Construction sites are dangerous places to work.
Follow these 10 simple construction site safety rules to keep yourself, and others, safe.
1. Wear your PPE on site at all times
PPE is your last line of defence
should you come into contact
with a hazard on site. Wear your hard hat, safety
boots and hi-viz vest as a minimum,
along with any additional PPE required for the
task being carried out.
2. Do not start work without an induction
Each site has its own unique hazards
and work operations. Make sure you know what is happening so that you can work safely. Your induction is important, don’t start without
one.
3. Keep a tidy site
Construction work is messy. Remember
to keep your work area tidy throughout your shift to reduce the number of slip and trip hazards. Pay particular attention to high risk areas such as
a ccess and escape routes.
4. Do not put yourself or others at risk
You are responsible for your own behaviour. Construction sites are dangerous
places to work. Make sure you remain safety aware throughout your shift.
5. Follow safety signs and procedures
Your employer should
ensure a risk assessment is carried out for activities. Make sure you read and understand it. Follow signs
and procedures – control measures
are put in place for your safety.
6. Never work in unsafe areas
Make sure your work area is safe. Don’t work at height without suitable guard rails or other fall prevention. Don’t enter unsupported trenches. Make sure you have safe access. Don’t work below crane loads or other dangerous operations.
7. Report defects and near misses
If you notice a problem, don’t ignore it, report it to your supervisor immediately. Action cannot be taken quickly
if management are not aware of the problem, and the sooner
problems are resolved
the less chance for an accident to occur.
8. Never tamper with equipment
Never remove guard rails or scaffold ties. Do not remove guards. Do not attempt to fix defective equipment unless you are competent to do so. Do not ever tamper with equipment without authorisation.
9. Use 110v equipment
110v equipment only, must be suitable for use on site. 240v equipment strictly prohibited without prior authorisation from management and will only be used if no 110v alternative available and additional safety precautions taken.
10. If in doubt – Ask
Better safe than sorry. Mistakes on construction sites can cost lives - don’t let it be yours. If you need help or further information speak to your supervisor.