Precautions help Olympic Park pile foundations to be laid without risk
The pile foundations that will support stadiums on the Olympic Park in London this summer were laid with safety firmly in mind.
A report from the Health and Safety Executive and the Olympic Delivery Authority notes how the pile foundations were subject to safety assessments – in particular, attempts to determine how loud the work would be.
Planners then used a ‘bullseye’ method to create red, amber and green zones around any location where piling rigs would be used.
Those working on the piling rigs were required to wear ear defenders, while those further away had the choice over whether they wanted to wear them.
In the green zone, furthest from the piling rigs, no ear protection was necessary – and quieter work could continue uninterrupted.
The project is a great example of how foundation piling can take place even on a site where other work is being carried out, and how professionals can make sure no workers are put at unnecessary risk by doing so.
With all eyes turning to London this summer, it’s good to know that the Olympic venues are built on firm foundations – and that they were laid with safety in mind.