Construction Site Safety 101. The Basics of Saving Workers Lives.

Construction Sites are one of the most dangerous environments for workers. That is why the OSHA is such a powerful organization in the US to isolate and remove risks or mitigate through the use of stringent guidelines.

“The construction job site safety audit can be a critical tool for keeping your projects on time and under budget. On going attention to safety and loss control is the ounce of prevention that's worth a pound of cure.”

Below is a list of nine relatively common safety issues that at a minimum should be reviewed on a regular Construction Site Safety Audit.

Trenching - Excessive trench depth increases collapse hazard
Work must only proceed where collapse protection is in place
Collapses protection can be provided with proper sloping.
Containers - Gas cans must be clearly labeled as to contents and hazards.
Rigging Slings - Rigging must be taken out of service when heavily damaged or when wear detectors are visible.
Stairs - Stairs need to be properly constructed with consistent rise and run, secured treads, and stair rails in place.
Office Trailers - Unused access and entrance doors must be physically blocked from use to avoid falls.
Loading Platforms - Railings, to prevent falls, must have mid and top rails in place. Under certain conditions chains can be used.
Flammable Liquid Storage - A Flammable Storage Cabinet must be installed and used in any building or trailer where over 25 gallons of flammable liquids are stored.
Fire Extinguishers - Storage trailers containing flammable or combustible materials must have fire extinguishers within 50 foot proximity.
Ladders - Damaged ladders or ladder sections must be tagged "Do Not Use" until removed from the job site and destroyed.
This basic list was compiled by Rayce Bannon. Rayce Bannon is a freelance writer working closely with Evan Casey and the staff at Great Lakes Environmental and Safety Consultants, Inc.

To take a look at the details of this loss control audit, including photos, please click on construction job site safety audit.