Lesson Plan

Module 3: Safe Working Practices

Construction 01:03

Intent

Lesson Outcomes

Learn safe techniques and procedures for key construction activities.

Main Teaching

  • Manual Handling Techniques: Lifting and moving loads safely.
  • Working at Height: Safe use of ladders and scaffolds.
  • Electrical Safety: Handling tools and avoiding shocks.
  • Emergency Procedures: Fire safety and first aid basics.

Trainer Guidance

  • Tone: Hands-on and practical – make it relevant to daily tasks.
  • Pacing: Allow extra time for the demonstration; keep scenarios concise.
  • Interaction: Use props to make it tangible (e.g., ladder).
  • Link to CITB: Note these skills are tested in CSCS practical scenarios.

Delivery Timeline

  • 0:00-0:05: Section 1 – Introduction to Safe Practices
  • 0:05-0:20: Section 2 – Manual Handling Demonstration
  • 0:20-0:35: Section 3 – Working at Height and Electrical Safety
  • 0:35-0:55: Section 4 – Emergency Procedures and Scenario
  • 0:55-1:00: Section 5 – Recap and Q&A
  • 1:00-1:05: Section 6 - Health and Safety in Action - Careers (reflection and not accessed)
    Total: 65 minutes

Resources

  • Slides 13-19: Visuals of safe practices (e.g., lifting posture).
  • Manual Handling Video: 3-minute clip of correct lifting.

Props: Ladder or similar for demonstration.

Rocket words

  • electrical safety
  • manual handling
  • electrical tagging
  • fire exits
  • emergency procedures

Implementation

Trainer Guidance

  • Section 1: Introduction
    • Trainer Notes: Set the scene: “Safety starts with how you work.”
    • Setting the Scene:
      Begin by emphasising that safety is not just about rules and regulations—it’s about behaviour, mindset, and looking out for one another. Every action on a construction site has consequences, and accidents can happen in an instant. That’s why it’s crucial to work safely and responsibly.

Opening Question: In the UK construction industry, several hazards contribute to injuries. Below is a ranked list of common risks, from the highest to lowest number of reported incidents: (Students are asked to place the common hazards into the correct order.)

  1. Slips, Trips, and Falls (Same Level) – Most common non-fatal injury (663 cases in 2022/23).
  2. Manual Handling Injuries – Also reported 663 non-fatal cases in 2022/23.
  3. Falls from Height – Leading cause of fatalities (50 deaths in 2023/24).
  4. Struck by Moving Objects – Responsible for 20 worker fatalities in 2023/24.
  5. Struck by Moving Vehicles – Caused 25 worker fatalities in 2023/24.
  6. Contact with Moving Machinery – Resulted in 8 worker fatalities and 260 non-fatal injuries in 2022/23.
  7. Electrical Hazards – Less frequent but still a critical safety concern.

Remember its your responsibility:
Everyone has a role in maintaining site safety.
Following safety protocols helps prevent incidents.
Reporting hazards is a duty, not an option.

Timing: 5 minutes.

  • Section 2: Manual Handling
    • Trainer Notes: Ask students to watch the film, identifying key points. Demonstrate correct lifting (bend knees, keep back straight), then ask students to work in pairs—one lifting an object and the other observing to ensure the technique is correct.
    • Activity: Watch the training film. With a partner practice lifting ensuring correct technique is used. (5 minutes).
    • Timing: 15 minutes.
    • Quiz Question:
      What is a key rule for safe manual handling?
      A) Lift with your back
      B) Keep the load close to your body
      C) Twist while lifting
      D) Rush to finish quickly
      Correct Answer: B) Keep the load close to your body
  • Section 3: Working at Height and Electrical Safety
  • Watch the Working at Height training film
  • Trainer Notes: Show ladder setup, ask students to practice set up a ladder explaining key points to check for
  • Complete the quiz
  • Watch the Electrical Safety training film
  • Trainer Notes: Ask students to explain why electrical tagging is important and why it is essential on a construction site
  • Complete the quiz
    • Timing: 15 minutes.
  • Section 4: Emergency Procedures

Trainer Notes: Section 4 – Emergency Procedures

Trainer Notes: Cover fire exits and first aid kits. Present scenario: “Fire breaks out – what’s your plan?”

Key Topics to Cover:

  • Fire Exits: Show locations, emphasise clear access, and explain evacuation procedures.
  • First Aid Kits: Point out locations and importance of quick access in an emergency.

Scenario Discussion:

  • Present the scenario: “A fire breaks out on-site – what’s your plan?”
  • Guide participants to think through steps:
    1. Raise the alarm.
    2. Evacuate safely using designated exits.
    3. Assist others if safe to do so.
    4. Report to the assembly point.
    5. Wait for emergency services.

Activity: Scenario Planning (10 minutes)

  • Split participants into small groups.
  • Assign different emergency scenarios (e.g., fire, injury, chemical spill).
  • Have each group develop a response plan and share with the class.
  • Reinforce correct emergency actions and company procedures.
    • Timing: 20 minutes.
    • Quiz Question:
      What should you do first in a fire emergency?
      A) Run to the nearest exit
      B) Sound the alarm
      C) Fight the fire alone
      D) Call your supervisor
      Correct Answer: B) Sound the alarm

Impact & Assessment Opportunities

Plenary

  • Section 5: Recap
    • Trainer Notes: Quick review; invite questions.
    • Timing: 5 minutes.

Objective:
Summarise key learning points from Module 3 to reinforce understanding and ensure retention of safe working practices.

1. Key Topics to Recap:

Manual Handling:

  • Bend knees, keep back straight, and lift with legs.
  • Use mechanical aids where possible.
  • Work in pairs for heavy loads.

Working at Height:

  • Inspect ladders before use (check rungs, angle, and ground stability).
  • Maintain three points of contact when climbing.
  • Use proper fall protection equipment.

Electrical Safety:

  • Always lockout/tagout tools before maintenance.
  • Only qualified personnel should remove tags.
  • Check power is off using a voltage tester.

Emergency Procedures:

  • Know fire exits and assembly points.
  • Report incidents immediately.
  • Follow site first aid procedures.

2. Final Reminders:

  • Safety is everyone’s responsibility—speak up if you see unsafe practices.
  • Always follow site procedures and use PPE correctly.
  • When in doubt, ask a supervisor—never assume something is safe.

End with: “Stay aware, stay safe, and apply these practices every day on site.”

Section 6:

Section 6: Careers Slide - Ethan O'Brian is a Junior Engineer at Morgan Sindall. He explains how he reports to the Head Engineer and supports other trades on-site. What construction career are you interested in exploring?

Formative Assessment Questions: (Accessed by learners in the learner zone)

1️⃣ What is the safest way to lift a heavy object?
A) Bend at the waist and lift with your back
B) Keep your feet close together and lift quickly
C) Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs
D) Hold the object far from your body to balance the weight
✅ Correct Answer: C) Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs

2️⃣ Which of the following is a key safety rule when using a ladder?
A) Always have someone hold the bottom of the ladder
B) Stand on the top rung for better reach
C) Use a ladder that is slightly unstable but still usable
D) Lean as far as possible to the side while working
✅ Correct Answer: A) Always have someone hold the bottom of the ladder

3️⃣ Why is it important to tag out faulty electrical equipment?
A) To prevent others from using unsafe equipment
B) To remind workers to replace the tool later
C) To reduce the number of tools in use
D) To make sure only trained electricians can use it
✅ Correct Answer: A) To prevent others from using unsafe equipment

4️⃣ What is the purpose of an emergency evacuation plan?
A) To provide a fast way to leave work early
B) To ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency
C) To allow workers to choose their own exits
D) To test fire alarms regularly
✅ Correct Answer: B) To ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency

5️⃣ Which of the following is NOT a correct fire safety procedure?
A) Use the nearest exit to evacuate safely
B) Panic and run as fast as possible
C) Follow designated escape routes
D) Stay low if there is smoke
✅ Correct Answer: B) Panic and run as fast as possible

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