Occupational safety
12 basic rules for safe construction
1. Be smart and think
Before you do anything, think about the consequences! Will you endanger yourself or others? Focus on your work, but also be aware of your surroundings. Do not enter the workplace under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
2. Wear a work vest, helmet and boots
Always wear PPE in the workplace – a helmet, work boots, work clothes and a vest with reflective elements in good working order. Depending on the work that you are doing or the environment that you are in, use other PPE such as gloves, safety glasses or a face shield, a respirator, ear protectors, etc.
3. Secure yourself when working at heights
When working at heights (over 1.5 m) and over water, protect yourself against falling with collective protection (railing) or PPE (harness). Working over water is always considered working at height. Secure the area below you (by marking out a hazardous area, securing objects against falling, etc.).
4. Do not climb into an unreinforced excavation
Do not enter an unreinforced excavation deeper than 1.5 m (in built-up areas, 1.3 m). Do not place heavy objects within 50 cm of the edge of an excavation. Secure the given excavation so that no one can fall into it.
5. Watch your step
Watch your step. Don‘t jump; use a ladder or step-ladder. Do not enter the danger area of a machine in operation (max. reach of the machine + 2 m). If you have to enter the immediate vicinity of a machine, make sure that the machine operator (driver) is aware of your presence and wait until he/she has finished the activity and signals to you that you may enter. Use warning beacons on machines.
6. Clean up
Keep the workplace clean and tidy. Store materials and equipment so that they are safely available and do not endanger anyone.
7. Keep away from suspended loads
Never move under or near a suspended load. If you need to handle a load, use ropes or bars or wait until the load is close to the ground.
8. Use the back-up beeper and drive with the beacon activated
Keep reversing to a minimum. If you have to reverse, make sure that there is no one (and nothing) behind you. To ensure safe reversing, ask a colleague for assistance. Use a warning device when reversing. Check its operability regularly!
9. Use tools for their intended purpose
Use only tools, machines and equipment that are in good working order and have been regularly inspected. Use them only for their intended purpose and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the required PPE.
10. Stay out of traffic
When working near traffic, use all possible means to protect yourself (guardrails, machinery, materials, sufficient distance). Comply with the established rules when working near traffic.
11. Be careful on tracks
When working on or near a track in operation, exercise heightened caution! Proceed according to the requirements of the Railway Administration. Where necessary, ensure worksite safety by assigning someone to serve as a lookout.
12. Don't get tangled up in wires
Exercise heightened caution when working in the protection zone of utility lines. Make sure that you know where they are and that you will not damage them through your activities.
