If you are in the business of making buildings, there are various obstacles to take account of whenever the time arrives for you to put together a new one. While there isn’t sufficient space for us to mention all of them in this article, here are 8 possible ones which would warrant attention.

Uneven surfaces

People walking on these can easily slip or trip. However, it’s possible to lessen this risk by putting in place walkways that are designated as such, the Health and Safety Executive recommends. These walkways should also be adequately lit, signposted, and given good underfoot conditions.

Building materials or waste

It’s also possible for people to trip or slip if building waste or materials are in the way. However, waste can be reduced when dedicated spaces for collecting waste are designated, while deliveries can minimise the on-site amount of materials. Also, everyone on-site should remember to maintain the tidiness of where they work or store items.

Trailing cables

By sticking to using cordless tools, you might be able to eradicate a need for cable usage. Should you need to use cable-dependent mains-powered tools or temporary lighting, they can be used at high level in order to keep the attached cables off the ground.

Wet or slippery surfaces

It’s possible to cover these surfaces for as long as you need to work on them. Alternatively, stone can be used to treat muddy surfaces, while icy surfaces can be treated with grit. You should also don good-gripping footwear and signpost where areas are slippery.

Changes in level

There might be some places, like in doorways, where minor changes in level can’t be averted. Consider putting ramps in these places – and, if this isn’t possible, put up signs warning workers to keep an eye out for these level changes.

Electrical systems in buildings

Electricity carries death or injury risks that you are legally required to take precautions against, the Health and Safety Executive points out. The risks are at their highest when buildings are refurbished; therefore, it is crucial that, for this work, you arrange careful planning, managing and monitoring.

Overhead power lines

Careful planning is also necessary for construction work that will take place close to electric overhead power lines. The work must be carried out with care in order to avert problems with accidentally contacting, or coming physically close to, these electric overhead power lines.

The possible need to work at height

Should working at height be necessary, you must assess the risk of such work and then organise and plan this work to ensure that it is safely carried out, the Health and Safety Executive states. Rather than have members of your own team deliver the work, you could outsource it to rope access technicians from SAS Rope and Rail.

The rope access services provided by this contractor mean that, if work at height needs to be conducted on your company’s behalf, you can benefit from the most safe, swift and efficient manner of delivering this type of work.