Five major priorities when setting up any kind of work site

Posted on 30th Sep, 2021 | By Lorretta Tatham

The initial set-up of each work site is perhaps one of the most critical stages of organising a project. Rushed or incomplete setups risk putting people in danger, and missing crucial details can create unsafe working conditions. Though it may be lengthy and complex, taking the time to set up is as important as ensuring that everyone is appropriately trained in things like manual handling and first aid, and testing essential equipment with ladder inspections.

1. Lay out your perimeter to restrict public access

Setting up your worksite safely isn’t just about your staff, but about the public too. When a construction site isn’t secure you need to keep the public out, and that means setting up a well-defined perimeter. This usually means putting a secure fence up around the entire worksite.

Make sure there’s enough room between the site and the public to avoid danger from falling objects, moving equipment, and uneven ground. It’s also a good idea to add notices around the perimeter with project details and hazards, as well as how the contact details your company.

2. Create a workflow that follows health and safety rules

Setting up your worksite safely isn’t just about your staff, but about the public too. When a construction site isn’t secure, you need to keep the public out, which means setting up a well-defined perimeter.

Ensure there’s enough room between the site and the public to avoid danger from falling objects, moving equipment, and uneven ground. Add notices around the perimeter with project details and hazards, as well as how to contact your company.

Create your workflow with time and your budget in mind, but also with health and safety regulations. Make sure you have time to carry out thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards. Review all the key tasks to ensure they’re appropriately managed and brief staff on safety rules. Set up a sign-in register and a first-aid procedure, too.

3. Do you have your paperwork in order?

Paperwork might not be the most exciting part of a construction project, but it’s an unavoidable requirement. What you need to do will vary from project to project, but you can expect to have to put together:

• Phase plans
• Survey reports
• Health and safety plans
• Contracts

Make sure you apply for permits with plenty of time and have any inspections carried out quickly, too, so that you can prevent delays.

4. Get the correct equipment before you start

If you want to run a successful project, you’ll need to ensure you’ve got the right tools. Before construction begins, you’ll need to make the necessary arrangements to secure your equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE). What you need should become clear during your planning process. As soon as you know what you need, start securing it – there’s no such thing as being overprepared!

5. Arrange storage and all your on-site amenities

Whatever the size or scale of your project, there’s a good chance that it involves a lot of “stuff”. From the equipment you use to the waste materials you need to get rid of, you’ll need to have the correct storage solutions for everything on site. You’ll also need to secure amenities for your staff, and ensure that you’re able to dedicate space for them. This includes toilets, drinking water, changing rooms, and places to rest.

Finally, before work begins in earnest it’s worth one final check – making sure that all appropriate equipment has been tested, and that staff have received the appropriate training. That’s where we can help here at Browns Safety. Our experts offer a range of services including ladder inspections and training courses on working at height, access equipment, and abrasive wheels. You can book your own place on each of the pages listed above, or contact us directly by calling 01282 615517 or emailing info@brownssafetyservices.co.uk.