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Housekeeping: Slips, Trips and Blocked Escape Routes
A clean site is a safe site, so keep your workspace tidy and emergency exits clear at all times.
Why this matters
- Good housekeeping is not just about looking clean. It is about preventing accidents before they happen. Many injuries on this site occur because someone tripped over a loose cable or slipped on a spill.
- If there is an emergency, like a fire or a chemical leak, you need to get out fast. If the exit routes are blocked by scrap materials or toolboxes, people can get trapped. Seconds save lives during an evacuation.
Talking points
- Clean as you go: Do not wait until the end of the shift to tidy up your waste.
- Keep all walkways and stairs clear of tools, cables, and materials.
- Coil and store hoses and electrical leads properly when they are not in use.
- Wipe up spills immediately or report them to your supervisor if they are hazardous.
- Store materials in their designated areas and never block fire extinguishers or emergency exits.
- Dispose of food waste in the correct bins to avoid attracting pests or bad smells.
Ask the crew
- Where is the nearest emergency exit from your current work area?
- Who is responsible for cleaning up a mess that you did not create but found?
- What should you do if you see a cable crossing a walkway?
Download the PDF with attendance sheet
More general site talks
Change of Plan: Why You Must Stop and ReassessWaste Segregation: More Than Just CleaningWorking with Other Contractors: Coordination and Shared HazardsEnd of Shift: Securing the Workplace Before You LeaveStop Work Authority: You Have the Power to Say NoEmergency Readiness: Numbers, First Aiders, and Assembly Points
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