How safe are your building contractors?

When choosing a builder, it’s easy to focus on cost, design and project timelines, but what about safety? Health and safety standards are among the most important (and most overlooked) aspects of any construction project.

A professional builder doesn’t just deliver quality workmanship; they ensure that everyone on site, including you, your family, and their own team stays safe throughout the build.

Why Safety Standards Matter

Construction sites can be hazardous environments. Falls, electrical risks, machinery accidents and exposure to hazardous materials are just a few examples of the dangers that can arise when safety isn’t prioritised. A builder who takes safety seriously will:

• Follow current HSE (Health and Safety Executive) regulations.

• Carry out risk assessments and method statements before starting work.

• Provide their team with correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

• Keep the site secure and organised to prevent accidents.

Unfortunately, not every builder does. Many smaller or less professional contractors cut corners or assume “it’ll be fine,” putting their workforce and your property at risk.

What to Look Out For When Choosing a Builder

When meeting or researching contractors, here are a few key signs that indicate a builder is serious about safety:

Accredited training: Look for builders whose site managers hold recognised qualifications such as SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) or SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme).

Insurance: A responsible builder will have valid public liability and employer’s liability insurance.

Documentation: Ask to see their Health & Safety policy or Construction Phase Plan. Any professional contractor will be happy to share these.

Site standards: A tidy, well-organised site usually reflects good safety management.

Communication: Builders who hold regular site briefings and toolbox talks show they’re actively managing risks.

Recommendations: Speak to your architect, friends, family or neighbours who have recently had building work completed. Ask about their experience with how the site was managed, and did the builder prioritise safety? Word of mouth remains one of the best ways to find a reliable, safety-conscious contractor. At Saunders Brothers, we’re proud of the projects we deliver and are always happy to arrange viewings where possible.

Safety at Saunders Brothers

At Saunders Brothers, safety is never an afterthought. Our site managers are fully trained and hold SMSTS qualifications. We carry out regular site audits, ensure all staff have up-to-date training, and work strictly within HSE and CDM (Construction Design and Management) guidelines.

We believe that a safe site is a productive site, and that good safety isn’t just about compliance, it’s about culture.

Why It Matters to You

Choosing a safe builder protects your investment, your property and the people involved in your project. It ensures that your build runs smoothly, avoids costly delays and gives you peace of mind that everything is being done properly.

When comparing quotations, don’t just ask about timelines and costs, ask about safety. It’s one of the clearest signs of a professional builder who truly cares.