01 Feb Housekeeping – Keep the Jobsite Cleaned Up!

Housekeeping – Keep the Jobsite Cleaned Up!

Good housekeeping is an important part of jobsite safety. Clutter, debris, improperly stored materials, cords, and slippery surfaces can cause slips, trips, falls, cuts, and other injuries. A clean and organized jobsite also makes it easier to work safely and efficiently.

Housekeeping is everyone’s responsibility. Do not wait until the end of the shift to clean up hazards that could injure someone.

Good Housekeeping Practices

• Keep work areas free of scrap, debris, waste, and other tripping hazards.
• Maintain clear access to work areas and keep designated walkways unobstructed.
• Pay particular attention to stairs, landings, doorways, entrances, exits, and ladder access areas.
• Never store tools, materials, equipment, or debris on stairs or landings.
• Route extension cords, hoses, leads, and similar equipment away from walking and working surfaces whenever practical.
• Protect cords and hoses from damage where they must cross a walkway or travel path.
• Remove protruding nails from scrap lumber or bend them over so they cannot cause puncture injuries.
• Keep floors, platforms, stairs, ramps, and landings free from water, oil, grease, mud, ice, and other slippery conditions.
• Clean up spills promptly or barricade the area until the hazard can be corrected.
• Place scrap and waste materials in designated containers rather than allowing them to accumulate.
• Provide an adequate number of trash and waste containers and empty them regularly.
• Keep emergency equipment, electrical panels, fire extinguishers, and exits readily accessible.

Material Storage

Materials shall be stacked and stored so they remain stable and secure and do not create falling-object, struck-by, or collapse hazards.

• Stack materials on firm, level surfaces.
• Do not stack materials higher than can be safely supported and handled.
• Follow manufacturer requirements and company procedures when stacking pallets or packaged materials.
• Secure materials that could roll, slide, tip, or fall.
• Keep aisles and access routes clear around stored materials.
• Do not allow stored materials to obstruct exits, fire protection equipment, electrical equipment, or emergency access.

Prevent Slips and Trips

Before beginning work and throughout the shift, look for conditions that could cause someone to slip or trip. Correct hazards when they are discovered rather than simply walking around them.

Watch especially for:

• Extension cords and hoses across walkways.
• Loose materials or debris around ladders and stairs.
• Uneven walking surfaces.
• Tools or equipment left in travel paths.
• Water, oil, grease, mud, snow, or ice.
• Poorly stacked or protruding materials.
• Openings or changes in elevation that are difficult to see.

If a hazard cannot be corrected immediately, protect or barricade the area and notify your supervisor.

End-of-Shift Cleanup

Before leaving the work area:

• Return tools and equipment to their proper storage locations.
• Dispose of scrap and waste in designated containers.
• Remove unnecessary cords, hoses, and materials.
• Secure stored materials.
• Correct or report remaining hazards.
• Leave walkways, stairs, exits, and access routes clear for the next shift.

Remember

Good housekeeping is not just cleanup at the end of the day. Maintain the work area throughout the job. If you see a spill, cord, scrap material, or other hazard, correct it before someone gets hurt.