Knowledge Base

Hit The Ground Running…

CONGRATULATIONS!! You got the job and now it’s time to step on to site and into your construction career.

The following videos will give you a few pointers on what to expect on your first day working on a medium to large scale construction site.

Once you’ve watched all of the videos… the information below is designed to get you up and running as quickly as possible so that you can begin to support your team with their daily tasks – and remember, don’t stress, everyone started somewhere!

INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE

Before you arrive on-site, take some time to understand the materials, tools and methods used in the industry, allow yourself to be one step ahead.

ESSENTIALS

Dependant on your industry, you could be in line for hard graft in all types of weather – ensure you have food prepped and weather-appropriate clothing.

PPE

You will not be allowed on-site without PPE – before you start work, confirm with your employer which forms of PPE you have to take to site.

TIME KEEPING

Arrive at least 20-30 minutes early on your first few days – familiarise yourself with the project, materials and tools (ensure you have permission to explore site).

STAY OFF YOUR PHONE

Using your phone while on-site can put you at risk of injury and also break your concentration, possibly causing costly delays and material wastage.

SERIOUSLY, DROP IT!!

Phone use is a huge problem in every industry! It shows a lack of respect for your fellow workers. Repeat offenders can be asked to leave site!

DON'T FAKE IT

Don’t fake it till you make it – you could fall flat on your face. Stay humble and be keen to learn, allow your teammates to guide and support you.

LISTEN AND ASK

Two ears, one mouth – listen twice as much as you speak. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, the more you know the more you’ll be able to contribute.

KEEP THINGS TIDY

When you first start on-site you’ll be unsure of what to do – so if you feel yourself standing about you can never go wrong by having a good tidy up.

MEASURING UP

Measure twice, cut once – if you have familiarised yourself with a tape measure it will allow you to better support your teammates with spacing out and cuts.

ONE STEP AHEAD

Watch your teammates at work, they’ll have a process that they use over and over. Try to be one step ahead and have the right tools and materials to hand.

LEAVE IT TIDY

At the end of the day spend 30 minutes tiding site and laying out materials for tomorrow – there’s nothing worse than being stood around, clock watching.

STAY SAFE !!

The absolute number one rule is to protect yourself and your teammates from injury at all times.

Be mindful of where you leave things, keep an eye out for potential trip hazards, items that may fall and moving vehicles or machinery. Use your Health and Safety training as a guide, reporting any safety hazards to your site manager.

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2018 – 2019 Statistics
1.4 million working people suffering from a work-related illness!
2,526 mesothelioma deaths due to past asbestos exposures!
147 workers killed at work!
581,000 people sustaining an injury at work!

You’ve only just started out in your dream career – don’t become a statistic!

SUBSTANCE MISUSE IN THE WORKPLACE CAN KILL
You’re more than 30 times more likely to have an accident while under the influence of a drug and that includes the consumption of alcohol!

A construction site is dangerous at the best of times, do not increase the risk of injury or death to you or your teammates by arriving on-site intoxicated. You will be asked to leave site and in most cases your employer will have the right to fire you on the spot!

Need advice or support? Contact Safer Cornwall (HERE)