Rest, relaxation, and time with friends and family are just some reasons we look forward to the break a three-day weekend brings. However, while we’re all eager to get to our well-earned time off, it’s essential to make sure that an active construction site is safely managed during the weekend or any extended periods it will be unsupervised.
So, as work winds down on Friday afternoon, here are a few tips to keep your worksite safe as you all enjoy a little R&R.
Manage potential fall hazards
Excavation and trenches should never be left open if it is at all avoidable. Fill them in the same day if possible. If this isn’t possible, cover the trenches with plywood to avoid fall hazards or secure the area using construction fencing to keep workers and pedestrians safe.
Fall hazards also include slip and trip dangers. Before leaving for the day, have your crew spend some time performing housekeeping in their area. Make sure all ropes, cables, and strings are put safely out of the way. Ensure that each walking path is clean of dangerous debris or slick materials by clearing trip hazards and washing any slick spillage from the path.
Disable and park all heavy equipment
Heavy equipment must be stored safely and disabled to prevent injury or theft. Lower all buckets and attachments to their neutral positions and park the equipment in a safe area away from traffic with the parking brake enabled.
Secure the area
As your workers prepare to leave for the day, take time to prep the worksite as if it will be unsupervised for an extended period. Remember that a secure area not only protects your in-progress work and equipment from vandalism or theft but also protects members of your community from harm.
Lock-down of the site should include:
- Chaining or locking up tools and equipment
- Labeling and locking up all hazardous materials and fuel
- Posting signs with emergency contact information
- Securely lock all gates
Notify contract workers
Make sure to let any general contractors or subcontractors know when you’re taking a holiday break. Not every company keeps to the same holiday schedule. Good communication is essential for a solid working relationship, and scheduling should always be included in that conversation.
A properly secured worksite can make help make a holiday break worry-free. While it takes some prep time, your workers, stakeholders, and community will appreciate your attention to cleanliness and safety.
