The health and safety coordinator

Die Rolle des Sicherheits- und Gesundheitsschutzkoordinators (SiGeKo) auf Baustellen

Die Sicherheit auf Baustellen ist von entscheidender Bedeutung, um Unfälle zu vermeiden und den Gesundheitsschutz der Beschäftigten zu gewährleisten. Eine zentrale Rolle spielt dabei der Sicherheits- und Gesundheitsschutzkoordinator (SiGeKo). In diesem Blogartikel erläutern wir, was die Aufgaben des SiGeKo sind, wann er auf Baustellen benötigt wird und welchen Mehrwert seine Tätigkeit bietet.

What is a health and safety coordinator (SiGeKo)?

A health and safety coordinator, often referred to as a SiGeKo, is a specially trained professional who is responsible for implementing occupational health and safety measures on construction sites. The SiGeKo is appointed in accordance with the Construction Site Ordinance (BaustellV) to ensure safety during the planning and execution of a construction project.

The main objective of the SiGeKo is to minimise risks and hazards on the construction site by ensuring compliance with safety regulations and coordinating cooperation between all parties involved on the construction site. In doing so, he acts as an interface between building owners, site managers, contractors and employees.

When is a SiGeKo required?

According to Section 3 of the Construction Site Ordinance, a SiGeKo is required when several employers are working on a construction site. This applies to most larger construction projects where different trades are working simultaneously. In addition, a SiGeKo is particularly necessary when so-called hazardous work is carried out on the construction site. This includes, among other things:

• Working at heights, such as roof or façade work
• Working in confined or difficult-to-access spaces, such as shafts or pits
• Handling dangerous machinery or materials

In such cases, the client or a third party appointed by the client is obliged to appoint a safety and health coordinator who ensures that work processes on the construction site are carried out safely and in an organised manner.

The tasks of a SiGeKo

The tasks of the safety and health coordinator are varied and begin as early as the planning phase of a construction project. The SiGeKo is active in both the planning and execution phases of the construction project. Their main tasks include:

1. Safety and health planning:
Right from the planning phase, the SiGeKo supports the client in integrating health and safety requirements into the project planning. They ensure that potential risks are identified at an early stage and that appropriate protective measures are defined.

2. Preparation of the safety and health protection plan (SiGe plan):
A central part of their tasks is the preparation of the SiGe plan, which describes the safety precautions on the construction site in detail. This plan covers work processes, possible hazards and measures to prevent accidents.

3. Coordination of safety measures:
During construction, the SiGeKo coordinates the implementation of the measures specified in the SiGe plan. He monitors that all companies involved comply with occupational health and safety regulations and ensures coordination between the various trades to avoid dangerous overlaps.

4. Support for cooperation:
The SiGeKo promotes communication and cooperation between the various contractors and trades to ensure a smooth and safe workflow. This includes regular safety meetings and briefings for employees.

5. Continuous monitoring and adjustment:
The SiGeKo must continuously monitor the safety measures and adjust them as necessary. If conditions on the construction site change, for example due to new work processes or the use of additional machinery, he or she adjusts the SiGe plan accordingly.

Why is the SiGeKo so important?

The role of the SiGeKo is essential for operating a construction site safely and minimising the risk of accidents. Especially on construction sites with complex processes and several companies involved, the SiGeKo helps to ensure that safety regulations are observed and that no dangerous work overlaps occur.

The use of a SiGeKo offers several advantages to builders and contractors:

• Legal certainty:
  By employing a SiGeKo, building owners ensure that all legal requirements of the Construction Site Ordinance are met. This protects them from legal consequences in the event of accidents or violations of occupational health and safety regulations.
• Employee safety:
  The SiGeKo ensures the safety of employees by identifying potential hazards at an early stage and initiating appropriate measures.
• Efficiency and smooth operation:
  By coordinating the various trades, the SiGeKo helps to ensure that work on the construction site can be carried out efficiently and without dangerous incidents.

The role of the health and safety coordinator (SiGeKo) is crucial on construction sites to ensure the safety of employees and prevent accidents. A SiGeKo is always required when several employers are working on a construction site or when hazardous work is being carried out. By coordinating safety measures and continuously monitoring the construction site, the SiGeKo ensures that legal requirements are met and safety risks are minimised.

If you need support from an experienced SiGeKo for your construction project, we at HSE-Ingenieure GmbH are happy to assist you. Our experts will help you meet the requirements of the Construction Site Ordinance and create a safe working environment.