Surveying Safety Awareness

Surveyors work across all areas of construction sites, often alone and in close proximity to multiple hazards.
Setting out near excavations, at height, near water, and in live traffic requires specific risk assessments.
Lone working is common for surveyors — check-in procedures and communication devices are essential safety measures.
GPS and total station equipment uses laser technology — eye safety precautions must be observed at all times.
Surveyors often need to access scaffolds, roofs, and confined spaces to take measurements and set out works.
Working near live traffic during highway setting out is extremely dangerous without proper traffic management.
Equipment theft is common — surveyors must be aware of personal security when working alone on remote sites.
Drone surveys introduce additional hazards including collision risk, battery fires, and CAA regulatory requirements.
Trip hazards from survey pegs, pins, and string lines affect both the surveyor and other workers on site.
Surveyors must follow the same site rules and PPE requirements as all other construction workers.

Lone working risk	Surveyors frequently work alone in hazardous areas — lone working procedures and communication are essential for rapid rescue.
Multiple environments	Surveyors access excavations, scaffolds, roofs, roads, and water — each requires a specific risk assessment and controls.
Laser safety	Survey instruments use laser beams that can damage eyesight — beam management and eye safety procedures protect all workers.

Do

Don't

Complete a lone working risk assessment and set up check-in times before starting.
Carry a charged mobile phone or lone working device at all times while surveying.
Assess the specific hazards of each survey location before setting up equipment.
Wear the correct PPE for the environment — hard hat, hi-vis, boots, and eye protection.
Follow traffic management procedures when setting out on or near live highways.
Use laser safe practices — never direct beams at people or into reflective surfaces.
Set up exclusion zones around survey equipment to prevent trips from tripod legs.
Mark survey pegs and pins clearly with spray paint or flags to prevent trips.
Follow drone operation regulations and hold the required CAA certification for surveys.
Secure equipment when unattended and maintain awareness of personal security.

DON'T work alone without a lone working risk assessment and check-in procedure.
DON'T survey without a reliable communication device on your person at all times.
DON'T set up survey equipment in a hazardous location without assessing the risks first.
DON'T enter any area of the site without wearing the minimum required PPE.
DON'T set out on highways without approved traffic management in place.
DON'T point laser instruments at people or into windows — eye damage occurs instantly.
DON'T leave survey tripods and equipment unguarded in pedestrian walkways.
DON'T leave survey pins and pegs unmarked — they are a serious trip hazard for others.
DON'T fly survey drones without valid CAA certification and site-specific permissions.
DON'T leave expensive equipment unattended in unsecured areas of the site.

See also: GPS & Total Station Safe Use | Setting Out in Live Traffic

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