Health and Safety in the Building and Construction Industry
Strengthen safety and wellbeing in your construction project
The building and construction industry is the driving force behind the development of our cities, businesses, and infrastructure. However, with complex projects, multiple stakeholders, and a fast-paced working environment comes the risk of accidents, illnesses, and poor wellbeing. A safe and healthy working environment is not just a legal requirement; it is the foundation for high-quality construction work, sound finances, and secure employees.
Are you lacking resources or specialised knowledge of health, safety, and management in construction projects? Let Human House take responsibility as your impartial safety and health coordinator.
As a client in a building or construction project, you bear the overall responsibility for ensuring that work is carried out safely and healthily – both for those on site and for the completed structure. The occupational safety and health coordinator is a key tool for meeting your legal duties as a client.
The Working Environment Act requires the appointment of a safety and health coordinator for any project involving two or more employers. By choosing an external, impartial safety and health coordinator from Human House, you ensure that health and safety are prioritised and that the project runs efficiently without unnecessary interruptions due to accidents or official notices. We have no financial interests in the design or execution of your project, and we keep our focus on your set objectives – not the contractor’s bottom line. We help you plan, coordinate and document all health and safety efforts, so you gain peace of mind, full overview, and confidence that all legal requirements are fulfilled.
As a contractor, you are responsible for ensuring your employees work safely on site. Working in partnership with the safety and health coordinator makes it easier to navigate rules and regulations – and gives you access to valuable knowledge to help prevent accidents and enhance wellbeing in your team. At Human House, we provide clear guidelines, training and ongoing advice to help you and your team feel well‑prepared, both in everyday operations and when challenges arise. We help foster a positive safety culture, making it easier for you to meet both legal requirements and client expectations.
If you are acting as an occupational safety and health coordinator, your role is to serve as the link between the client, contractors and workers on site. Your work is crucial for ensuring everyone pursues the same goal: a safe and healthy construction site where risks are minimised, and the working atmosphere is positive. Human House can support you with sparring, tools and up‑to‑date knowledge, helping you succeed in your vital role. We can also act as a third eye or cover for you during peak periods – and we can assist with quality assurance, audits, or special tasks on larger projects.
Download an overview of our services for safety and health coordinators here.
How we support safety and health in the building and construction industry
- Safety and health coordination during both design and execution phases (HSC‑D and HSC‑E)
- Preparation of Health & Safety Plans and working environment documentation
- Site safety inspections and kick‑off meetings
- Competence development, workshops and staff training
- Quality assurance and third‑party audits of working environment efforts
- Development of safety culture on site – e.g. through toolbox talks and dedicated courses
- Special courses on collaboration, communication and conflict management
- Sparring in relation to project design and future operations
- Support for foreign contractors regarding Danish legislation and practices
Why is a good working environment important?
The building and construction industry has historically had the highest number of workplace accidents in Denmark. But a good working environment is about more than just preventing accidents. It is about creating worksites where wellbeing, safety and respect go hand in hand – from planning through daily operations and ongoing maintenance.
A poor working environment does not pay off, and the consequences can be considerable for employees, companies, and society at large.
- For employees: Accidents and poor work environment can cause severe injuries – both physical and mental.
- For companies: Accidents and injuries can lead to work stoppages, missed deadlines, extra expenses, and a damaged reputation.
- For society: Loss of workforce and increased costs relating to treatment and social benefits.
Tools for collaboration on site
Improve collaboration on your site with the dialogue tool Relational Koordinering (Relational Coordination). This tool gives you concrete methods to strengthen cooperation in your building management and deliver projects on time.
Currently only available in Danish.
Typical causes of workplace accidents and poor working environment
- Lack of planning: Unclear procedures, inadequate safety plans or insufficient coordination between parties.
- Poor communication: Failures in information exchange among management, craftspeople and contractors.
- On‑site culture: Low safety culture, lack of instructions or a focus on “finishing quickly” instead of “finishing safely”.
- Unmanageable worksites: Poor physical organisation and too many simultaneous activities.
- Lack of up‑to‑date knowledge: Especially an issue when foreign or new contractors are not updated on Danish regulations.
Knowledge bank
Sådan håndterer du udenlandske entreprenører på byggepladsen
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Client obligations under the Danish Working Environment Act
The act sets out specific requirements that all clients must meet to protect those carrying out the work, ensure an efficient building process and avoid potential sanctions. Explore the most important duties here.
Getting started on health and safety work
To ensure a safe and efficient working environment on your site, strengthening coordination is key. By implementing regular status meetings and having clear plans in place, you ensure clear role and responsibility allocation, so everyone knows what is expected of them. At the same time, developing a strong safety culture is vital, so safety is always top of mind for all employees.
External advice ensures you get an impartial perspective on your working environment. At Human House, we have more than 20 years experience in the building and construction industry – and we are always ready to assist your company.
Strengthen coordination
Hold regular status meetings and create clear plans to guarantee transparent roles and responsibilities.
Prioritise culture
Start every morning meeting with a brief safety focus or a toolbox talk.
Create visible safety measures
Carry out frequent site safety inspections together with staff from different trades.
Involve everyone
Make it easy to report near‑misses and hazardous situations, and make sure to learn from them.
Choose an impartial work environment coordinator
Tap into external experience and gain a fresh perspective on your working environment challenges.
FAQ – frequently asked questions
Is it a legal requirement to have a safety and health coordinator on building projects?
Yes, it is mandatory for projects involving two or more employers. This applies to both the design and execution phases.
What does an occupational safety and health coordinator do?
The coordinator ensures that the working environment is considered throughout the project – from planning, risk assessment, and communication, to follow‑up, inspections and safety meetings.
What is the difference between HSC D and HSC E?
HSC‑D (design phase) focuses on ensuring good solutions in the planning, while HSC‑E (execution phase) works with safety and collaboration on site.
Is it possible to hire an external safety and health coordinator?
Yes, you can hire an external safety and health coordinator. At Human House, we offer impartial and experienced coordinators, so you and your company can focus on your core business.
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