Construction work changes quickly, so safe work depends on planning and effective controls, not attention alone. Before each task, identify the hazards, decide who may be exposed, and select controls using the hierarchy of controls. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is important, but it is the last line of defense rather than a substitute for eliminating or isolating a hazard.
1. Plan the task before work starts
Review the work area, sequence, equipment, materials, weather, nearby activities, and emergency arrangements. Confirm that workers understand the method, limits, and stop-work triggers. Repeat the review when conditions or crews change.
2. Use the hierarchy of controls
Prefer elimination, substitution, engineering controls, and administrative controls before relying on PPE. For example, fabricate at ground level instead of working at height where possible; use edge protection or guarded platforms before depending only on a harness.
3. Control the Focus Four hazards
| Hazard | Examples | Control questions |
|---|---|---|
| Falls | Open edges, ladders, scaffolds, roofs, and floor openings | Can work at height be avoided? Are platforms, guardrails, covers, access, and fall-arrest systems selected and inspected? |
| Struck-by | Vehicles, cranes, falling tools, flying particles, and moving loads | Are routes separated, exclusion zones enforced, loads secured, spotters assigned, and overhead work controlled? |
| Caught-in or between | Trenches, rotating equipment, pinch points, and collapsing materials | Are excavations protected, guards in place, energy isolated, and workers kept clear of unstable or moving parts? |
| Electrical | Overhead lines, temporary power, damaged cords, and wet conditions | Has power been isolated where possible? Are clearances, grounding, protection devices, inspections, and qualified persons provided? |
4. Keep access and work areas orderly
Maintain clear walkways, stairs, emergency routes, and material-storage zones. Remove protruding nails, manage cords and hoses, control spills, and dispose of waste regularly. Good housekeeping prevents slips and trips and also improves access for lifting, fire response, and evacuation.
5. Inspect tools and equipment
Use equipment only for its intended purpose and within rated capacity. Complete required pre-use checks, keep guards and safety devices in place, and remove damaged equipment from service. Operators must have the training and authorization required by the employer and local rules.
6. Wear task-specific PPE
Select PPE from the hazard assessment. A hard hat, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, respiratory protection, or fall-arrest equipment may be required depending on the task. PPE must fit, be maintained, and be used with the other controls.
7. Communicate and stop unsafe work
Confirm signals, radio channels, lift plans, exclusion zones, and responsibility for changing conditions. Report hazards, near misses, damaged controls, and unclear instructions promptly. Stop and seek direction when the work no longer matches the plan.
8. Be ready for emergencies
Know how to raise the alarm, summon medical help, evacuate, and reach first-aid, fire, spill, and rescue equipment. Rescue planning is especially important for fall arrest, confined spaces, excavations, and work over water; calling emergency services is not always a complete site rescue plan.
Pre-shift safety check
- Scope, sequence, permits, drawings, and task briefing confirmed.
- Changing weather, ground, traffic, overhead, and adjacent-work hazards reviewed.
- Higher-order controls installed and inspected.
- Access, lighting, housekeeping, and exclusion zones ready.
- Tools, equipment, lifting gear, and PPE checked.
- Emergency contacts, alarms, routes, and rescue arrangements understood.
Useful references include the OSHA construction eTool, OSHA construction PPE guidance, and the CCOHS construction housekeeping checklist. Legal duties and required controls vary by jurisdiction; follow the project plan, employer procedures, and local regulator.