How we ensure safety on every job site, from strip outs to demolition
When you hire a contractor to carry out demolition or strip-out work, you want more than a team with expertise and the right equipment – you’re also searching for a company that can cover every aspect of site safety.
Safety is especially important in construction, where the risks to staff working on site are real. Recent figures from the Health and Safety Executive show that construction remains one of the most hazardous industries in the UK. It accounted for 28% of all work-related fatalities in 2024-25, and the fatal injury rate is nearly five times the national average across all sectors.
At David Horton Contractors, we take these figures seriously and work hard to keep our sites safe. With decades of experience and a strong track record of delivering successful projects across the South West and throughout the UK, safety is central to everything we do. From work to carry out a soft strip on a busy site to managing a full demolition project, we apply the same high standards of planning training, coordination and supervision.
Here’s how we ensure every site we work on is safe, professional, and run to the highest possible standards.
RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements)
Before a single machine starts up or a person sets foot on site, the groundwork for a safe operation starts with detailed Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS). These documents detail every aspect of site safety, identifying potential hazards and clearly outlining how risks will be minimised throughout the job.
At David Horton Contractors, every project we work on begins with a bespoke RAMS plan, and we don’t rely on templates or generic forms. Instead, we assess and map out the exact requirements of your site, the nature of the structure, the presence of any hazardous materials like asbestos and the wider environment. The resulting documentation is thorough, project-specific and designed to give clients and stakeholders full confidence in the safety of the works ahead.
RAMS are a legal requirement under UK health and safety law, but ours are the gold standard. Our decades of experience mean we know what to look out for when it comes to risks and how to plan for it. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of incidents, avoids unnecessary delays, and ensures that everyone on site understands their role in working safely from day one.
Training and PPE
Safety isn’t just about paperwork and processes; it’s also about taking care of people when they’re working. That’s why every member of the David Horton Contractors team is trained and equipped to carry out their work safely and responsibly.
We invest in regular training to make sure our staff stay up to date with industry standards, regulations, and best practices. That includes:
- Health and safety awareness
- Manual handling techniques
- Working at height and confined spaces
- Asbestos awareness
- Safe operation of machinery and tools
Alongside training, every operative is supplied with and required to use the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the task at hand. This might include:
- Hard hats, safety goggles and Hi-Viz clothing
- Gloves and steel-toe boots
- Respiratory protection for dust and debris
- Hearing protection for high-noise environments
The correct use of PPE is monitored and enforced on site. It’s not optional — it’s a key part of our culture of responsibility. By making sure our team is well-trained and properly equipped, we reduce risks not only for our own staff, but for clients, visitors, and anyone else around the site.
Communication with clients, councils and utility providers
Every project we work on has multiple moving parts – not just the machines and materials we use, but people, permissions and practical logistics too. One of the ways we keep our sites safe is by making communication a priority right from the start.
Our team works closely with clients to understand the scope of the job and any specific site considerations. This collaborative approach helps us factor in everything from public access to neighbouring properties and tight deadlines. But we don’t stop there.
We also liaise directly with local councils, planning departments, and building control officers to ensure that the work complies with all local regulations. This might include submitting method statements, arranging site inspections, or working around public services.
Another important piece of the puzzle is working with utility providers. Before any demolition or excavation begins, we confirm that services such as electricity, gas, and water are properly disconnected or rerouted. This helps avoid costly delays and, more importantly, keeps everyone safe.
Coordination is good practice for all sites, no matter how big or small they are. Whether the project is taking place in a busy urban setting or a more remote rural site, clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and makes for a smoother, safer project from beginning to end.
Experienced supervisors and trained staff
Even with careful planning, strong communication and well-trained staff, there’s no substitute for experienced leadership on site. That’s why every David Horton Contractors project is overseen by a dedicated supervisor with hands-on expertise.
Our supervisors play a vital role in keeping each job safe, organised and on track. From the moment work begins, they act as a point of contact for the client, coordinating the daily workflow and making sure the site runs according to the agreed method statements.
Their responsibilities during live projects include:
- Delivering daily briefings and toolbox talks to the team
- Monitoring safety compliance throughout the day
- Addressing any emerging issues quickly and professionally
- Liaising with clients and third parties to keep everything moving
Having the right person on the ground makes a big difference. Our team brings years of practical experience to the role, which helps them make smart, informed decisions – especially in complex or changing site conditions.
Clients often tell us they value the consistency, professionalism, and peace of mind that comes from knowing someone is always keeping a close eye on the big picture.
At David Horton Contractors, safety is built into every part of the job, from planning and training to communication and on-site supervision. If you’re looking for a reliable, experienced team to carry out your next demolition or strip-out project safely and efficiently, we’re here to help.
Give us a call to discuss your upcoming works, and we’ll be happy to talk through the next steps.