Construction safety is a top priority for every project. Companies need to continually be on top of both local and national guidelines, while still maintaining steady output levels to keep projects on track.
Keeping up with constant change while managing uncertainty is challenging. We’ve curated some of the top construction site safety checklists and resources available to help construction teams adapt to their ever-evolving working environment:
Construction Site Safety Checklists & Resources
- [OSHA] Compliance Assistance Quick Start: Ensure your teams are following basic Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] guidelines and requirements with this compliance list, from surveying your workplace for hazards to recordkeeping and reporting.
- [CSW] Construction Mental Health Resources: Mental health is an essential component of overall construction safety. Construction Safety Week has a foundational list of top websites and helpful links.
- [NIOSH] Construction Health and Safety: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) also has a resource center for construction firms looking for safety content.
- [ABC] General Construction Safety Resources: A robust list of top safety guides and checklists by the Associated Builders and Contractors.
- [ABC] Toolbox Safety Talks: A list of Toolbox Safety Talks created by ABC's strategy partners.
- [NAHB] Safety Program Toolkit: Get your residential safety program up and running with this foundational program toolkit from the National Association of Home Builders.
- Top construction safety innovations: Looking to accelerate your construction safety strategy with technology? This blog contains a robust list of top tools and tech.
Construction Safety Guides
We continue to expand our own construction safety resources and guides in our content hub. Keep checking back for new content:
Construction safety hub
Frequently asked questions: Safety checklists
A construction site safety checklist helps prevent workplace accidents, ensures compliance with safety regulations like OSHA, improves worker productivity, and reduces liability risks for construction companies.
What are the key elements of a construction site safety checklist?
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) checks
- Hazard identification and mitigation
- Emergency procedures
- Equipment inspection
- Fall protection measures
- Electrical safety protocols
- Site security and access control
- Fire prevention measures
Who should use a construction site safety checklist?
From general contractors to subcontractors, nearly anyone on a jobsite should use a construction site safety checklist including superintendents, project managers, safety officers, and trade workers to ensure compliance and worker protection.
How often should a construction site safety checklist be used?
Consistency is key to ensuring safety protocols on site and safety checklists should be used daily before work begins and periodically throughout the day to identify and mitigate new hazards.
What are common safety violations found on construction sites?
Some of the most common OSHA safety violations in construction include:
- Lack of fall protection
- Inadequate PPE usage including no head protection
- Unsafe scaffolding or ladders
- Poor housekeeping leading to trip hazards
- Electrical hazards and improper wiring
- Lack of proper training on machinery
- Insufficient respiratory protection
- Poor hazard communication
What PPE should be included in a construction site safety checklist?
To ensure workers have the right PPE at all times, include the following on your site checklist:
- Hard hats
- Safety glasses, goggles, or face shields
- High-visibility vests
- Steel-toed boots
- Hearing protection
- Gloves
- Safety harnesses
- Respiratory protection
Also, keep in mind that a recent OSHA mandate now requires proper fitting PPE for workers.
How can I ensure workers follow the safety checklist?
If you want your team to follow proper safety procedures and checklists, it will require a commitment to consistency. The following measures can also keep employees accountable to follow construction safety checklists:
- Conduct regular safety training
- Assign a safety officer for oversight
- Perform random safety audits
- Encourage a culture of safety through incentives and accountability
Are there digital tools available for managing construction site safety checklists?
Yes, construction safety management software can help streamline checklist implementation, documentation, and reporting. Aim to adopt construction safety software with the following capabilities:
- Safety templates and checklists: Templates bring more consistency to safety programs enabling teams to streamline safety workflows, reduce errors, and ensure consistency across projects.
- Cloud-based reporting: Log safety concerns or incidents from the field, and monitor, and manage project safety through ready-for-executives reports on issues.
- Predictive capabilities: With AI-capabilities and advanced automations, top safety management software will help you log root causes to identify trends and resolve common safety concerns proactively.
How do construction safety checklists help with OSHA compliance?
Safety checklists are an essential check and balance mechanism to ensure all necessary construction safety protocols are followed, help identify hazards before accidents occur, and provide documentation in case of an OSHA inspection.
How can construction companies continuously improve safety on-site?
Safety programs can always be optimized and improved to keep your essential team members safe, healthy, and happy. The safest teams aim for the following:
- Regularly update safety checklists based on site conditions
- Encourage workers to report hazards
- Conduct frequent safety meetings and training sessions
- Invest in new safety technologies
