Guide to Construction Site Cleanup Prep of HASPs

Four types of construction jobs made it onto Business Insider’s list of the 34 deadliest jobs in the US. Topping these at number four were construction trade helpers.

These are workers that assist on construction sites. The fatal injury rate for this group is close to 44 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers. The other construction jobs on the list included first-line supervisors, equipment operators, and laborers.

Some of these injuries occur during construction site cleanup. This makes it essential that HASP construction protocols are in place.

Does your company require construction site clean-up services? Then you’ll need to know what these protocols entail. This article provides a HASP definition and answers What is HASP in Construction?

 

HASP Definition

 

HASP is the acronym for Health and Safety Plan. This plan should document hazards at the construction site.

It should also provide procedures to help mitigate these potential hazards. These procedures should outline the steps needed to deal with any hazard once it occurs.

 

What is HASP in Construction?

 

Every year there are over 200,000 non-fatal injuries in the construction industry. That’s equivalent to one out of every 10 workers.

Health and safety plans can help reduce the industry’s high injury and fatality rate. It’s estimated that construction companies can save up to $6 for every $1 they invest in safety programs.

Part of this involves the preparation of a health and safety plan. This is crucial before any work begins at your construction site. It should include the following:

• The scope of the project
• The hazards identified
• Safety practices to control these hazards
• A list of key personnel responsible for executing the plan
• Emergency contact information
• The goal of the plan

 

The goal of any construction HASP should be to protect workers and any other site personnel. Changes and adaptations of the plan are usually necessary throughout the construction and site clean-up phases.

 

HASP Construction Protocols

 

Your HASP should be site-specific. As mentioned, it also needs to be adaptable, as things can change during the course of the project.

This fluidity will allow you to use the plan for various construction projects. This includes construction site cleanup services.

Here are a few things you’ll need to consider when drafting your construction HASP:

 

Construction Site Rules

 

When detailing these, incorporate OSHA standards as well. These include inspections, training, and hazard communication, among others. Each category will require site-specific rules.

It’s best to include details that cover any eventuality. This can range from preventing falls to preparing for natural disasters.

 

Personal Protective Equipment

 

Also known as PPE, this should be a requirement at every job site. It will protect your employees and show that your company is serious about safety.

The type of PPE required will vary based on the site and the jobs involved. Some examples include:

• Hard hats
• Safety vests
• Steel-tipped boots
• Ear muffs
• Eyewear

 

The use of any safety gear should be a requirement for both workers and visitors. They should also be aware of how to wear and use each item.

Having employees care for their equipment is also essential. This ensures continued functionality. All these details should be a part of your site safety protocol.

 

Site Protocols

 

You can combine OSHA requirements and company policy as rules for each site. However, one should not contradict the other.

Knowing how to use and wear PPE is one guideline. Others should include the use of heavy machinery and equipment. This should include daily checklists that verify the examination of equipment before and after use. All employees should be familiar with these protocols.

 

Employee Roles

 

All employees at a job site should be aware of their job functions. This encompasses their role at the site and the responsibilities aligned to that role. This helps to ensure they’re at the right place at the right time.

Panic is common in an emergency. However, having a specific role or function could mitigate this.

You can reinforce employee roles with regular drills. This can help to put them in the right mindset if an emergency does occur.

 

Weather Conditions and Natural Disasters

 

It’s easy to focus on site-specific hazards. But your HASP should also consider adverse weather conditions and natural disasters. Both can have a great impact on your job site.

Employees also need to know what to do if a natural disaster occurs. Preparation involves ensuring their safety and securing the site’s machinery and equipment. This can reduce the occurrence of additional mishaps.

 

Does OSHA Require HASP?

 

The implementation of a Health and Safety Program is a major OSHA requirement. The Administration also outlines steps to keep construction sites safe. These include:

• Inspection of job sites for potential hazards
• Guidelines related to these hazards
• Standards on communicating the presence of hazardous materials to employees
• Employee training

 

Employers must record injuries and illnesses at the workplace. They also need to report severe injuries and fatalities within eight hours of their occurrence.

OSHA posters or comparable state plans should be displayed at the job site. This can reinforce safety guidelines for workers.

This list may seem overwhelming. But lack of compliance may result in hefty fines. Complying with OSHA safety standards can reduce worker injuries. They can even save the lives of your employees.

You might want to consider getting assistance to ensure compliance. There are companies that specialize in industrial and construction safety. They can help with your HASP as well as provide other safety services.

 

Staying on Top of the Construction Site Cleanup

 

In 2020, the construction industry had the highest rate of fatal work injuries. More recent statistics show significant improvement over the past two years. However, this could be due to less construction work during the pandemic.

Regardless, companies can continue lowering this figure by implementing health and safety protocols. These should be relevant throughout the construction process and include construction site cleanup.

Are your HASP construction procedures sufficient? You don’t have to figure them out on your own. Atlantic Environmental can help.

We’ll ensure your Health and Safety Plan is OSHA-compliant. We can also inspect your site and provide a range of other site services. Contact us to get started today!

We offer our services to NJ, NY, CT, PA, GA, VA, and MD states.