors no longer need to spend hours cobbling together documentation, or use generic information, or leave the file sitting in the site office.
The layout of the documentation and ease of its use on site are also applauded. No investment in application software is needed and it helps all parties connected with the project to communicate the health and safety aspects, from designer to sub-contractor.
