Take a stand on dodgy ground

Comments invited on new CPA document on Ground Conditions for Construction Plant

THE Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) is inviting feedback on a new guidance document, ‘Ground Conditions for Construction Plant”, which is now available as a draft for public comment.

Failure of the ground on which construction plant stands and moves is a frequent cause of minor incidents and near misses on sites, as well as a significant number of serious injuries and fatalities.

The new guidance deals with ground-bearing pressures and loadings from mobile plant, and assessment and engineering of the ground’s capability to withstand the loadings. The guidance addresses co-ordination of duties, with reference to CDM and to Temporary Works, and contains technical guidance presented in an accessible way.

Participating organizations included the Health and Safety Executive, the Environment Agency, UKCG, CECA, Temporary Works Forum, specialist contractor organizations, among others.

Comment forms are downloadable from the CPA website and should be returned to Kevin Minton ([email protected]) before 1 July 2014.