Construction sites are bustling with activity—large machines, heaps of dirt, and stacks of materials signal that something significant is underway. However, these busy environments can pose serious risks without proper safety measures.
Prioritizing Worker Safety on Landscape Construction Sites
At Landscape Development, safety is a top priority. Here’s how we ensure our construction crews are protected:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Essential for every crew member, PPE includes earplugs, safety glasses, safety vests, and masks. Unlike some companies that charge for these items, Landscape Development provides them free of charge. Safety vests are mandatory, and hard hats may be required. Additionally, workers are expected to wear boots, long pants, and, in some cases, steel-toed shoes.
- Equipment Training: No one operates heavy machinery like skid steers, backhoes, or bobcats without comprehensive training. Our extensive safety program includes equipment and safety training, along with weekly “Tailgate Talk” meetings that cover current safety topics, such as safe driving practices and maintaining safe distances.
- Site Walks: Before work begins, our operations managers conduct site walks to identify utility flags, overhead power lines, and other potential hazards. This allows us to plan for safe supply storage and excavation procedures.
- Maintaining Site Cleanliness: A clean site reduces the risk of accidents. Our crews ensure that debris is promptly cleared to prevent injuries.
- High-Visibility Paint: Protruding objects and hazards are marked with bright orange or yellow paint to enhance visibility and prevent trips.
- Vehicle Safety Checks: Each morning, crews perform “circle checks” on trucks and trailers to ensure all tires are in good condition, trailers are properly hooked up, and lights are functional. All vehicles are equipped with first aid kits and fire extinguishers, and large equipment includes seat belts for operators.
- Safety Cones and Markers: We utilize around 200 bright yellow safety cones and 200 orange safety triangle markers on job sites to delineate areas and improve visibility. Cones are also used around parked trucks as a reminder for thorough area checks before moving.
Protecting Passersby and Nearby Residents
Construction sites are not isolated from everyday life. Here’s how we ensure the safety of tenants, visitors, and pedestrians:
- Sidewalk Safety: When working near sidewalks, we use cones and caution tape to create a safe path for pedestrians.
- Fencing: Chain link fencing secured with cement blocks directs people away from construction areas.
- Spotters: We employ spotters for large machinery to assist with visibility issues, ensuring a safer working environment.
- Hazard Marking: Bright orange plastic safety caps are used on protruding rebar, and high-visibility paint highlights potential hazards.
- Dust and Debris Control: When cutting pavers or grinding stumps, we stop work to allow pedestrians to pass safely and use plywood barriers to contain debris.
- Pavement and Hole Safety: Safety cones mark uneven pavement, and caution tape surrounds open holes. For larger holes that remain open for extended periods, we cover them with steel plates.
By adhering to these safety practices, Landscape Development ensures a secure environment for both our workers and the public during construction projects.
