You are the site manager on a busy city-centre project. A subcontractor begins work without having received a site induction, stating they have worked on similar sites before. What is the most appropriate action under health and safety legislation?
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AStop the work and ensure the subcontractor completes a site induction before continuing
BAllow work to continue under close supervision
CPermit work to continue for low-risk activities only
DIssue a verbal briefing covering key site hazards
ERely on the subcontractor’s employer to induct them
✓ Correct answer: A. Stop the work and ensure the subcontractor completes a site induction before continuingUnder the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act and CDM Regulations, those controlling work must ensure workers are provided with suitable information, instruction and training. A site induction is a fundamental legal control and work should not proceed without it.
Why the other options are incorrect:
• Allow work to continue under close supervision: Supervision does not replace the requirement for formal instruction and information.
• Permit work to continue for low-risk activities only: Risk level does not remove the duty to provide adequate induction.
• Issue a verbal briefing covering key site hazards: A brief verbal warning is insufficient as a structured induction.
• Rely on the subcontractor’s employer to induct them: The principal contractor retains responsibility for site arrangements.
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