Protecting the Public

Construction activities directly affect members of the public who live, work, and travel near the site.
HASWA 1974 Section 3 requires employers to conduct work so that non-employees are not exposed to risk.
CDM 2015 Regulation 36 requires traffic routes on site to protect people not involved in the works.
Public risks include falling debris, site vehicle movements, noise, dust, and pavement obstructions.
Hoarding and fencing must be maintained to prevent public access to hazardous construction areas.
Scaffold over public footpaths requires fans, netting, and lighting to protect pedestrians below.
Deliveries and plant movements crossing public footpaths must be managed with banksmen and signage.
The Considerate Constructors Scheme sets standards for minimising public nuisance and maintaining safety.
Public complaints that are ignored can escalate to HSE involvement and enforcement action.
Every worker is responsible for considering the impact of their work on people outside the site boundary.

Legal duty	HASWA 1974 extends the employer's duty of care to every member of the public affected by the construction works.
Prevent serious harm	Falling materials, site vehicles, and open excavations near public areas have caused fatalities in the UK.
Reputation and contracts	Public protection failures damage the company's reputation and risk loss of current and future contracts.

Do

Don't

Maintain hoarding, fencing, and barriers along all public boundaries in good condition.
Install scaffold fans and debris netting over public footpaths and access routes.
Use banksmen to manage all vehicle crossings over public pavements and roads.
Keep public footpath diversions clearly signed, lit, and accessible at all times.
Carry out noisy and dusty work within permitted hours and with agreed controls.
Brief delivery drivers on public interface points before they enter or leave site.
Respond to public complaints promptly and log all communications received.
Inspect public-facing hoarding, lighting, and signage daily for damage or defects.
Ensure materials, plant, and waste cannot fall or blow beyond the site boundary.
Consider the public impact before every task — plan to minimise disruption proactively.

DON'T allow materials or debris to fall outside the site boundary onto public areas.
DON'T block public footpaths without an approved diversion and proper signage.
DON'T reverse site vehicles across public pavements without a banksman present.
DON'T carry out work outside permitted hours without prior approval and notification.
DON'T ignore public complaints — they escalate to enforcement action if unresolved.
DON'T leave hoarding gaps, damaged fencing, or unsecured access points facing public areas.
DON'T create dust or noise nuisance that affects neighbouring properties and businesses.
DON'T store materials against public-facing hoarding where they could fall outward.
DON'T assume the public will avoid obvious hazards — they may not recognise the risk.
DON'T discharge site water, silt, or waste onto public roads or drainage systems.

See also: Protection of Children on Site | Working in Public Areas

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