Adapted inspection on the construction site


From 2002, the Danish Working Environment Authority has introduced the inspection method adapted inspection on construction sites.

This means that in connection with an adapted inspection visit to construction sites, the Danish Working Environment Authority will carry out inspections in new ways.

Adapted inspection is divided into several methods which are adjusted to the way the work is organised:
  • Permanent work places
  • Temporary and changing work places
  • Employers
Adapted inspection of the employer

In the building and construction sector the Danish Working Environment Authority will carry out adapted inspections of the entire construction site. This will include an examination of the employer’s obligations, that is common safety precautions.

At an introductory meeting with the employer, focus will be on the following issues:
  • Limitation
  • Plans for health and safety
  • Coordination
  • Systematism and control
After the meeting with the employer the Danish Working Environment Authority will inspect the construction site to inspect the common safety precautions. This includes:
  • Traffic routes
  • Material storage and refuse dumps
  • Electrical installations
  • Joint use of technical aids
  • Follow-up on plan
After the inspection there will be a concluding meeting with the employer. At this meeting the Danish Working Environment Authority will tell the employer what standard they found the construction site to be at.

Other activities on the construction site

Under normal circumstances, the inspection of the employer means that the Danish Working Environment Authority will not examine other conditions on the site. However, the Danish Working Environment Authority will always take action if they observe work situations resulting in imminent danger.

Action from the Danish Working Environment Authority

Under the adapted inspections the Danish Working Environment Authority will take action against employers if they have not complied with obligations.

If the Danish Working Environment Authority finds significant problems with some of the mutual safety precautions, e.g. traffic routes for foot traffic, the employer or the contractor in charge of the work will be issued an improvement notice to put things right.

Until things have been put right, the deficiencies may be of importance to the way that workmen and contractors can carry out their work on the construction site.

Adapted inspection of temporary or changing work places

Inspection of companies that carry out work on the construction site (contractors and builders) will be based on the individual companies’ own working environment work.

The Danish Working Environment Authority will contact each company with regard to carrying out an adapted inspection. In collaboration with the company’s safety organisation a representative number of the company’s temporary/changing work places will be selected for visits.