New health and safety code for timber frame

The UK Timber Frame Association in partnership with the HSE has issued a new health and safety Code of Practice for those working on or visiting timber frame construction sites.

The Code of Practice sets out the management and operational standards that the UKTFA and HSE will expect to be adopted by all those involved with the supply and erection of timber frame structures, from self-build houses to multi-storey housing, schools and large commercial buildings.

All HSE inspectors will use this Code of Practice when visiting timber frame sites and will look to all duty holders under the CDM (Construction, Design and Management) Regulations to have done likewise.

Jim Johnstone, Chairman of the UKTFA's Health and Safety Committee, says: "The UKTFA and its members are fully committed to improving health and safety performance.

Like others, we are fully aware that more needs to be done to control the risks from working at height, slips and trips, manual handling and many other significant workplace hazards.

This new Code is just one way of making sure appropriate policies and procedures are in place to achieve a safer construction industry.

"The Code pulls together all the legal requirements in the design, manufacture and erection of timber frame buildings in one user-friendly document which will be updated regularly.

There's no excuse for anyone to be unclear on their responsibilities.

Thankfully there is a health and safety benefit from offsite construction methods like ours, but by working closely with the HSE, we are making the timber frame industry an even better place to work.

Back to top