Responsible Walling-Site Safety

Site Safety is about the areas we work. If not careful, one could easily look over the smallest but most important issues when walling. Being responsible is key. Recently I watched a great video I was surprised to see so much heavy equipment being used on the job site over peoples heads. But 1 out of a hand full had a hard hat. If OSHA walked on the site this job/workshop would have been shut down and possibly fined. It could have been an oversight, laziness, ignorance, convenience factor who knows. The reality is if some one or something gets injured or killed, now you have bigger issues on your hands. It doesn't take long to set up. When you're plan and pricing your jobs be sure to consider safety. Once you start your job set out to put safety procedure into place. On a job I worked every morning meeting safety was reviewed. You should also check your state laws. Simple common sense can go a long way. As we all know cut corners can quickly result in accidents.

This was held in VA. The city was so happy to have this work done. They hired a road crew to direct traffic. All the participants were required to wear reflective vests and eye protection on the job at all times

This was a wall I was working on. The reason for cones are boarders horses walk past this site in order to get to the barn. If a horse spooks they could easily get hurt very quickly with all the stones laying on the ground. Also if you notice to the right at this end of the wall you will see the stake with pink tape and a protective cap. On the left side the orange cone covers the same stake. I have worked on several job sites with contractors and I'm always surprised when I hear what are those for? Man slip or trip on a stone you'll see real quick! Even the long rebar holding up the frames have been looped for safety and taped with hot pink for visibility in low light.

This was at Shaker Village KY. Notice the site has over head protection from the elements keeping the work area about 10-15 degrees cooler. The tent is tied down in the corners for overnight protection. Normally on jobs DSC always pulls down their canopies at the end of the day. The walk space around the wall as seen in both photos above is very important. You should keep a minimum of 18 inches clear. This will keep anyone from tripping on stones. Since Shaker Village is a tourist site caution tape was place around the outside area. Keeping spectators away from swinging hammers and ground stones. 

This example of job site at Wyman Park Baltimore MD. You will notice the orange fence to the right. This was set up by the contractor to protect the work areas. The walk space is live all day long for passersby so all stone stayed on the pallets as we worked. Stone from the old wall was kept close to the new build. At the end of the day any loose or empty pallets were removed. The walk alway kept clear. The wall was covered with plastic to avoid removal of frames or stones while in progress. You will also notice to the left a plywood board to protect the tree(s) from the mini excavator which was removing the old wall.

Taking small steps will make for better Site Safety.