Toolbox Talk: Housekeeping On The Job
Part 2

Having good housekeeping on the job site improves operating efficiency and aids in the effort to eliminate hazards.

Every worker is responsible for keeping their work area clean, neat, and in an orderly fashion. In the long run, keeping up with housekeeping saves time, and money, and keeps workers safer on the job site.

Construction scraps tend to be odd in shape and pose unique hazards. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep the site clean.

Material Storage:

• Keeping piles neat and orderly protects the material from being broken or damaged.

• Materials should be stacked, blocked, or interlocked, and limited in height, so the pile will stay stable at all times.

• Scrap piles also need to be orderly and placed where they do not interfere with work.

• Be sure to remove or bend over all protruding nails before scrapping wood.

• Keep all piles away from openings or edges so they do not fall through or off of anything.

• Secure loose materials at night to be sure they will not blow around or fall from a height.

• Keep all ramps, stairways, scaffolds, and designated paths open and free of material or scraps.

• Clean-up is a continuous process, so keep your work area clean as you go to avoid issues.

Tool Storage:

• When finished with tools, return them to the proper storage area.

• Do not leave tools lying around where they can be broken or cause accidents.

• Tools are expensive, so take care of them as if they are your own.