Module 4: Welfare, Environment, and Teamwork

Trainer Guidance

• Section 1: Introduction
• Trainer Notes: Frame welfare and teamwork as safety foundations.

Module 4: Welfare, Environment, and Teamwork. This is about keeping us safe and strong on site. Welfare—like toilets and rest areas—keeps us fit to work. The environment—dust and waste—can trip us up if we don’t manage it. And teamwork - It’s how we stay safe together through communication and cooperation.

We’re a team here. When we look out for each other, the site runs better, just like on any CSCS job. What is one thing (welfare, environment, or teamwork) that’s made a difference for you on site?

• Timing: 5 minutes.
• Section 2: Welfare Facilities
  • Trainer Notes: Use checklist to highlight basics. Ask: “What’s missing on some sites?”

Introduction (2 minutes)

• Briefly explain the legal requirements for welfare facilities (toilets, washing, drinking water, rest areas, changing rooms).

Checklist Activity (4 minutes)

• Use a welfare facilities checklist to highlight key requirements.
• Ask learners: “What’s missing on some sites you’ve worked on?”

Discussion (3 minutes)

• Encourage learners to share examples of inadequate welfare facilities they’ve encountered.
• Stress the importance of reporting issues to site managers.

Conclusion (1 minute)

• Reinforce that proper welfare facilities are a right and improve safety, hygiene, and productivity.
• Timing: 10 minutes.
• Section 3: Environmental Hazards
  • Trainer Notes: Focus on dust (e.g., silicosis risk) and waste segregation.

Dust Hazards – Silicosis

What is Silicosis?
Lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust from materials like concrete and stone. It can lead to long-term lung damage and increased cancer risk.

Dust Control Methods: Water Suppression: Wet surfaces to reduce dust. Vacuum Systems: Capture dust at the source. PPE: Use dust masks or respirators.

Key Actions: Always use dust control measures. Wear proper PPE. Maintain dust extraction equipment.

Waste Segregation

What is Waste Segregation?
Sorting materials like wood, metal, and hazardous waste for proper disposal and recycling.

Key Steps:

• Use labelled bins for different waste types.
• Ensure workers are trained.
• Regular waste collection.
• Use licensed contractors for hazardous waste.

Benefits:

• Reduces hazards and contamination.
• Promotes recycling and avoids fines.
• Timing: 10 minutes.
• Quiz Question:
  What is an environmental hazard on a construction site?
  A) Loud machinery
  B) Dust inhalation
  C) Slippery floors
  D) Broken ladders
  Correct Answer: B) Dust inhalation

Why is waste segregation important on construction sites?

A) It speeds up construction work
B) It reduces environmental and safety risks
C) It makes the site look cleaner
D) It eliminates the need for protective gear

Answer: B) It reduces environmental and safety risks

• Section 4: Teamwork
  • Trainer Notes: Link poor communication to accidents.
  • Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, missed hazards, and unsafe actions.
  • Teamwork ensures tasks are coordinated, risks are identified, and workers look out for each other.
  • Examples of risks from poor teamwork:
    • Not warning others about hazards (e.g., uncovered holes, moving equipment).
    • Miscommunication about safety procedures.
    • Lack of coordination in lifting or handling materials.

Activity (10 minutes total):

1. Discussion (5 min): Ask, "How does poor teamwork lead to accidents?"
   • Encourage real-life examples from participants.
2. Sharing (5 min): Each group shares key points with the class.

Wrap-Up (5 min):

• Reinforce that clear communication, collaboration, and accountability keep everyone safe.
• Remind participants to always speak up about hazards and support their team.
  • Activity: Discussion – “How does poor teamwork lead to accidents?” (5 minutes discuss, 5 minutes share).
  • Timing: 15 minutes.
• Section 5: Case Study
  • Case Study: Dust Exposure Incident – Worker hospitalised after prolonged exposure; no masks provided, no reporting.
  • Trainer Notes: Discuss: “What went wrong?” Tie to teamwork and welfare.

Case Study: Dust Exposure Incident

On a construction site in early 2025, a worker was hospitalized due to severe respiratory issues after weeks of prolonged exposure to hazardous dust. The site involved demolition and grinding tasks, generating high levels of silica dust. Despite the obvious risks, no dust masks or other personal protective equipment (PPE) were provided to the workers. Additionally, there was no system in place for reporting hazards, and the worker had not raised concerns prior to the incident. Investigations revealed that the site supervisor assumed workers would "manage" without PPE, and the team lacked clear communication channels to address safety issues. The worker’s condition worsened over time, leading to emergency medical treatment and a temporary site shutdown.

Discussion Questions: “What Went Wrong?”

1. Welfare Failures: How did the lack of PPE, like dust masks, compromise the worker’s health and well-being? What welfare measures could have prevented this?
2. Teamwork Breakdown: Why might the worker and team not have reported the dust hazard? How could better communication and collaboration have changed the outcome?
3. Responsibility Gaps: Who should have ensured masks were available and hazards were reported—supervisor, workers, or both? How does teamwork tie into shared safety accountability?

This case study highlights failures in welfare (no PPE provision) and teamwork (poor communication and reporting), setting up a focused 5-minute discussion on these themes. Let me know if you'd like it adjusted further!

• Timing: 5 minutes.
• Quiz Question:
  How can teamwork improve safety?
  A) By working alone
  B) By reporting hazards to each other
  C) By ignoring small issues
  D) By rushing tasks
  Correct Answer: B) By reporting hazards to each other