A safe working environment is a productive working environment. And never is that more true than when it comes to outdoor work sites. Unlike the warm and cozy environment that exists inside the office, when you’re outdoors, you’re exposed to all manner of new risks and health hazards. The weather, for one, but also low light levels, moving vehicles, and poor ground conditions. Even if it’s dry out right now, the tarmac could still have a thin layer of ice covering it, and that could be dangerous for anyone without the right safety footwear. And if you need access to an outdoor workyard on a regular basis, you need to think through these risks, run proper assessments, and make sure you’re guarding against safety hazards that just don’t come up when you’re sat at a desk. Here’s a quick, 3 step guide to setting up a safe outdoor workyard.
By Team Savant
Image: Sean Foster
Mark Out Pedestrian Areas
If your workyard will have vehicles moving at all times, you need to leave space for pedestrians to safely move back and forth at the same time.
You can also operate a loud and clear alarm system, to let everyone on the work site know that a vehicle has begun operation.
Many industrial vehicles also have a reverse warning alarm, to make sure anyone in the vicinity stands clear while a car, truck, or loader backs up.
Keep Electrical Equipment Away from the Elements
If something needs to be powered on to work, it needs to be kept under covers when there’s even a hint of rain. It shouldn’t ever be left outside unattended, even if it’s powered down, or has been locked out by a member of staff.
This will prevent the machine from getting water damaged and potentially shorting out, or electrocuting the next person to try and use it. However, it also makes sure you don’t leave expensive equipment somewhere where it can be damaged and ruined!
You should also double check your wiring set up, to make sure no live wires have direct contact with sources of moisture. You can make use of trenching here, to run cables and live wires under the ground so rain, wind, or snow can’t leave an impact.
This also makes the worksite a bit safer in terms of trip hazards, as any wiring is already out of the way and there’s nothing to catch your foot on.
Grit in Advance
Storms make outdoor workyards unsafe, and you need to be proactive about that. This requires keeping an eye on the weather report, as you’ll need to lay grit before any ice or snow has the chance to form.
If you try to grit after a storm, it’ll make the area prone to sludge and run-off, which can be dangerous.
If your business premises would benefit from outdoor access 24/7, you need to set up a safe and reliable outdoor workyard. Use the tips above to make it a productive place to work.