One of the most dangerous times on a job site is when it starts getting close to quitting time as everyone is hurrying to get things wrapped, cleaned, & packed up so they can call it a day. One of the ways I like to minimize this issue is by constantly cleaning throughout the day & putting items away that won’t be needed later. I also leave enough time to do a quick walk-through to make sure that there won’t be any surprises in the middle of the night or coming in the next morning.
Cleanliness
- Is all the trash in the dumpster (metal bands, boards with nails, plastic wrap)
- Are the dumpster doors closed
- Is wood properly stacked and covered (no wood should be left leaning against a building)
- Has everything been swept, raked, or cleaned appropriately
Look Up
- Are there any boards sticking out
- Any nails sticking out looking for a nice shirt to rip or takeout an eye?
- Are all the ladders put away
- Any items on the scaffolding or other areas that might be blown away or fall off
Look Down & Around
- Any open holes or trenches that need to be covered?
- Are there any cap nails or similar items that might have been missed that need to be picked up?
- Have all the tools & extension cords been unplugged & stored?
- Is all the needed Caution tape or barriers been put in place
Tools & Misc. Materials (I prefer to do this as they get put away)
- Clean & check all tools & cords before storing them
- Has the Air compressor been unplugged, turned off & drained
- Add oil to any air tools as recommended
- If ventilation will be running all night, are the filters clean with nothing blocking them
- Have all dirty or oily rags been properly stored or disposed of
- If a torch or other flame source was used, were they turned off & those areas now cool
One item I also like to do is take a few quick pictures each day of all the barriers & caution tape being in place as one never knows sometimes. Final tip courtesy of Alan Lillie – don’t forget to lock up
