Construction Site Safety Checklist

Why You Need a Safety Checklist

Construction sites are among the most hazardous work environments. Falls, struck-by incidents, electrical hazards, and caught-in/between accidents account for the majority of serious injuries and fatalities in the sector.

A simple, well-maintained safety checklist helps site managers ensure that nothing is overlooked — every shift, every day.

This checklist is designed for construction and infrastructure sites in Ghana, aligned with both local regulations and international best practice.

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1. Personal protective equipment

Every worker on site must have access to the correct PPE for their task. Verify the following daily:

• [ ] All workers wearing approved safety helmets (EN 397 / ANSI Z89.1)
• [ ] Safety footwear worn by all personnel (EN ISO 20345 S3 minimum)
• [ ] High-visibility vests worn in all traffic areas (EN ISO 20471)
• [ ] Safety glasses available for cutting, grinding, and drilling tasks
• [ ] Hearing protection provided in high-noise zones (>85dB)
• [ ] Respiratory protection available for dusty environments
• [ ] Fall arrest harnesses inspected and worn for any work above 2 metres
• [ ] Gloves appropriate to the task (cut-resistant, chemical, heat)

Key question: Is every worker wearing the right PPE for the specific task they are performing right now?

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2. Site access and signage

Clear signage and controlled access prevent unauthorised entry and ensure hazard awareness:

• [ ] Site perimeter secured with fencing or barriers
• [ ] Entry and exit points clearly marked
• [ ] Mandatory PPE signs displayed at all entry points
• [ ] Hazard warning signs posted at relevant locations
• [ ] Speed limit signs for vehicle traffic areas
• [ ] Emergency assembly point clearly marked and known to all workers
• [ ] Visitor sign-in process in place

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3. Working at height

Falls from height remain the leading cause of construction fatalities:

• [ ] All scaffolding inspected by a competent person before use
• [ ] Guardrails, toe boards, and mid-rails in place on all platforms
• [ ] Ladders inspected and secured before use
• [ ] Fall arrest harnesses worn for all work above 2 metres
• [ ] Lanyards and anchor points inspected daily
• [ ] Openings and edges protected with barriers or covers
• [ ] Workers trained on fall protection procedures

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4. Excavations and earthworks

Trench collapses can be fatal. Ensure:

• [ ] Excavations deeper than 1.2m have shoring or sloping
• [ ] Spoil heaps kept at least 1m from excavation edges
• [ ] Barriers and warning signs around all open excavations
• [ ] Safe means of entry and exit (ladders every 7.5m)
• [ ] Underground services located and marked before digging
• [ ] Daily inspection of excavation walls for signs of movement

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5. Fire safety

Every construction site must have basic fire protection:

• [ ] Fire extinguishers placed at key locations (minimum every 30m)
• [ ] Extinguishers inspected monthly and serviced annually
• [ ] Hot work permits issued for welding, cutting, and grinding
• [ ] Flammable materials stored in designated areas away from ignition sources
• [ ] Fire assembly point established and communicated
• [ ] Emergency contact numbers displayed prominently

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6. First aid

Injuries require immediate response. Verify:

• [ ] First aid kit stocked and accessible (EN 13157 compliant)
• [ ] At least one trained first aider on site per shift
• [ ] Eye wash station available near chemical handling areas
• [ ] Stretcher and basic rescue equipment available
• [ ] Emergency vehicle access route clear and unobstructed
• [ ] Nearest hospital and emergency numbers posted on site

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7. Electrical safety

Electrical incidents are often fatal:

• [ ] All temporary electrical installations inspected by a qualified electrician
• [ ] RCDs (residual current devices) fitted and tested
• [ ] Cables routed away from traffic areas or protected with covers
• [ ] Portable tools inspected before each use
• [ ] Lockout/tagout procedures in place for electrical maintenance
• [ ] No exposed or damaged wiring on site

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8. Housekeeping

A clean site is a safer site:

• [ ] Walkways and access routes clear of debris and materials
• [ ] Materials stored neatly and securely
• [ ] Waste removed regularly — no accumulation of combustible materials
• [ ] Spills cleaned up immediately
• [ ] Tools returned to storage when not in use

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9. Training and communication

Safety procedures only work when everyone understands them:

• [ ] All workers received site-specific safety induction
• [ ] Toolbox talks conducted at the start of each shift
• [ ] Method statements available for high-risk tasks
• [ ] Workers know how to report hazards and near-misses
• [ ] Emergency procedures rehearsed at least quarterly

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Put It to Use

Print this checklist and use it as a daily walk-through tool. The best safety checklist is one that is actually used — consistently, every day, by every site manager.

Need help equipping your construction site with certified PPE and safety materials? Contact Accord Industrial and we will put together a supply package matched to your site requirements.