Christmas site closure/safety

Site Security

• Site Manager to conduct a final site walk to ensure all safety and security measures are in place.  Record findings and retain on site.
• Secure the perimeter – Walk the perimeter to check for any weak spots in fencing or gates and fix them.
• Lock all entry points – Ensure all doors, windows, and gates are securely locked.
• Control access – Implement or review access control systems and make sure keys are removed from the site and any plant or machinery is immobilised.  Isolate or remove batteries from large items to prevent use and maintain charge.
• Consider temporary security (if deemed necessary) – During extended shutdowns, consider adding extra temporary security measures.
• Add signage – Display clear warning signs with emergency contact numbers.  As a deterrent could also post signs that advertise the presence of CCTV to deter potential intruders.

Site Safety Checks

• Power and water – Turn off all non-essential electrical sockets, ensure all taps and water points are turned off to prevent leaks or flooding.
• Excavations – Secure or cover all excavations and manholes with barriers or covers.
• Flammable materials – Remove all waste and flammable materials, such as petrol and paint, from the site or store them securely in locked, ventilated containers away from heat sources.
• Arson – To lessen the danger of arson, remove all loose, combustible materials and waste to minimise fire and arson risks.
• Scaffolding – Inspect scaffolding, secure it against unauthorised access, by removing all ground-level access to scaffolding and platforms (e.g., ladders) or by using ladder guards, locked gated access to haki tower etc, and consider inspection regimes to ensure works can resume after the holiday.
• Temporary structures – Verify that any part-built structures or temporary works are stable and supported, considering potential additional loads from snow or wind.  Use waterproof membranes or tarpaulins to protect exposed areas, materials, and equipment from rain, snow, and dampness.  Ensure gutters and drainage systems are clear to prevent water build-up.
• Crane safety – Lower mobile crane jibs and leave tower cranes in ‘free slew’.

Asset Protection

• Remove valuables – Take highly valuable tools and equipment off-site if possible.  For items that must remain, store them in a secure, out-of-sight location.
• Use secure storage – Padlock any containers on site and, where possible, hide large equipment from view.
• Install security systems – based on a risk assessment, in high-risk regions, consider installing CCTV or patrols.

Post Shutdown

• Emergency contact – Appoint a point of contact and provide a clearly displayed out-of-hours emergency contact number.
• If possible, schedule intermittent physical patrols of the site to ensure it remains safe and secure.
• Check your insurance, as some policies may require specific actions for unoccupied sites.
• Inform local neighbours of the closure dates and provide them with the emergency contact number, as they can serve as valuable ‘eyes and ears’ for your site.
• Site Manager to carry out a site inspection after the holiday prior to works commencing to ensure the site is safe for operatives to resume work.
• Ensure all workers have a return to work briefing on their first day back to work after the New Year to re-inform them of any onsite hazards and risks.

Hopefully, you will return to your site as you left it, but I’m sure you’ll agree, prevention is better than cure!