18 May Public Safety – Protecting the Public on Construction Sites

Public Safety – Protecting the Public on Construction Sites

Public safety must be considered whenever construction activities could expose pedestrians, visitors, motorists, neighboring properties, or other members of the public to workplace hazards. Construction sites contain conditions that may be especially dangerous to people who are unfamiliar with the work or enter the site without authorization.

Control Access to the Jobsite

Construction areas should be secured to prevent unauthorized entry whenever practical.

• Use fencing, gates, barricades, or other appropriate barriers to restrict access.
• Keep gates and other access points secured when the site is unattended.
• Post appropriate warning and restricted-access signs.
• Do not allow unauthorized individuals into active work areas.
• Require authorized visitors to follow site rules and be escorted when necessary.
• Maintain appropriate lighting around access points and other areas where unauthorized entry could occur.
• Report damaged fencing, barriers, gates, or signs immediately.
• Notify supervision when changing conditions create a need for additional security or public protection.

Children and other unauthorized individuals may be attracted to construction equipment, excavations, scaffolds, and partially completed structures. Never assume that a warning sign alone will prevent someone from entering a hazardous area.

Protect Against Falls and Excavation Hazards

Openings and changes in elevation can present serious hazards to workers and the public.

• Guard or securely cover floor and roof openings as required.
• Maintain required guardrails around exposed elevated surfaces.
• Barricade or otherwise protect excavations and trenches.
• Secure ladders or other means of access when the site is unattended when practical.
• Do not leave materials or equipment positioned where they could create climbing or falling hazards.
• Inspect barriers and guardrails regularly to ensure they remain secure and effective.

Never remove a guardrail, cover, barricade, or other protective device without providing appropriate alternative protection.

Protect Pedestrians

When construction affects sidewalks, entrances, parking areas, or other locations used by pedestrians:

• Establish clearly defined pedestrian routes.
• Separate pedestrians from equipment and construction operations whenever possible.
• Provide barricades, signs, and other warnings appropriate for the hazard.
• Maintain safe access to occupied buildings and businesses.
• Keep temporary walkways clear and adequately illuminated.
• Protect pedestrians from falling or flying objects.
• Do not allow materials, cords, hoses, debris, or equipment to obstruct designated pedestrian routes.

If a pedestrian route must be temporarily closed, provide a safe alternative route where required.

Control Vehicle and Equipment Hazards

Construction vehicles and mobile equipment can create serious hazards when operating near public areas.

• Separate construction traffic from public traffic whenever practical.
• Use designated entrances and exits.
• Post appropriate warning signs.
• Use trained spotters or flaggers when required.
• Maintain adequate visibility at entrances, intersections, and backing areas.
• Keep unauthorized persons outside equipment operating zones.
• Do not swing loads or equipment over members of the public.
• Follow the approved traffic-control plan when work affects public roadways.

Operators should never assume that pedestrians or motorists understand construction equipment movements.

Prevent Falling-Object Hazards

Tools, materials, debris, and equipment must be prevented from falling into areas accessible to the public.

Use appropriate controls such as:

• Toeboards.
• Guardrails and screens.
• Debris nets or canopies where appropriate.
• Barricaded drop zones.
• Secured tools and materials.
• Controlled material handling and lifting areas.

Never throw or drop materials from elevated locations unless an appropriately protected and controlled disposal method has been established.

Secure the Site After Working Hours

Hazards remain after employees leave the jobsite.

Before leaving:

• Secure gates, doors, and access points.
• Barricade or cover excavations and openings.
• Secure ladders and other access to elevated areas when appropriate.
• Lower and secure suspended loads.
• Secure tools, equipment, and hazardous materials.
• Remove ignition sources and unnecessary combustible debris.
• Make sure fencing and barricades remain intact.
• Provide required warning lights or nighttime illumination.
• Secure mobile equipment against unauthorized operation.

Supervision should consider additional security measures when the location, surrounding community, or nature of the project creates an increased risk of unauthorized entry.

Report Changing Conditions

Public protection measures must change as construction progresses. Employees should immediately report:

• Damaged fencing or barricades.
• Missing warning signs.
• Open or unsecured access points.
• Damaged guardrails or covers.
• Unprotected excavations or openings.
• Unsafe pedestrian routes.
• Unauthorized persons on the site.
• Any condition that could expose the public to construction hazards.

Do not wait for an incident to occur before correcting an obvious hazard.

Remember

Public safety is part of jobsite safety. Members of the public may not recognize construction hazards or understand the precautions workers routinely follow.

Secure the site, control access, maintain barriers, and correct hazards before an employee, visitor, pedestrian, or child is injured.