What are the Best Practices on a Construction Site?

Construction is one of the most dynamic and essential industries in the UK - but it also comes with a range of unique threats. Ensuring safety and compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about protecting lives.

Whether you’re managing a team of subcontractors or overseeing a long-term project, following best practices is a must.

At Contractwise, we’re experts in the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), and we know that responsibilities don’t stop at payroll. Understanding what constitutes a safe workplace is critical when it comes to protecting contractors and subcontractors, and we also provide payroll audits that remove HMRC reclassification risks and ensure CIS compliance.

In this article, we’ll explore the main hazards construction sites face and outline the best practices every contractor should implement.

Read on for more…

What are the main hazards on a construction site?

Construction sites are inherently high-risk environments. With heavy machinery, working at height and uneven ground, multiple trades are working all at once, so it’s no surprise that it is categorised as one of the most dangerous sectors.

Some of the most common hazards in the industry include:

• Falls from a height: Unsecured scaffolding, open edges and poorly maintained ladders

• Trips and slips: Loose cables, wet surfaces and scattered materials

• Machinery accidents: Unsafe handling, lack of maintenance and user error

• Electrics: Live wires or working near overhead cables

• Falling objects: From scaffolding or cranes

• Manual handling injuries: Strains to backs and knees from lifting heavy objects

• Exposure to harmful substances: Such as dust, fumes and chemicals

What are the best practices for a construction site?

Creating a safe, organised and legally compliant construction site involves a combination of training, equipment and constant vigilance. Here are some of the best practices to follow:

Wear proper PPE

All workers - including your subcontractors - must wear appropriate PPE for their task. This includes:

• Hard hates

• High-visibility clothing

• Steel-toe boots

• Safety gloves

• Protective eyewear

It’s the employer or main contractor’s responsibility to provide PPE and ensure it is used correctly and consistently.

Make sure staff are health and safety trained

You should make sure all staff are fully trained in:

• Site-specific risks

• Safe use of tools and machinery

• Emergency procedures

• Manual handling techniques

• Working at height protocols

Check scaffolding is secure

Falls from height are the leading cause of fatalities in construction. All scaffolding must be:

• Erected by a qualified scaffolder

• Inspected regularly

• Equipped with guardrails and toe boards

• Kept clear of clutter

Never allow anyone to use incomplete or visibly damaged scaffolding - even temporarily.

Clear signage

Safety signs are essential for warning hazards and letting people know what procedures to follow. Signs should be used to clearly mark:

• High-risk areas

• PPE requirements

• First aid stations

• Emergency exits

• Restricted zones

Make sure signs are visible, durable and understood by all - including non-English speakers where necessary.

Utilise technology like lone worker apps

Technology can dramatically improve site safety if used effectively. For instance, there is a wide range of lone worker apps that can be used to allow remote workers who may be isolated from their colleagues to check in, raise alerts and receive support in emergencies. These tools are particularly useful for:

• Out of hours maintenance

• Isolated parts of the site

• Smaller teams working in dispersed areas

Maintain tools

Every tool on site should be in good working order, and it’s a good idea to implement a system for:

• Regular inspections

• Logging defects or malfunctions

• Taking damaged tools out of use

• Maintaining power tools as per the manufacturer’s guidelines

Unsafe equipment must never be used.

Ensure good communication

A safe site is a well-informed site. Foster a culture where workers feel comfortable reporting hazards, asking for help and raising any concerns they may have.

You can use:

• Daily briefings

• Toolbox talks

• Site radios for larger sites

Good and transparent communication is the best way to keep everyone safe and reduce confusion.

Secure entrances and exits

Access control is not only about security - it’s also a safety issue. You should make sure that:

• Entrances and exits are well-lit and clearly marked

• All emergency exits are unobstructed

• Only authorised personnel enter hazardous zones

• Visitors always sign in and are thoroughly briefed on safety

Store machinery properly

When not in use, machinery and large equipment should be:

• Switched off

• Stored in designated areas

• Maintained and checked before they are used

Machines that are improperly stored pose a serious risk, especially after hours or during poor weather.

What are the legal responsibilities for a construction site?

In the UK, construction sites are regulated under The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015). Contractors and site managers have specific legal duties, including:

Risk assessments

You must identify hazards, assess risks and implement measures to mitigate them. Your risk assessments must be documented - especially for larger projects or where risks are significant. They should be reviewed regularly, especially after an incident or site change.

Providing PPE

Employers are legally required to provide free PPE to staff and ensure it is suitable and well-maintained. It must also be worn correctly, and you should never instruct workers to bring their own PPE.

Delivering safety training

Anyone working on your site should be competent and fully trained for their role. This includes both direct employees and subcontractors. You must:

• Verify qualifications

• Offer site-specific instructions

• Keep training records

Failure to properly train workers can lead to prosecution if accidents occur.

Using safe tools and equipment

You are responsible for ensuring that all tools are machinery are:

• Suitable for the task at hand

• Properly maintained

• Inspected before use

Whether you’re managing a small team or overseeing a major development, site safety and compliance are your responsibility. Good practices not only protect your workers - they protect your business from delays and legal action.

At Contractwise, we understand that construction businesses have a lot on their plate. That’s why we specialise in CIS payroll services that always keep you compliant. For more information, get in touch with our team today.