Planning a Site Office? Here’s What You Need to Consider

A site’s office must offer a combination of safety, security, amenity, and visibility. So, in today’s article, we’re going to cover the most important things to consider when planning a site office.

Navigating the pandemic

Away from the more traditional health and safety measures you’d expect on a construction site, there’s a mandatory requirement for sites to follow strict social distancing and hygiene measures.  

Along with one-way systems and limiting the number of workers using canteens, workspaces, and drying facilities at once, construction sites are encouraged to introduce staggered starts and finishes.

The requirements and advice don’t stop there, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlining a comprehensive list of measures.

On-site security issues

Regardless of lockdowns, site offices must be extremely secure. Theft can happen at any time, especially during times where our focus may be elsewhere. Attacks can often take place on weekends or during longer periods of downtime — which is something that could happen again in the blink of an eye.

With offices holding essential documents and valuable items, security against both theft and vandalism is paramount. It’s no surprise that many site offices utilize storage containers; these durable steel containers are built to function as an office with workspace and other amenities, but also offer a high level of protection. Purchasing or renting a container can be a costly investment but one that will definitely pay off.

Providing a dry, weather-protected space

Even when areas of a site are unusable due to bad weather, the site office can operate as normal. Protection against the elements is key for any construction site, and with the security benefits a durable storage container site office can offer, the use of one for weatherproofing is a no-brainer. Not to mention the fact it can keep occupants – providing they’re following social distancing measures – and site equipment dry.

Additional essentials you’ll need

A site office must be equipped with a first aid kit that is easy to access and fit for use. Housing it in a site office means it can be kept secure, dry, and in good condition.

Documents to be housed include:

• An accident log
• Induction forms
• Health and safety policies
• Construction phase plan
• Risk assessments
• Method statements
• Work permits
• Training records

A fire extinguisher to use in case of emergencies should also be present, with more than one extinguisher placed in different areas on the site if achievable.

Spare PPE should also be kept at the site office where it’s safe and dry so it can be used by visitors permitted to come on-site.

Make sure you have relevant signage

The site office is a hub of activity, so important signage that will help workers stay safe should be on display. A site register should be placed in the office where it can be kept safe and referenced whenever an emergency arises.

The site office is also a logical place to display a notice board to make sure team members are up to speed with rules and regulations of the site.

Don’t forget amenities

A site office’s foundations aren’t just in the brick or steelwork. The right amenities for workers should be close by. Portable drying rooms, shower units, and toilets are vital considerations when planning the site so that employees have everything they need in one centralized hub.