The CIS 10:2018 – Safety and Health Assessment System in Construction (SHASSIC) is a tool created by CIDB to evaluate safety and health performance at construction sites. SHASSIC provides a clear and structured way to assess occupational safety and health (OSH) practices. By integrating this system, contractors can ensure the safety of their workers and improve site compliance.
Introduction to SHASSIC
SHASSIC independently assesses a contractor’s safety and health performance. It applies to both the construction planning and execution stages, ensuring safety is part of every project phase. Ideally, SHASSIC is used when the project reaches 25% to 75% completion, offering a clear view of ongoing activities.
Key Objectives of SHASSIC:
- Establish Standardized OSH System: SHASSIC introduces a unified method for evaluating OSH practices across construction sites.
- Contractor Performance Evaluation: It reviews how well contractors manage safety and health on their sites.
- Enable Continuous Improvement: SHASSIC highlights areas where contractors need to improve, encouraging action to address any gaps.
- Industry Benchmarking: The system allows contractors to measure their performance against industry standards like ISO 45001:2018 and MS 1722:2011.
SHASSIC Assessment Components
SHASSIC uses three components to assess a construction site: document check, workplace inspection, and employee interviews. Together, these create a full picture of OSH practices at the site.
1. Document Check:
This part of the assessment reviews the contractor’s OSH documentation, ensuring everything is updated and meets legal standards.
- OSH Policy: Assesses whether the policy is available, communicated, and regularly updated.
- HIRARC (Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control): Confirms that a structured process exists for identifying hazards and controlling risks.
- Training Records: Verifies that all employees have received the required training, including hazard awareness and emergency procedures.
- Accident and Incident Reports: Looks into how accidents are reported, investigated, and what corrective measures are taken.
- Legal Compliance: Ensures adherence to regulations, such as OSHA 1994 (Act 514) and Factories and Machinery Act (FMA) 1967.
2. Workplace Inspection:
This inspection checks how well safety measures are implemented on-site, covering critical areas like:
- Machinery and Equipment: Ensures that machinery is maintained, has valid certifications (PMA/PMT), and is operated by qualified personnel.
- High-Risk Activities: Reviews safety during hazardous tasks like working at height or handling heavy machinery. For example, inspectors check if fall protection systems, such as guardrails or nets, are in place.
- Emergency Preparedness: Evaluates the effectiveness of emergency systems, such as fire extinguishers and first-aid stations.
- PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Ensures workers use the appropriate PPE, including helmets and safety vests.
3. Employee Interviews (Questionnaires):
Interviews with staff at different levels assess how well safety policies are communicated and understood. Three categories of employees are interviewed:
- Category A (Managerial Personnel): Managers are asked about their role in ensuring site safety and their involvement in incident investigations.
- Category B (Supervisory Personnel): Supervisors are asked about conducting toolbox talks, safety briefings, and overseeing worker safety.
- Category C (Workers): Workers provide feedback on their understanding of safety rules, emergency procedures, and the proper use of PPE.
SHASSIC Scoring and Star Rating
SHASSIC uses a weighted scoring system to rate a project’s safety and health performance. The breakdown is as follows:
| Assessment Component | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Document Check | 20% |
| Workplace Inspection | 60% |
| Questionnaire | 20% |
The combined score determines the SHASSIC star rating, which ranges from 1 to 5 stars. This rating gives a quick indication of the project’s safety performance:
| Star Rating | OSH Performance |
|---|---|
| 5 Stars | Excellent OSH management with strong leadership involvement |
| 4 Stars | Very good safety management with solid systems in place |
| 3 Stars | Good safety management, with room for improvement |
| 2 Stars | Satisfactory safety management but lacking in some areas |
| 1 Star | Basic safety management, needing significant improvement |
Projects that score below 50% receive a Certificate of Participation, which indicates involvement in SHASSIC but highlights areas for improvement.
Benefits of Implementing SHASSIC
SHASSIC provides many benefits for contractors, project owners, and workers:
- Proactive Safety Management: By identifying risks early, SHASSIC helps prevent accidents before they happen. This proactive approach promotes a safer work environment.
- Regulatory Compliance: SHASSIC ensures compliance with Malaysian safety regulations, such as OSH (CLASS) Regulations 2013 and NADOPOD Regulations 2004.
- Improved Safety Culture: It promotes safety awareness at all levels, encouraging employees to follow safety protocols and participate in safety campaigns.
- Competitive Advantage: A high SHASSIC star rating demonstrates a contractor’s commitment to safety, which can improve their chances of winning future contracts.
- Reduced Workplace Incidents: The system’s focus on hazard identification and control helps minimize accidents, resulting in fewer injuries and lower insurance costs.
SHASSIC in Practice
The SHASSIC process begins with a request to CIDB, after which assessors are appointed to carry out the evaluation. The assessment includes document checks, on-site inspections, and employee interviews, ensuring a complete overview of safety practices.
For example, if a project involves crane operations, SHASSIC assessors will check if the crane is certified, if the operator is licensed, and if lifting operations follow safety guidelines. Any gaps identified during the assessment are highlighted, with recommendations for improvement provided.
Conclusion
The CIDB CIS 10:2018 – Safety and Health Assessment System in Construction (SHASSIC) is a vital tool for improving safety and health management on construction sites. By implementing SHASSIC, contractors can not only enhance their safety practices but also demonstrate their commitment to industry best practices and regulatory compliance.
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