SUR/Specific/TBT-SUR-005
Surveying Safety Awareness Overview
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Surveying Safety Awareness Overview
Surveyors and engineers work across every part of a construction site, often as lone workers moving between active work zones, excavations, traffic routes, and remote areas. The nature of surveying requires concentration on instruments and measurements, which can reduce awareness of surrounding hazards. Surveyors are exposed to the same site hazards as all other workers but may face additional risks from working near open excavations, live traffic, and in isolated locations.
Key Hazards
Reduced situational awareness while concentrating on survey instruments and data
Falls into open excavations when setting out near unprotected trench edges
Being struck by plant or vehicles while working across active traffic routes
Lone working in remote or isolated areas with limited communication and support
Control Measures
- Complete a dynamic risk assessment before entering any new work area for surveying tasks.
- Maintain awareness of your surroundings and avoid concentrating solely on instruments near hazards.
- Stay behind barriers and edge protection when setting out near open excavations.
- Wear high-visibility clothing and make eye contact with plant operators before crossing traffic routes.
- Follow the lone working procedure and carry a charged phone or radio at all times.
- Establish regular check-in times with your supervisor when working in remote or isolated locations.
- Secure tripods and instruments properly to prevent them falling and causing injury.
- Brief yourself on the site-specific hazards, traffic management, and emergency procedures before starting.
- Never enter a confined space, excavation, or restricted area without the correct permit and PPE.
Remember
- Surveyors are exposed to all site hazards and must follow the same safety rules as every other trade.
- Focusing on instruments reduces your awareness — take regular breaks to scan your surroundings.
- Open excavations are a serious fall hazard when setting out near edges without proper protection.
- Lone working is common for surveyors so check-in procedures and communication are essential.
- High-visibility clothing and eye contact with operators are critical when crossing traffic routes.
- Never assume an area is safe because you were there yesterday — conditions change constantly on site.
Applicable Legislation: CDM Regulations 2015 · Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
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