06 Apr World Day for Safety and Health at Work (April 28): Best Practices for Structural Sites
On the 28th of April, the World Day for Safety and Health at Work serves as a global reminder that protecting workers is not just a regulatory requirement, it’s a moral and operational necessity. Established by the International Labour Organisation, the day promotes the prevention of workplace accidents and occupational diseases across all sectors, including construction and structural engineering.
For structural sites, where risks are inherently higher, this day is an opportunity to reflect, improve, and reinforce a culture of safety.
Why Safety Still Matters: The Statistics
Despite advancements in safety standards, the global picture highlights why continued focus is critical:
- 2.93 million workers die annually due to work-related factors
- 395 million workers suffer non-fatal injuries each year
- In Great Britain alone, 1.9 million workers experienced work-related ill health, with 40.1 million working days lost annually
These figures are particularly relevant to construction and structural work, where hazards such as ground movement, structural collapse, and heavy equipment significantly increase risk exposure.
2026 Theme: Creating a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment
The 2026 theme shifts the conversation beyond physical hazards to focus on psychosocial working environments; how work is designed, managed, and experienced.
This includes factors such as:
- Workload and deadlines
- Communication and leadership
- Fatigue and stress levels
- Worker autonomy and support
Poor psychosocial conditions can directly increase the likelihood of accidents on-site. When workers are distracted, fatigued, or stressed, decision-making suffers, and risks escalate. In fact, stress, depression, or anxiety account for a significant portion of work-related ill health, with hundreds of thousands of cases reported annually in the UK.
Best Practices for Structural and Groundworks Sites
To align with both traditional safety standards and the 2026 theme, structural contractors could consider adopting a more holistic approach to worker safety:
1. Prioritise Ground Risk Assessments
Before any underpinning or piling begins, thorough geotechnical surveys and structural assessments are essential. Understanding soil conditions and load-bearing capacity reduces the risk of collapse or failure. In addition, risk assessments should account for a range of other site-specific hazards, including earthwork support requirements, air quality and contamination testing, and the identification and protection of underground services. This is not an exhaustive list; every project presents unique risks. A comprehensive risk assessment must always be undertaken in line with current legal requirements and industry regulations to ensure the safety of all personnel and the surrounding environment.
2. Strengthen Site Communication
Clear, consistent communication, especially during complex structural works, helps prevent misunderstandings that could lead to accidents. Daily briefings and toolbox talks remain critical.
3. Manage Fatigue and Workload
Long hours and tight deadlines are common in construction, but unmanaged fatigue can be dangerous. Rotating shifts and realistic scheduling improve both safety and productivity.
4. Invest in Training and Competency
From excavation safety to working around heavy machinery, ongoing training ensures teams remain compliant and confident in high-risk environments.
5. Build a Culture of Psychological Safety
Workers should feel confident raising concerns without fear of blame. Encouraging open dialogue helps identify risks early and before they become incidents.
A safe site is not just about compliance, it’s about efficiency, reputation, and long-term success. Fewer incidents mean less downtime, lower costs, and a more engaged workforce.
The 2026 focus on psychosocial wellbeing reinforces a simple truth: When people feel safe, physically and mentally, they perform better.
Partnering with Experts Who Put Safety First
At U&M Group, safety isn’t an afterthought, it’s embedded in every project. Our values centre on:
- Delivering high-quality, safe structural solutions
- Maintaining integrity and accountability on-site
- Prioritising people, performance, and precision
With extensive experience in underpinning and piling, U&M Group understands the complexities of structural work and the importance of getting it right both safely and efficiently.
Get in Touch
If you’re planning a project that requires expert support in underpinning, piling, or structural stabilisation, partner with a team that puts safety and quality first.
👉 Contact U&M Group today to discuss your project and discover how our values-driven approach can support safe, successful delivery.