Policy - Safety
Section: Human Resource Policies
Policy Owner: Ignition633 Ministries Nigeria Human Resources
Policy Name: Safety Policy
Origination Date: November 2024
Purpose
This safety Policy establishes standards and procedures to protect architectural engineers in the workplace and at project sites. It ensures that all employees maintain a safe work environment, comply with Nigerian safety regulations, and uphold best practices in the architectural and construction sectors.
Scope
This policy applies to all architectural engineers, including interns, contract staff, and other personnel involved in design, planning, and site work.
General Safety Guidelines
- Safety is a priority for all architectural engineers, and each individual must take responsibility for personal and team safety.
- All architectural engineers must be familiar with safety protocols, Ministry safety policies, and Nigerian regulatory guidelines, including those from the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) and relevant construction safety agencies.
- Safety risks must be immediately reported to supervisors or site managers to facilitate prompt corrective action.
Site Safety Procedures
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Architectural engineers must always wear PPE on construction sites, including:
- Hard Hats
- Safety Vests
- Eye Protection
- Safety Footwear
Note: The Ministry provides these safety items once every two years. If any PPE becomes damaged or unusable before the scheduled replacement time, the engineer is responsible for promptly replacing it to maintain compliance with safety standards.
Environmental Awareness
- Engineers should stay aware of site-specific hazards, including unstable ground, heavy machinery, and open trenches.
- All personnel must familiarize themselves with site emergency exits, muster points, and the locations of fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and other safety equipment.
Equipment Safety and Tools
Only trained and authorized personnel can operate construction equipment or power tools.
- Equipment must be inspected regularly for maintenance and operational integrity.
- Manual Handling: Use proper techniques and ask for assistance moving heavy items to prevent injuries.
- Safe Tool Storage: Tools should be stored properly when not in use to prevent accidents. Work areas must also be kept clean and free from hazards.
Design and Structural Safety
- Compliance with Standards
Architectural engineers must ensure that all design elements meet Nigerian building codes, regulatory requirements, and industry standards to guarantee structural integrity and resilience safety.
- Quality Control
Adhere to rigorous quality control protocols at every phase, from initial design to project completion, reducing potential hazards associated with design flaws or substandard materials.
- Site Inspections
Conduct or participate regularly in site inspections to identify and address safety risks that may impact structural integrity or building users.
Health and Emergency Preparedness
First Aid and Medical Response
- All engineers should know the nearest first-aid kits and medical facilities on-site. At least one team member should be trained in basic first aid.
- Report any injuries or illnesses to your supervisor or the HR Department immediately, regardless of severity.
- Emergency Evacuation
Engineers must be familiar with the site’s emergency evacuation procedures, including fire safety, gas leak response, security threat, and other emergencies.
- Fire Safety
All personnel must know the location of fire extinguishers, how to use them, and procedures for evacuation in case of fire.
Safety Training and Compliance
- Mandatory Safety Training
Architectural engineers must complete Ministry-sponsored safety training and annual refresher courses to stay updated on industry best practices and new safety regulations.
- Compliance Audits
Regular compliance audits will be conducted to ensure all safety protocols are followed. Failure to comply may result in corrective action.
- Continuous Learning
Engineers are encouraged to attend seminars, workshops, and other events that promote knowledge of safety standards and innovations in safe design practices.
Reporting and Incident Documentation
- Incident Reporting
All accidents, near-misses, and hazardous conditions must be reported immediately to supervisors and documented according to Ministry protocol.
Investigation and Follow-Up
- All incidents will be investigated to understand root causes and implement preventative measures.
- Incident corrective actions must be documented and reviewed in safety training sessions to help prevent recurrence.
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This policy will be reviewed annually and is subject to change. Any changes will be communicated to all employees promptly.
For any questions or further assistance regarding this policy, employees should contact the HR department at hr.nigeria@ignition633.org.