Accidents and injuries on construction sites is a serious problem. For site workers, the general public, passers-by, delivery drivers, and more!
To alleviate risks on sites and help reduce the chances of accidents occurring, we’ve put together a short guide on our top tips to keep risks to a minimum.
Most common hazards on construction sites
One of the most common reasons so many accidents occur on sites is due to lack of or poor communication.
There can be a diverse range of trades and cultures working together on sites and a little like Chinese whispers, a lot of information when it is passed around so many people, can often be lost in translation.
The second most common hazard on sites is that of falling, not wearing the correct PPE, and accidents and injuries occurring due to slipping, sliding, and stumbling.
Construction site fencing and temporary fencing can go a long way to help eliminate these hazards.
For example, areas can be cordoned off safely, correct access areas can be designated, and areas, where only authorised personnel can go, can all be created.
Hazards and how to handle them
Falling
The danger of falling is one of the biggest hazards you will come across on building sites. Falling from a height as well as falling down holes or excavations is a big problem. Legally, any person who is working at the height of more than two and a half metres or more must use scaffolding (including fencing and handrails). Scaffolding can also include toe boards, brick guards, and netting. And you may also need fans and/or covered walkways, depending on your requirements.
For holes and excavations, temporary site fencing should be used to close off these hazardous areas.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
It is an employer’s responsibility to provide all staff with personal protective equipment for workers to carry out their job effectively and safely. This can include safety footwear, clothing, eyewear, helmets, etc.
It’s also important to be aware that many machines produce a noise of over 80 dB (A), and if this is the case, appropriate earplugs or earmuffs must be provided.
Site Security
Site security should be of paramount importance. Keeping all equipment and tools safe and away from any potential opportunists is vital.
The best course of action is to install site security fencing with appropriate access control.
Preventing unwanted visitors from getting onto the site while also allowing you to track incomings and outgoings throughout the day.
You must also be aware of deliveries coming in and out throughout the day, as you need to ensure pedestrian safety at all times.
A solution to this may be to consider `Just in Time` deliveries – especially for materials. This process can be a much more efficient way of managing materials as well as people onto your site, allowing you much greater control.
Slipping, tripping, and stumbling
Unfortunately, this risk is always present. However, it can be minimised by keeping construction sites tidy, orderly, with areas clearly marked and laid out. Storing and stacking materials responsibly also helps to avoid any trips and falls.
Again, hazardous areas can be sectioned off using temporary fencing, as well as clamps to secure fence posts, etc., limiting the number of concrete blocks present and reducing the possibility of trips and falls.
Think about the public
If you’re working in a residential or highly–populated area, you need to think about thoroughfares and ensuring these aren’t obstructed for public access. City fences are the ideal solution in these instances and can provide you with a lot of flexibility.
When it comes to protecting the public, you need to provide information on boundaries, adjacent land usage, access, and measures you will be putting in place to exclude unauthorised personnel.
Define boundaries
Construction sites will require a set of measures that can be used to manage access across pre-set boundaries. As well as protocols to manage the exclusion of unauthorised personnel.
Defining suitable boundaries can be achieved by putting in place the most appropriate site fencing.
The type of fencing used must reflect the nature of the site and its surroundings. For example, in populated areas, a 2-metre-high, small mesh fence, or hoarding will be required around the site, and this fence must be maintained at all times by the principal contractor.
Quick tips to keep your construction site safe
- Secure the site appropriately at the end of each working day
- Make sure all excavations and hazards are barred and covered
- Isolate and immobilise all vehicles and machinery
- Store building materials responsibly
- Lock hazardous substances away
- Remove ladders or access equipment from scaffolds etc
At Site Fencing Services, we provide a wide range of different types of fencing security site fencing, suitable for all construction sites.
Call us on 01274 833 396 to see how we can help you today.
Read next blog: Fencing standards in Bradford – Are your security solutions up to scratch?
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