Clear Pathways & Access

Welcome back, let's Build Smart & Build Safe! Yesterday, we talked about the "why" of housekeeping. Today, we're focusing on one of its most critical elements: maintaining clear pathways and access points.

A clean site with blocked walkways is still a dangerous site. A clear path is your lifeline to safety and the fastest way to get to where you need to be without a trip or fall.

The Three Rules for Clear Paths

1. Keep Walkways and Aisles Clear: All designated walkways, aisles, and stairways must be kept free of all materials, tools, and debris at all times. This prevents a trip hazard for you and for your coworkers.

2. Clear Emergency Exits: A blocked exit route is a death trap. In an emergency like a fire or a structural collapse, you need a clear, unobstructed path to safety. Never store materials in front of doorways, windows, or designated emergency exits.

3. Manage Your Cords and Hoses: Electrical cords and air hoses are one of the most common causes of trips and falls on a job site. When possible - hang cords overhead. Use cord management solutions, keep them clear of high-traffic areas, and never run them across a walkway without a cover.

A moment of laziness can block a path and lead to an accident. Every person on the site is responsible for looking out for these hazards. If you see a cord that is a trip hazard, a tool left in a walkway, or a ladder blocked by material, take the extra moment to fix it.

Tomorrow, we'll talk about the proper management of waste and debris.

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-The Safety Man