With construction sites – currently – given the ‘green light’ to get back up and running, it’s never been more important for site planning to be given top consideration, particularly with social distancing and hygiene being leading concerns.
With considerations such as health and safety through to storage, plans must be comprehensive and have contingencies factored in to ensure productivity is maintained and sites stay open during a global pandemic.
Simply put, a site’s office must offer a combination of safety, security, amenity, and visibility. So, in today’s article, we’re going to cover the most important things to consider when planning a site office.
COVID-19 considerations
As well as the traditional health and safety measures implemented, there’s a mandatory requirement for sites to follow strict social distancing and hygiene measures. These measures include the likes of the ‘one metre plus’ rule — where workers must be either two metres apart, or at least one metre if two metres isn’t achievable — and making sure hand washing stations are present at site entrances and exits. Along with one-way systems and limiting the number of workers using canteens, workspaces, and drying facilities at once, construction sites are encouraged to introduce staggered starts and finishes.
And the requirements doesn’t stop there, with the Construction Leadership Council outlining a comprehensive list of measures, which you can read in full via their latest version of the site operating procedures guidance.
A secure site
Irrespective of lockdown, site offices must be extremely secure. Theft can happen at any time, especially during times where our focus may be elsewhere. Attacks can often take place on weekends or during longer periods of downtime — which is something that could happen again at the blink of an eye in the current climate.
As offices contain essential documents and items worth a pretty penny, security against both theft and vandalism is paramount. It’s no surprise that many site offices and storage tend to be in the form of a durable container— built to function as an office with workspace and other amenities, but also to offer a high level of protection. Now may be the perfect time to consider purchasing site accommodation or even renting from a reputable provider.
Protect against the elements
Even during periods of extreme weather and when areas of a site are unusable, the site office can operate as normal. Protection against the elements is key for any construction site, and many companies will rent storage containers due to their security benefits. Not to mention the fact it can keep site equipment dry and occupants — providing they’re following social distancing measures.
Important equipment and information
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires that certain items and information are displayed in the site office. Not having these on display can lead to companies being issued hefty fines. A site office must be equipped with a first aid kit that is easy to access and fit for use. Housing it in a site office means it can be kept secure, dry, and in good condition. Documents to be housed include an accident log, induction forms, health and safety policies, construction phase plan, risk assessments, method statements, work permits, training records, and a site register.
You should always have a fire extinguisher to use in case of emergencies, with more than one extinguisher placed in different areas on the site if achievable.
Information you must display
The site office is the central hub of the site, so important signage that will help workers should be on display. A device for workers to sign-in and out on should be placed in the office where it can be kept safe and referenced whenever an emergency arises. The site office is also a logical place to display a notice board to make sure team members are up to speed with rules and regulations of the site. Spare PPE should also be safe and dry so it can be used by visitors when they are permitted to come on-site.
Your workspace
A site office’s foundations aren’t just in the brick or steelwork. The right amenities for workers should be close by. Portable drying rooms, shower units, and toilets are vital considerations when planning the site so that employees have everything they need in one centralised hub.
Consider visibility too. Double-glazed windows that allow occupants to see the rest of their site is an excellent way to achieve good visibility.
Following the considerations here, particularly considering COVID-19 guidance, will allow you to create and safe and secure site while maintaining productivity.
Sources
https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/health-safety-news/construction-employers-covid19/76249/
https://www.mobilemini.co.uk/storage-containers/container-hire/