Safety Month 2019 – Site Safety

There are three main components of a safe site:

1.  Design

A site can be designed to minimise risk. This is easiest to achieve with the design of a new building or complex.

However, reviewing the risks and re-designing where possible can improve even an old site.

Some of the main points to consider are:

• Pedestrian segregation, with a complete ban on nonessential personnel in areas where fork lift trucks operate. Provide clear, well-signed crossing points if needed.
• Provide one-way routes where possible. Movement aisles should be sufficiently wide and free of obstacles.
• Consider speed limits and provide signs. Provide other signs as needed and consider the use of wall or rackmounted mirrors to enhance visibility.
• Minimise the need for reversing.
• Minimise the use of ramps and other gradients.
• Provide high levels of lighting, and good ventilation if diesel or gas trucks are in use.
• Pay particular attention to interfaces such as lorry docking areas.
• Provide space for the parking and maintenance of fork lift trucks and for the charging of battery-operated equipment.

2.  Maintenance

Maintenance affects safety and is everyone’s responsibility. Debris should be removed and spillages cleared up as they occur – not left for cleaners.

• Keep the whole area clear of rubbish and any operating debris such as packing material and broken pallets.
• Keep surfaces clean, free of oil, grease and other substances, and in good
• condition. Repair cracks and potholes as they occur.
• Maintain lights, signs, barriers and other safety features.

3.   Attitude

Demand a safe attitude to safety across the site.

Never just assume that safe practices will be followed – and don’t get complacent.

Schedule routine checks.

In particular:

• Enforce speed limits and routes.
• Provide site familiarisation training for new employees and agency operators.
• Discuss site safety issues as part of regular Health and Safety meetings.
• Involve everyone in site safety.