Construction Site Protocol and Precautions
On any construction worksite, there is always the risk of work-related injuries and incidents – it is simply the nature of the work. However, with proper instructions and safety measures, worksite accidents and injuries can be significantly reduced and kept to an absolute minimum. This brochure contains a series of guidelines designed to ensure safe work practices and limit the risk of injuries on site. Ultimately, project owners, supervisors, and contractors are responsible for implementing preventive safety measures at any worksite.
Risk Management and Analysis
When working to create a safe, low-risk area, it is crucial that you conduct thorough risk assessment procedures. This process should include inspection tours of the site before work commences, so that you may study all potential risks in order to make a wise, informed decision about whether to proceed with any risks in question, depending on their magnitude.
A number of standard procedures can help reduce risks, including:
- Providing workers with instructions on how to carry out the project safely and properly
- Imposing intensive control measures on workers while they are working
- Providing all necessary gear and means of safety and protection to all employees
- Ensuring that any on-site defects or damages are immediately addressed and repaired
Managing the Worksite
- Protect the general public by properly barricading the site, with safe, clearly marked entrance and exit points
- Appoint 24/7 manned security to guard the premises and prevent trespassing
- Have well-planned evacuation measures laid out in case of emergencies
- Ensure that you have installed proper lighting for enhanced visibility at night
- Identify and delineate separate pedestrian and vehicular traffic routes, as well as ample parking space for heavy machinery
- Isolate all areas beneath scaffolding or cranes
- Make sure that roofs, holes, and slots – such as for elevators and skylights – are fenced off at all times and clearly visible at night
- Be sure that all equipment on site – including cranes, stairs, scaffolding, electrical panels, and fire extinguishers – is carefully maintained and inspected on a regular basis
- Every worksite should be equipped with fully functional fire extinguishers and other fire prevention tools, as well as basic first aid kids that include the minimum medical requirements, such as medical adhesive, sterile gauze, wound wash, burn ointment, and so on.
- Identify safe smoking areas that are away from all combustible materials.
- Keep a number of waste receptacles placed in strategic locations throughout the worksite, and empty them on a regular basis.
- Always ensure that paints and solvents are not dumped into sewers or dumpsters; they should be placed in secure containers and disposed of through proper procedures.
- Any unnecessary materials should be removed from the construction site, in order to prevent the potential for breakdowns, injuries, or obstructions within the working area.
- Provide all new workers with thorough worksite safety instructions and personal protective equipment. These materials should be provided to workers on their first day of work.
Personal Protective Equipment
- All individuals on the site should be using protective gear and equipment at all times.
- It is the duty of the project owners and supervisors to furnish protective equipment for all employees. These supplies include safety helmets, safety shoes, reflective clothing, safety gloves, knee pads, safety harnesses, safety glasses, and ear protectors.
- Train all personnel on how to properly and effectively use their personal protective equipment, and make sure they are using them at all times.
- Any guests on the site should be provided with personal protective equipment, which they should wear at all times while on-site.
- Make sure that employees working under direct sunlight use proper sun protection.
Digging and Excavation Work
- Do your due diligence before beginning excavation work, so that surrounding sites are not affected by the digging. Install piles carefully around the area to be excavated before beginning.
- Always use proper supports and shoring along the retaining wall of the excavation area to prevent landslides.
- If you are using explosives, necessary permits should be acquired beforehand and protocols should be conducted according to official instruction from authorities.
- For excavations deeper than 1.2 meters, ensure that you have installed the necessary means for moving in and out of the digging site.
- All excavated materials should be kept at a distance of at least 50 centimeters from the edge of the excavation area.
Formwork
- All formwork should be safely and properly installed and fastened.
- When there are high wind conditions, avoid lifting long sections of formwork to elevated areas.
- Always remove any nails that have dropped off, so as to reduce the potential for injury.
- Make sure that formwork tools like hammers and chisels are used carefully and properly.
Ladders
- Ladders must have appropriate treads and be properly secured at all times.
- Ladders slopes should be constructed at an angle that does not exceed 30 degrees.
- When using the Ladders, you should always be facing the ladders (whether up or down); you should never ascend or descend backwards.
- Do not use Ladders when lifting heavy machinery or machinery that is vibrating, unless the worker is securely tied to a safety harness and aware of the proper safety protocols.
- To prevent shaking, the Ladders should be secured and affixed on both sides.
Scaffolding
- All scaffolds should be safely and securely installed on flat, level ground. The ground should be able to bear the necessary load of the scaffolding. Be sure to include side rails and secure the base properly.
- The scaffold should be clear of any protruding materials or objects that may hinder the workflow.
- If the building is higher than two floors, it is recommended to use steel or aluminum scaffolding and to secure it properly to the ground.
- Do not use scaffolding to hoist heavy loads, and do not exceed the recommended weight allowance.
- All scaffolding should be checked on a regular basis to ensure stability.
Cranes
- Cranes should only be operated by qualified and experienced workers.
- Before using the crane, make sure you inspect all components of the structure, including ropes, chains, pulleys, operation controls, and power cords. This should be done on a daily basis before work begins.
- All operation controls should have safety locks installed to prevent the load from moving or dropping.
- Always monitor weather conditions and wind speeds when using the crane.
- The work area beneath and surrounding the crane should be properly closed off.
Welding and Cutting Work
- Workers who are welding or cutting should be wearing their protective gear at all times.
- Welding and cutting should be conducted in areas with good ventilation.
- Check the safety of all electrical connections and ensure proper insulation of all wires and cables. Make sure all ground wirings for the welding and cutting equipment are properly connected.
- Welding and cutting spaces should be isolated from any and all flammable or combustible materials.
