How fit-out contractors can effectively manage health & safety in occupied spaces

Fit-out is a fast-paced, dynamic, and complex part of our industry. Improving health and safety initiatives from the outset can help reduce project delays and improve timelines across the entire programme.

Complexity within the fit-out industry is increasing, with clients pushing boundaries and contractors competing to prove themselves. From high-end hotels, office space to cater for Gen Zs, to urban shopping centres. Contractors have to effectively deliver a project without disrupting the everyday activities of the building they are working in.

Here are some challenges fit-out contractors and clients face:

• Working with landlords who are dealing with multiple stakeholders.
• Minimising disruption without delaying building works.
• Noise and vibration issues.
• Temporary closures including floors, fire escapes, and lifts.
• Fire Hazards.
• Intangible costs (non-returning customers, reputation damage)

To mitigate these challenges, contractors need a robust pre-construction programme that helps execute the construction stage. And the client needs to be fully invested in the process.

“Building a strong stakeholder engagement from the very beginning sets the standard for the entire project. Forming the relationship with the client and selecting a contractor who has a specialism in the projects’ relevant sector. These dynamics need to be right from the outset.” said Jack Rumbol, CEO of Havio, a leading health & safety consultancy.

With the help of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), fit-out contractors are now able to minimise disruption in occupied spaces. Take a hotel for example, manufacturing pre-finished, fully-fitted bathrooms off-site, that can be simply installed into the building structure. This reduces the number of tradespeople required on-site and limits exposure to hazardous activities.

However, establishing a robust health & safety strategy during the pre-construction phase can significantly mitigate potential disruption. By laying a solid foundation early on, you ensure that safety protocols are seamlessly integrated into the project’s workflow.

“We act as advisors from the very beginning of the project, collaborating closely with both the client and the fit-out contractor. Engaging early in the process is crucial for us,” said Jack.

“As the project transitions from pre-construction into construction, our focus then moves to practical mitigation, not just paperwork.

“We help to develop comprehensive plans to manage on-site activities, ensuring that subcontractors and everyone involved can adhere to these plans.

“Our site visits are aimed at supporting and guiding the team to follow these processes, not to make their lives difficult but to assist them in maintaining safety standards.”

The fit-out industry has evolved significantly. What was once primarily an Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) domain now requires contractors to adopt a broader, more traditional builder mindset.

For more information and guidance, contact Havio today.