Housekeeping and Access/Egress

Welcome back, let's Build Smart & Build Safe! Yesterday, we covered the mandatory PPE. Today, we focus on the site rule that prevents the majority of common injuries: Housekeeping and Access/Egress Safety.

Slips, trips, and falls on the same level are the most frequent, yet most easily preventable, type of construction accident. Good housekeeping is not cleaning; it is immediate, continuous hazard control.

The Housekeeping Rule: Immediate Clean-Up

Housekeeping is a shared responsibility that must happen immediately, not at the end of the shift.

• Clean as You Go: If you create a hazard, you control it immediately. Sawdust, scrap wood, excess rebar, empty buckets, and packaging materials must be collected and stored in designated containers as soon as the task is finished.

• Designated Storage: Tools and materials should not be staged in walkways. Store equipment and materials in designated, stable laydown areas, away from travel routes and edges.

• Liquid Spills: Oil, grease, water, or mud spills must be cleaned up or immediately covered with an absorbent material to prevent slips.

Safe Access and Egress

All workers must be able to move safely around the site and, crucially, exit quickly in an emergency.

• Clear Travel Routes: All designated stairs, ladders, ramps, and walkways must be kept clear of all tools, materials, and debris at all times. A clear path is a safe path.

• Secured Cables and Hoses: Extension cords, welding leads, and air hoses running across travel routes must be placed in cable trays, overhead, or protected by heavy-duty ramps to prevent tripping.

• Waste Management: Debris chutes, dumpsters, and waste areas must be used properly. Allowing debris to accumulate near exit doors or access points creates a massive hazard.

Good housekeeping is a measure of a proactive safety culture. It shows respect for your coworkers' safety by not leaving hazards for them to navigate.

Tomorrow, we'll review the essential protocols for site emergencies, including knowing your muster point.

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-The Safety Man