How to Make Your Site Safe

Demolition and Excavation

Trench work is usually fairly safe at levels down to about 1m (waist height), but thereafter the dangers of trench collapse become very much greater. There are well-proven techniques for shoring up trenches and, if you are not sure what you are doing, then find someone who is.

Deep foundations can be very dangerous and you need to guard against not just trench collapse, but materials and people falling down into them. If you are working close to or underpinning an existing structure, there is the additional problem that you could undermine it and cause a potentially catastrophic collapse. Another problem to be aware of is buried cables and pipes, which are common when you are opening roads to make service connections. You can reduce this risk by doing your homework and establishing just where cables are likely to be buried.

Plant

Heavy plant can kill or maim if not properly controlled. If you get behind the wheel of a dumper truck or a mini digger, be very careful as they can be difficult to control, particularly if it’s muddy. Dumpers are often used to pour concrete into foundations and this frequently leads to accidents, as trenches collapse. Also ensure cement mixers are properly seated before you start loading.

Sharps

Remove nails from loose timber lying around site. It’s common sense really but it usually gets overlooked. If you keep a clean and tidy site, this will not require much extra work. If you don’t, then chances are the only way you’ll even know that nails are lying in wait is when you tread on them.

Ladders

Don’t be tempted to be macho — anchor the top end onto something secure. Don’t make do with funky old ladders with broken rungs. And if you are using roof ladders, make sure they are properly seated over the ridge.

Scaffolding

Don’t be afraid to spend money on extra scaffolding. If you are uneasy about doing some tasks off a ladder (or a scaffold tower) then get proper scaffolding erected. It’s surprisingly cheap and you’ll get the job done in half the time. Also be very wary about ‘rearranging’ scaffolding.

Usually, this means lifting boards off the scaffolding to use elsewhere. Consider who might be using the scaffolding in the near future and make sure they know what’s been going on.

Power Tools

If you don’t already have a kit of power tools but are planning to buy some, then buy 110V ones rather than 240V. You’ll need a transformer to get them to work but they are far safer.

When you hire power tools you should be offered a choice of 110V or 240V. If you are committed to using 240V power tools, then ensure that your temporary electricity supply is protected with RCDs (residual current devices).

Trailing Cables

Long extension leads are a menace. Try and avoid trailing them across site where vehicles may drive over them. Cables on building sites tend to get gashed and it’s not unusual for bare wires to get exposed. Keep your eyes open and if you come across a badly frayed cable then replace it, don’t bodge it with insulating tape. Also, use a cordless screwdriver.

Steel Toe Caps

Bruised and broken toes are the commonest of accidents. Yet, you still see subbies wearing trainers on site. If you are buying purpose-made shoes, get some with steel toe caps (from most builders’ merchants from around £30).

Lifting

Back injuries are by far the most common cause of lost time for builders. They can usually be easily avoided by asking for some help when lifting heavy objects, instead of going it alone.

Further Reading:

• Fire Safety Solutions
• Building Regulations
• Electrical Safety - Good Idea Leaflet from Wickes DIY