Maintaining a tidy construction site throughout the duration of your project is crucial for the safety and well-being of all your workers. There are many ways to ensure that your site is kept clean and organized with the help of your crew. Injuries on construction sites happen often and easily, so placing some priority on the tidiness of your project will leave your company much more trustworthy with clients. Stone Equipment is based in Auburn, Alabama, and provides sites in the surrounding areas with high-quality heavy construction equipment that will last the length of your project. With years of experience in the construction industry, the Stone team understands what types of hazards to avoid on-site. Keep reading to learn how you can maintain a clean site for you and your team today.
Prepare Ahead of Time
The amount of maintenance you’ll be required to have on your site depends on how large your project is and where you’re located. Bigger projects will take more time to clean up and some more thorough planning when it comes to taking precautions. It’s important that you train your workers and keep them informed of any safety protocols and responsibilities they have. Designating certain jobs to certain people will quicken the process and could save your crew from the stress of figuring this out later on. At the start of the project, develop a schedule that people can follow and train anyone who may need it for their task. Additionally, provide an emergency plan in case something goes wrong on the site so everyone is prepared and understands what to do. Communication is essential on a construction site to keep everyone safe.
Keep Pathways Clear
It can be easy to lose track of walkways and entrances, especially on an active site with lots of movement. Keeping these areas open and clean will decrease the chances of injuries and safety hazards. Make sure that throughout the project, you keep your eyes on the paths that people walk on and clean up if needed. Some examples of places to watch are sidewalks, ramps, stairwells, or roads where workers may be going to and from. If you have to place something around the area, make sure it’s out of the way and stacks neatly to keep obstacles from falling and causing damage. If you see something blocking a pathway, dispose of it or move it out of the way, even if it isn’t yours.
Cover Exposed Wires and Nails
You’ll likely notice a variety of wires scattered around your site, but keep track of each one and ensure the end is not exposed. It’s unsafe for people to work around this exposure because it could result in someone being electrocuted or tripped if they take up a walking path. When cords aren’t in use, carefully coil them up and store them in a safe area for later use. If you have a lot, labeling them could help you keep track. On top of this, keep a lookout for loose nails and screws that could easily fall on the floor or stick out from pieces of wood. No one wants to end up with a nail in their foot, so either remove it or hammer it in so there are no sharp protrusions.
Stow Away Unused Items
Whether it’s a small toolbox or a heavy machine, if it isn’t actively needed or being used, the best thing to do is store it out of the way. Doing this with everything will free up space for items that do need to be used and creates a more neat look on the site. Too many machines here and there might seem crowded and could confuse workers who don’t know if they’ve been used yet. Even putting tools back in their boxes and away will ensure that only the necessities are out and accessible. Consider having a designated space to store your materials while they wait to be used, and keep it secure overnight and while you aren’t around.
Create Labels and Warnings
Construction sites get messy very easily and your workers should always be prepared to take precautions. Put signs up where there needs to be warnings so no one gets injured and your site remains as safe as possible. Examples include setting up wet floor signs where there are leaks or floods, placing a sign in an area with active machinery, or putting a warning near big steps and trenches. Most injuries that occur on sites are accidents, so having this system in place will keep everyone informed and alert. Additionally, labeling tools and equipment is a great way to simplify things for your crew and make it easy for them to find what they need. Sometimes, sharing a map of the entire site with labeled areas could improve the speed at which your team completes the project.
Organize Waste
When it comes to disposing of waste on your construction site, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy. During your project, there are some beneficial ways that you can organize your waste to make the process faster. It’s recommended that you keep large bins available and separate different materials into each one. Ensure they have lids and everything is contained properly to avoid leaks and damage. If you have scraps that can be reused, take advantage and store them for later in the project or another one altogether. Consult a professional if you have any harmful chemicals and debris laying around that you don’t feel comfortable handling. Lastly, don’t wait until the end of the project to pick up, and try to frequently organize if you can. It will ultimately help your crew and make the process much more manageable.
How We Can Help
At Stone Equipment, we provide our customers with long-lasting and high-quality construction equipment for sale or rent. You also have the option of purchasing new or used machinery so you have a choice for all your projects. Our team is determined to bring you an unmatched experience with genuine people who have a great understanding of the construction industry. Contact us to learn more about what we offer or ask questions about your project, and we’re always happy to assist.