Safe Work Procedure: General Site Safety

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the minimum safety requirements for all personnel working on the construction site. It applies to all activities conducted within the site boundaries and aims to minimize risks associated with construction work. This SWP is to be used in conjunction with all other relevant SWPs and safety documentation.

2. Definitions

Competent Person: An individual who is qualified because of knowledge, training, and experience to perform a specific task safely.

Hazard: Any source of potential damage, harm, or adverse health effects on something or someone under certain conditions at work.

Risk: The chance or probability that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect if exposed to a hazard.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure all workers are adequately trained and competent to perform their assigned tasks.
Conduct regular site inspections to identify and rectify hazards.
Enforce all safety rules and procedures.
Provide workers with the necessary PPE and ensure it is used correctly.
Conduct pre-job briefings to discuss potential hazards and control measures.

3.2 Workers

Follow all safety rules and procedures.
Use required PPE properly.
Report any hazards or incidents to their supervisor immediately.
Participate in pre-job briefings and training sessions.
Do not operate equipment unless properly trained and authorized.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and implementation of safety procedures.
Conduct regular safety audits and inspections.
Investigate incidents and recommend corrective actions.
Promote a positive safety culture on site.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Slips, trips, and falls	Injuries ranging from minor bruises to fractures	Maintain good housekeeping, wear appropriate footwear, use handrails on stairs, clearly mark hazards
Falling objects	Head injuries, lacerations, fractures	Wear hard hats, secure tools and materials, use toe boards on scaffolding, establish exclusion zones
Mobile Equipment (e.g. forklifts, vehicles)	Collisions, crushing injuries	Use spotters, maintain equipment, adhere to speed limits, use seatbelts, ensure adequate lighting and visibility
Hazardous Materials (e.g. solvents, adhesives)	Skin irritation, respiratory problems, chemical burns	Use appropriate PPE (gloves, respirators), provide adequate ventilation, store materials properly, read and follow SDS 1, 2, 3, 9, 17
Fire Hazards	Burns, smoke inhalation, property damage	Store flammable materials properly, eliminate ignition sources, provide fire extinguishers, ensure clear evacuation routes 4, 20
Dust	Respiratory irritation, long-term lung damage	Use dust extraction equipment, wear respirators, use water to suppress dust, provide adequate ventilation 1, 2, 3, 9, 17
Manual Handling	Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)	Use mechanical aids, practice proper lifting techniques, avoid awkward postures, take breaks
Noise	Hearing damage	Wear hearing protection, use noise-reducing equipment, limit exposure time
Electricity	Electric shock, burns, electrocution	Inspect equipment regularly, use GFCI protection, maintain safe distances from power lines, lock out/tag out procedures
Unguarded machinery	Lacerations, amputations, crushing injuries	Ensure all machinery is properly guarded, conduct regular inspections, provide training on safe operation
Weather Conditions (heat, cold, rain)	Heat stress, hypothermia, slips and falls	Provide shelter, provide adequate hydration, wear appropriate clothing, take frequent breaks
Hazardous Combustion Products	Exposure to oxides of carbon and hydrogen sulfide	Keep upwind of fire. Wear full fire fighting turn-out gear(full bunker gear) and respiratory protection (SCBA) [1]

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be worn at all times while on the construction site. Inspect all PPE before use to ensure it is in good condition and fits properly.

Hard Hat - Protects the head from falling objects and impacts.
Safety Glasses/Goggles - Protects the eyes from dust, debris, and chemical splashes.
High-Visibility Vest - Increases visibility to prevent being struck by moving equipment.
Gloves - Protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure. Wear impervious gloves when handling materials 1, 2, 3, 9, 17.
Steel-Toed Boots - Protects feet from impacts and punctures.
Hearing Protection - Earplugs or earmuffs to protect against excessive noise levels.
Respirator - Protects against inhalation of dust, fumes, and vapors. Wear breathing apparatus if exposed to vapours/dusts/aerosols 5, 6, 8, 10, 14.

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools must be in good working order and inspected before use. Use the right tool for the job and follow manufacturer's instructions.

Hand Tools - Hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc. - Use properly and maintain in good condition.
Power Tools - Drills, saws, grinders, etc. - Use with appropriate guards and safety features.
Ladders - Use on stable surfaces, maintain 3 points of contact.
Scaffolding - Erected by competent persons, inspected regularly.
Mobile Equipment - Forklifts, loaders, etc. - Operated by trained and authorized personnel only.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All workers must have completed a site-specific safety orientation.
Workers must be trained and competent in the tasks they are assigned.
Ensure workers have received training on hazard communication and chemical safety.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing at the start of each shift or when tasks change.
Discuss potential hazards, control measures, and emergency procedures.
Ensure all workers understand the scope of work and their responsibilities.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Ensure the work area is clear of obstructions and hazards.
Provide adequate lighting and ventilation.
Establish exclusion zones where necessary.
Ensure all necessary tools and equipment are available and in good working order.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Site Entry and Hazard Assessment

Sign in at the designated entry point.
Review the site safety board for any new hazards or alerts.
Conduct a walk-around to identify potential hazards in the work area.
Complete a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) or Task Hazard Analysis (THA) as required.

Safety considerations: Be aware of surroundings, identify potential hazards, and take appropriate precautions.

Step 2: Material Handling and Storage

Use proper lifting techniques or mechanical aids when moving materials.
Store materials in designated areas, ensuring they are stable and secure.
Keep walkways and access routes clear.
Follow SDS guidelines for handling hazardous materials 1, 2, 3, 9, 17.

Safety considerations: Avoid manual handling where possible, use correct PPE, and store materials safely.

Step 3: Performing Work Tasks

Follow the specific SWP for the task being performed.
Use the correct tools and equipment for the job.
Maintain a safe work distance from other workers and equipment.
Report any unsafe conditions or near misses to the supervisor.

Safety considerations: Focus on the task, use required PPE, and follow safe work practices.

Step 4: Housekeeping and Waste Disposal

Keep the work area clean and organized.
Dispose of waste materials in designated containers.
Clean up spills immediately.
Remove tools and equipment from the work area at the end of the shift.

Safety considerations: Prevent slips, trips, and falls, and maintain a clean and safe work environment.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Housekeeping: Maintain a clean and orderly work environment to prevent trips and falls.
Hazard Communication: Be aware of the hazards associated with materials used on site and follow SDS guidelines 1, 2, 3, 9, 17.
Equipment Inspection: Inspect all tools and equipment before use to ensure they are in good working order.
Emergency Preparedness: Know the location of emergency exits, first aid stations, and fire extinguishers.
Weather Conditions: Be aware of weather conditions and take appropriate precautions to prevent heat stress, hypothermia, or slips and falls.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, remain calm and assess the situation.
Activate the nearest fire alarm or notify the supervisor.
Evacuate the area if necessary, following designated evacuation routes.
Provide assistance to injured personnel, if trained to do so.
Do not return to the area until authorized by the site supervisor or emergency personnel.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Fire: Evacuate the area, activate the fire alarm, and use a fire extinguisher if safe to do so. Keep upwind of fire. Wear full fire fighting turn-out gear(full bunker gear) and respiratory protection (SCBA) [1].
Medical Emergency: Provide first aid if trained, call for medical assistance, and provide details of the injury or illness.
Chemical Spill: Isolate the area, contain the spill, and notify the supervisor. Use appropriate PPE 1, 2, 3, 9, 17.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
Site Supervisor: [PHONE NUMBER]
First Aid: [PHONE NUMBER]
Health and Safety Representative: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards must be reported to the supervisor immediately.
Complete an incident report form, providing details of the event and any injuries or damage.
The incident will be investigated to determine the root cause and identify corrective actions.
Implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence of similar incidents.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]