Housekeeping

According to OSHA, one of the main reasons for incidents on a jobsite is a lack of housekeeping.  Housekeeping is an ongoing hazard when it comes to construction projects.  Taking time to clean up the work area(s) could save someone from slipping or tripping, preventing an injury that could keep them off work for days, weeks, or even months.  Next time, it could be YOU who gets hurt.

Housekeeping is everyone’s job – every trade, every worker, and every supervisor.  It’s a job you should do every day, not just once a week or when the project is over.  Good housekeeping does more than prevents injuries.  It can save time and it can keep your tools from being lost, damaged, or destroyed.

What can you do to prevent slips, trips, and falls?

• Pick up your work area daily. Don’t rely on others to clean up after you.
• If you find another contractor’s material or equipment in your way, let someone know so it can be relocated.
• Do not store anything in walkways, on the stairs, scaffolds, or around floor openings. If we are working in those areas, immediately clear any debris.
• Determine laydown/storage areas. Keep those areas organized.
• Immediately clean up any spills such as grease, oil, or other slippery liquids. If it’s not possible, cover them with an absorbent material to prevent any slipping hazards.
• Get rid of any unnecessary cords that may be running across the ground. Be aware of welding leads, hoses, and extension cords.
• Verify that your work area has adequate lighting. If a light is out, report it to your supervisor so it can be replaced.
• Watch the weather closely. Monitor both interior and exterior walkways.
• Keep exit paths free from obstructions.
• Don’t jump off or on working platforms or loading docks. Don’t walk over material to get to the work location. The quickest route may not always be the safest route.
• Stack materials and supplies orderly and secure them so they won’t topple.