The top two reasons to properly
manage storage and deliveries to a site are: lifting, loading and unloading
causes about half a million injuries per year, and sites are too tight and
exposed to leave valuable materials lying around outdoors.
The coordination required to reduce material handling pays off in efficiency
and safety. Schedule delivery of materials an supplies so they arrive when
needed, or slightly before.
Major building components need to arrive so they are placed as they are removed
from the truck. Not laid down and revisited in two months. Soaked structural
components placed in buildings create environments for microbes, fungus and
mildew.
Any heavy materials or supplies difficult to balance on a forklift require storage
where needed for construction. This storage can conflict with on-going
operations, which suggests not delivering these components until installation
day.
Off site storage requires moving material twice not recommended. But
supplies can be stored off site if easily loaded and brought by small truck.
This solution avoids theft and sloppy storage areas.
Provide and train personal protection equipment for site employees. Steel-toed
boots, safety glasses, lifting belts, gloves, and hardhats at a minimum.
Train employees to lift weighty objects correctly, or simply ask for help.
Bending and twisting causes hundreds of thousands of injuries per year.
Allow only trained workers to operate forklifts or mobile equipment. Load
stability is critical to safe operations. Train all employees regarding the
risk of these loads falling, make sure they are all aware.
Lay out storage areas with purpose. Know which items are incompatible for close
by storage. The fueling area should not abut the welding area for example.
Do not allow high stacking of pallets or boxes. Falling items can break bones
and crush body parts.
Talk to the site supervisors about storage on site and assess how much material
can be stored safely, prior to groundbreaking. Plan deliveries for the shortest
possible storage time. Try to move items only once on the site, plan
accordingly. Reducing the loading, unloading and movement of stored materials
will reduce strains, sprains, broken and crushed bones, and back injuries.