BEH/General/TBT-BEH-023
Situational Awareness on Active Sites
Behavioural Safety & Leadership › General › Situational Awareness on Active Sites
Toolbox Talk
Situational Awareness on Active Sites
Situational awareness means being conscious of what is happening around you on an active construction site. It includes knowing where plant is moving, what hazards are present, and how conditions are changing. Loss of situational awareness caused by distraction, fatigue, or mobile phone use is a contributing factor in many construction accidents. This talk covers how to maintain awareness and stay safe on busy sites.
Key Hazards
Workers struck by plant they did not see approaching due to distraction
Walking into open excavations or floor openings while focused on a task
Entering exclusion zones without realising lifting or demolition is underway
Mobile phone distraction reducing awareness of surrounding site hazards
Control Measures
- Keep your head up and look around regularly when moving across the site.
- Make eye contact with plant operators before crossing any vehicle route on site.
- Follow designated pedestrian routes and never take shortcuts through active work areas.
- Put your mobile phone away while walking on site; stop in a safe area if you need to use it.
- Check for overhead hazards, floor openings, and exclusion zones before entering any new area.
- Listen for audible warnings from reversing plant, cranes, and site alarm systems.
- Attend the daily briefing to understand which areas are active and what hazards are present.
- Challenge yourself and colleagues if you notice anyone walking distracted or off the safe route.
- Take extra care during shift start and end when the site is busiest with vehicle movements.
Remember
- Keep your head up and look around constantly when walking across an active site
- Make eye contact with plant operators before crossing any vehicle route
- Put your mobile phone away while walking and stop in a safe area to use it
- Attend the daily briefing to know which areas are active and what hazards exist today
- Challenge yourself and colleagues if anyone is walking distracted or off the safe route
Applicable Legislation: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Section 7) · CDM 2015 · MHSWR 1999 · Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
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