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🧹 Jobsite Housekeeping

Topic: Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe jobsite Duration: 5–8 minutes Standard: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.25 — Housekeeping

The Stats​

  • Slips, trips, and falls are the #1 cause of injuries on construction sites after falls from elevation
  • 25% of all construction injuries involve slips, trips, or falls at the same level
  • Most of these are caused by poor housekeeping — debris, clutter, uneven surfaces, and spills
  • OSHA cites housekeeping violations on nearly every jobsite inspection

The simplest way to prevent injuries is to keep the site clean.

The Golden Rule: Clean As You Go​

Don't wait until end of day — clean up throughout the shift:

WhenWhat to Do
During workPut scrap in bins as you create it, don't let it pile up
After each taskPick up tools, scrap, and packaging before moving to the next area
At breaksClear your immediate work area before leaving
End of dayFull cleanup — tools stored, scrap removed, walkways clear

Housekeeping Priorities​

1. Walkways and Access Routes​

  • All walkways clear of materials, tools, cords, and hoses
  • No tripping hazards (protruding rebar, conduit stubs, uneven surfaces)
  • Extension cords routed overhead or covered with cord ramps — never across walkways loose
  • Stairways and ladders clear of materials and debris
  • Emergency exits never blocked

2. Work Areas​

  • Scrap materials in designated bins — not piled on the floor
  • Tools put away when not in use — never left on the floor, scaffolds, or ledges
  • Nails and screws removed from lumber or bent flat (nail boards = puncture wounds)
  • Sharp objects (blades, broken glass, cut metal) in designated sharp containers
  • Materials stacked neatly and stable — no leaning piles

3. Spills and Liquids​

  • Clean up spills immediately — oil, water, chemicals, concrete
  • Use absorbent on oil and chemical spills
  • Place "Wet Floor" signs if area remains slippery during cleanup
  • Standing water drained or pumped — creates slip hazard and mosquito breeding

4. Material Storage​

  • Materials stored neatly in designated areas — not scattered around the site
  • Heavy items stored low, lighter items up high
  • Stacks stable and not blocking walkways, exits, or fire equipment
  • Flammable materials in approved storage (away from ignition sources)
  • Lumber and pipe stored flat with proper dunnage — no teetering stacks

5. Waste Management​

  • Dumpsters and trash bins placed at convenient locations (workers will use them if they're close)
  • Dumpsters not overflowing — schedule more frequent pickup if needed
  • Hazardous waste separated (paint, solvents, adhesives) per environmental requirements
  • No burning of waste on site (unless specifically permitted and controlled)

Fire Prevention Through Housekeeping​

Poor housekeeping creates fire hazards:

  • Combustible scrap (wood, cardboard, paper) piled near heat sources
  • Oily rags not stored in self-closing metal containers
  • Flammable liquids left open or stored improperly
  • Blocked fire extinguishers — can't use it if you can't reach it
  • Blocked exits — can't escape if the path is blocked

Keep fire extinguishers visible, accessible, and within 50 feet of any work area.

What NOT To Do​

❌ Never step over debris — pick it up or go around ❌ Never leave tools on ladders, scaffolds, or overhead ❌ Never throw materials from elevation without a debris chute or controlled drop zone ❌ Never leave extension cords lying across walkways ❌ Never pile materials against walls or near exits ❌ Never ignore someone else's mess — if you see it, report it or clean it

OSHA's Housekeeping Standard​

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.25 requires:

  • Scrap lumber with protruding nails must have nails removed or bent over
  • Combustible scrap must be removed at regular intervals
  • Containers must be provided for waste collection
  • Waste must be disposed of at regular intervals

This is one of the most commonly cited standards on construction sites.

Discussion Questions​

  1. What's the biggest housekeeping problem on our site right now?
  2. Where are the dumpsters and trash bins? Are they close enough to the work areas?
  3. Have you seen any tripping hazards today on the way in?
  4. What would happen if a fire broke out right now — could you get to the extinguisher?
  5. Who is responsible for housekeeping — just the laborers, or everyone?

Today's Commitment​

"I will clean up my own work area throughout the day and never step over a hazard without addressing it."

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