Boarding and Temporary Walkways

• Secure all boarding to prevent shifting, rocking, or lifting under foot traffic.
• Install guardrails on walkways over excavations, voids, and drop-off edges.
• Apply non-slip surfaces or mesh to boarding in wet or muddy conditions.
• Provide a minimum width of 600mm for single pedestrian walkways on site.
• Inspect temporary walkways daily and repair defects before they cause injuries.
• Design walkways over trenches to carry the expected pedestrian and material loads.
• Remove protruding nails, screws, and fixings that create trip and puncture hazards.
• Light walkways adequately for safe use during dark and overcast conditions.
• Replace broken, split, or rotting boards immediately when discovered.
• Keep walkways clear of tools, materials, and debris at all times.

• DON'T use loose boards that rock, shift, or flip up under foot traffic.
• DON'T allow walkways over excavations without guardrails on both sides.
• DON'T leave gaps between boards wide enough to catch a boot heel.
• DON'T use smooth plywood boarding without non-slip treatment in wet areas.
• DON'T overload walkways with materials beyond their designed load capacity.
• DON'T leave broken or damaged boarding in place; replace it immediately.
• DON'T store materials or park plant on designated pedestrian walkways.
• DON'T create single-board walkways over trenches; use designed crossing units.
• DON'T skip daily inspections of temporary walkways, especially after rain.
• DON'T allow protruding nails or fixings to remain on any walkway surface.

See also: Slips, Trips and Falls Awareness | Good Housekeeping Standards