HSE Coordination

Safety and Health Coordination

Safety and health coordination on construction sites (SIGE-Koordination) is mandatory for both private and commercial builders, according to the Construction Site Ordinance.

We offer professional safety and health coordination during the planning and execution phases of your construction project nationwide.

Our coordination services cover, among others, the following areas:

  • Residential and housing construction
  • Industrial and commercial construction
  • Hydraulic engineering
  • Road and civil engineering
  • Structural engineering
  • Plant and power plant construction
  • Wind energy plant construction

"Where there is construction, there are risks."

This phrase is especially true for the construction industry. Accidents happen due to various factors, with one critical factor being occupational safety management.

While it is primarily the responsibility of the contractor, the builder has also been held accountable since 1998 under the Construction Site Ordinance.

If the builder neglects or fails to fulfill these duties, significant risks may arise.

Deliberate actions that endanger the life or health of employees are punishable under the Occupational Safety Act.

Examples:

  • Failure to submit a prior notice, submitting an incorrect or incomplete prior notice, or not submitting it within the legal timeframe to the relevant authority: fine up to €5,000.
  • Deliberate or negligent actions by the builder (e.g., omission, untimely or inadequate planning, tolerating substandard execution by the companies) that lead to property or personal damage can result in multi-year prison sentences.
  • Compensation claims against the builder by injured parties and trade associations can be made (e.g., rehabilitation measures, pension payments, treatment costs, etc.).

The builder initiates and organizes the construction project. The builder is obligated to prevent hazards to the safety and health of all persons/employees involved in the construction project.

Specifically, this means:

  • The builder must consider aspects of occupational safety and health protection during the planning and execution of the construction project.
  • The builder must adhere to the general principles of the Occupational Safety Act to protect the safety and health of employees.
  • For certain construction projects, a prior notice must be prepared and submitted to the regional occupational safety authority (Office for Occupational Safety). The prior notice must be posted on the construction site for all to view.
  • If employees from multiple companies are working simultaneously, at least one Safety and Health Coordinator (SIGEKO) must be appointed.
  • A Safety and Health Plan (SiGe-Plan) must be created and posted if:
    • Employees from multiple companies are working on the construction site and a prior notice is required, or
    • Employees from multiple companies are working and particularly hazardous tasks, according to Appendix 2 of the Construction Site Ordinance, are being carried out.

Planning Phase:

  • Participation in preliminary, design, and detailed planning
  • Preparation of the Safety and Health Plan (SiGe-Plan), site regulations, prior notice, and documentation

Execution Phase:

  • Coordination of companies working on the construction site
  • Review and adjustment of the SiGe-Plan during execution
  • Consultation and participation in the awarding and planning of construction processes

During the planning phase, the future maintenance, upkeep, and cleaning of a building must be considered from the perspective of occupational safety and health protection. This requires the creation of "Documentation" by the Safety and Health Coordinator (SIGE-Koordinator).

Proper planning and preparation of the "Documentation" significantly influence the future maintenance and operating costs of a building. This can help avoid subsequent and costly requirements from authorities. The legal basis for the creation of the "Documentation" is the Construction Site Ordinance.