You describe the work
For cutting concrete blocks, tell us where the work happens, the cutting method, duration, equipment, nearby people and available water or extraction.
Risk assessments & method statements
Control the real risks, not just the paperwork.
A useful assessment identifies who could be harmed and sets controls that match the site. The method statement then gives the team a workable sequence. Together they help turn legal duties into practical site arrangements.
What you receive
Clear documents built around the job.
- A suitable, proportionate assessment of the significant hazards.
- Controls following the hierarchy: eliminate first, then reduce and control.
- A logical work sequence linked to the risk controls.
- Health controls for silica, wood dust, noise, vibration and hazardous products where relevant.
- Consideration of employees, subcontractors, visitors, neighbours and the public.
What we need from you
The facts are usually straightforward.
- 01The activity, location, team size and expected duration.
- 02Plant, access equipment, substances and materials involved.
- 03Existing services, occupied areas and simultaneous work by others.
- 04Competence, supervision, emergency arrangements and any client rules.
From enquiry to working document
Once you know the job, we can ask the right questions.
We turn facts into controls
We specify practical dust prevention and control, suitable equipment, exclusion, housekeeping, RPE requirements and supervision instead of relying on a generic ‘wear a mask’ instruction.
You put it into practice
The team is briefed in plain language, the controls are available before cutting begins, and the supervisor checks that the method remains workable as conditions change.
Why proper planning matters
Moral
Prevent a worker, neighbour, visitor or family from being injured—or developing an occupational disease years after the work.
Legal
Employers and construction dutyholders must assess risk and plan, manage and monitor work. Companies and individuals can face enforcement and prosecution.
Financial
Poor control can bring delay, rework, lost contracts, higher insurance costs, HSE fees, fines, legal costs and compensation claims.
Criminal enforcement and private liability are separate exposures.
HSE may investigate, serve notices or prosecute. Separately, an injured worker or member of the public may pursue a civil claim for compensation. A document helps only when it reflects the job and its controls are actually provided and used.
HSE enforcement reality
Planning failures can become prosecutions.
These are official HSE case summaries. Fines are imposed by the courts; HSE does not set or collect them.
£650k + £40k costs
Basic excavation controls were absent
A worker died in an unsupported trench with spoil placed beside the edge. In September 2026, two companies and an individual were sentenced; the principal contractor was also fined £500,000.
Read the HSE caseLong-term harm
Silica is a major construction health risk
HSE identifies respirable crystalline silica as the biggest risk to construction workers after asbestos. Heavy or prolonged exposure can cause lung cancer and other serious respiratory disease.
Read HSE’s silica guidance£188/hr
HSE Fee for Intervention
When HSE finds a material breach, the dutyholder can be charged for the visit, investigation, reports and time spent helping put matters right. The published rate from 1 April 2026 is £188 per hour.
Check HSE’s current rateRelated services
Start with the work in front of you