This website uses cookies by default. Find out more on our Information about Cookies page.

You can update your cookie preferences in Cookie Settings

> Home > My Housing Executive > Repairs > Working in your home

Working in your home

In this section

Keeping you safe while we work in your home

At the start of any construction work the contractor will identify safety risks. They will provide you with clear advice and guidance on potential hazards and how they can be avoided.

The contractor is responsible for reducing risk and control hazards while they carry out planned works in and around your home. 

The contractor will have a local Tenant Liaison Officer who you should contact first if you have any concerns.

Typical hazards associated with construction

Slips, trips and falls can happen as a result of the following:
  • Poor housekeeping by the contractor
  • Clutter / debris left in main work / walking areas
  • Trailing cables from tools / machinery
The contractor must ensure that all equipment is stored safely away when not in use. 

All walkways should be kept clear at all times, with adequate lighting and warning signage to prevent unauthorised access.

Slips-trips-fals.jpg
 
Excavations may be necessary to carry out different types of essential work, such as:
  • Building foundations 
  • Ramp foundations 
  • Underground services (gas, water, oil etc.)
  • Garden walls 
  • Drainage
  • Manhole chambers
  • Oil remediation
  • Installing a septic tank 
  • Replacing a concrete path 
At the end of each working day, the excavation should be backfilled by the contractor and if this is not possible, covered and fenced off to ensure that no-one can fall in.

Excavations.jpg
All material which contains asbestos will be properly managed during any construction 
work. 

When required, it will be removed by experienced contractors who will discuss with you any practical arrangements which need to be made to ensure your safety. 

This could potentially mean a temporary move while the work is being carried out. 

Asbestos.jpg
Construction Plant and Work Equipment on site will be operated by trained and competent operatives for example:
  • excavator
  • dumper
  • cement mixer
  • hand and power tools
The work equipment will not be left unattended and should be safely stored at the end of the working day.

Construction-plant-work-equipment.jpg
Scaffolding is used for a variety of Housing Executive projects, to ensure safe work at height.
 
The contractor will establish an exclusion area around scaffolding and will erect warning signage to ensure that no resident or members of the public access the work area.

Scaffolding.jpg
Electrical safety during construction work, it may be necessary for contractors to temporarily turn off the power supply to carryout essential maintenance. 

The contractor will be responsible for ensuring the electrical supply is reconnected and safe to use.

Electrical-safety.jpg
Hazardous substances such as cleaning agents, paints and cement may be required on site during a construction project. 

The hazardous substance will not be left unattended and when not being used.

It will be stored in a lockable container within the contractor’s compound. 

Hazardous-substances.jpg
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon based fuels, such as gas, oil, wood and coal.

Exposure to CO can make you very ill and can also be fatal. 

Carbon based fuels and appliances are safe to use if correctly installed and maintained and it is important that any problems with your boiler are reported to the Customer Service Unit. 

Housing Executive contractors working at your home will ensure the flue is not disturbed and free of obstructions to prevent any build-up of CO in the property. 

Carbon-monoxide.jpg
Noise can be a nuisance and during any construction work contractors will make their best effort to keep noise levels to a minimum.

Where possible contractors will make practical arrangements with tenants where there is a need to avoid noisy activities during certain hours.

Noise.jpg
Site security is important to prevent unauthorised access during and outside normal working hours, as children may be attracted to the construction site as a potential playground. 

Contractors will ensure security of their work area with signage displayed warning of danger.

Site-security.jpg

What temporary arrangements will be put in place to help tenants continue their day-to-day lives?

The contractor will talk to you before any work starts to see what impact it will have. 

If needed, temporary accommodation can be provided where any disruption would be considered high risk, due to the work involved. 

Alternatively you may be able to stay with friends and/or family while the construction work is taking place. 

We will work closely with you during any construction work to ensure that you have safe access to your bathroom, kitchen and other areas of the property. 

Keeping you safe

Please follow all safety instructions and guidance provided by the contractor, including for any work being carried out within or close to your home.

The Housing Executive has a legal obligation to ensure you are kept safe during any construction work. 

We would also ask that you please follow any instructions or guidance from the contractor so that they can meet their legal requirements.

Who do I contact if I have any concerns about the construction work? 

The contractor will provide you with contact details of the person to contact should you have any concerns about the work being done. 

These contact details will include a 24/7 telephone number that you may call during the construction work. 

The contractor will also display their details on their site security fencing at their compound and also at the property they are working at. 

Housing Executive Contacts

If you continue to have any health and safety concerns you can contact our Customer Service Unit by:

Tel.: 03448 920 900

Or you can contact your local office. Further information and contact details are available in our section:

Local office contact details