Good Housekeeping? It’s A Mindset

We all know that on construction sites, good housekeeping reduces the risk of accidents as well as improving fire safety. Douglas OHI continuously maintains tidy construction sites. We do everything we can to reduce the risk of accidents, and this includes not having materials, waste and discarded tools lying around our project sites. 

All Douglas OHI project sites are organised, tidy and everyone knows where everything is. This ultimately saves times searching for items and gives more time to deliver the project. 

Here are just some of the ways good housekeeping minimises risks and keeps our employees safe:

• A designated area for waste. 
• Stack and store materials safely – stops them from becoming a hazard. This includes clear fire escapes.
• Maintain a safe work area – work areas are checked at regular intervals and cleared up as we go along. 
• Keep access routes clear – this includes access and egress. 
• Putting away tools or equipment that are not being used. 
• Good housekeeping is also about keeping things in good working order on site. Damaged tools or equipment must be taken out of use so they can either be repaired or replaced.
• Cables are routed to avoid any trip hazard – all walkways and access routes are clear.
• Eliminate fire hazards – clearing and removing waste is also a good way to prevent fires on sites.
• All Douglas OHI employees set an example. All employees are committed to keeping the workplace safe.
• Our HSE teams run regular awareness sessions such as toolbox talks and campaigns reiterating that good housekeeping practices will keep a safe site for everyone.  

As part of our program, regular inspections take place by the management team to check where improvements can be made. 

Peter Baker, Corporate HSSE Manager, Douglas OHI said “Standards of housekeeping, good or bad will influence the way a person acts in any workplace. As well as the benefits mentioned above, good standards will contribute to good behaviours that in turn encourage all round efficiencies in what is by nature a dynamic and potentially hazardous environment. Let there be no doubt, the benefits of good housekeeping far exceed the efforts in setting the scene right at the start of the project or task.”