Health and safety on a construction site is most closely associated with the use of heavy equipment and hazardous materials.

But each year in the UK, there are 1000 slips or trips on worksites that cause fractured bones and dislocated joints.

And many of these accidents are caused by a messy and disorganised work environment.

So here are four tips for a clean construction site that keeps your staff safe.

Safe storage

Clients, contractors and suppliers should all be clear about where certain types of materials and equipment are stored onsite and any materials that are flammable or hazardous should be separated and labelled clearly.

Large pieces of valuable kit can be kept safely overnight in vandal-safe storage containers but secure portable cases for smaller tools are also useful.

And if you store materials and equipment that only certain workers are qualified to work with, then it might be wise to only provide keys for these zones to qualified staff.

Once you’ve decided where various materials and equipment should be stored, be sure to leave pathways for workers to travel safely on foot.

Waste management

There are stringent guidelines regarding the collection and disposal of hazardous waste materials.

But even more commonplace waste like rubbish and rubble can cause serious accidents if it’s allowed to pile up.

Rubbish chutes offer a solution to this problem — waste is collected by workers and slid down smoothly into skips positioned below.

All onsite workers should be responsible for clearing their own work areas throughout the day and a rubbish rota can be used so there’s a shared responsibility for cleaning general areas.

Clear floor spaces

Trailing cables and abandoned equipment can present risks from falls.

But workers’ dirty boots can also drag mud and hazardous materials from one area of your site to another, resulting in risky cross-contamination.

So plastic shoe covers should be worn in certain areas, while floor mats should suffice for keeping shared canteens and restrooms clean.

And don’t forget the basics — buy sufficient stocks of brushes, brooms and dustpans that can remain in arm’s reach in every area.

Dust control

Construction dust is another substance subject to regulatory control in the UK — it can cause serious diseases like asthma and cancer.

And many tasks carried out onsite create dust, so it’s essential that workers are provided with protective equipment like masks and suits.

But a specialist dustguard machine can be used for dust control and washing equipment on larger sites.

As with any construction housekeeping task, keeping dust at bay relies on team members working together to ensure it doesn’t build up until it’s unmanageable.

The success of a construction project isn’t just based on the quality of the finished building — it relies on a safe and efficient site that’s kept in good shape throughout.

These four tips for a clean construction site should ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.

Do you have other tips for keeping construction site clean? Share your advice in the comments section.