Safety on construction sites is not just a checklist—it's a mindset. For civil engineers, structural consultants, architects, and site engineers, construction safety should never be an afterthought. Whether you’re on site every day or just visiting occasionally, your awareness and actions play a crucial role in preventing accidents.

Why Construction Safety Matters

Accidents don’t happen to “someone else”—they happen when we assume they won’t. Many incidents at construction sites could be avoided if safety protocols were planned, implemented, and respected right from the drawing board.

Unfortunately, many consultants believe that site safety is solely the contractor’s job. This is a dangerous myth. In reality, every consultant—structural, architectural, or MEP—shares the responsibility of ensuring safety at site.

Construction safety extends beyond just accident prevention. It also includes health and environmental considerations, which are often overlooked.

The Consultant’s Role in Construction Safety

As consultants, our job doesn't end with design and documentation. We must also assess and highlight potential hazards arising from our work and designs. One effective way to do this is by introducing a SHE Box (Safety, Health, and Environment) in our drawings.

The SHE Box: A Simple but Powerful Tool

A SHE Box should be included in all drawings to flag potential hazards. For example, if you’re a structural engineer designing a floor with a cut-out or level difference, clearly mark it on the drawing and list it in the SHE Box. Here’s why:

It alerts site engineers and workers to be cautious when handling that area.

It serves as a reminder for you and your team during inspections to take precautions.

This practice should be adopted not just by structural engineers but also by architects and MEP consultants. Risks such as hazardous chemicals, waterproofing compounds, adhesives, or electrical installations should be clearly indicated along with proper handling, storage, and disposal guidelines.

Standard Safety Practices for Site Inspections

Even if it’s not your site, you must protect yourself. Follow these key safety practices:

1. Always Carry Updated Drawings

Bring drawings of the area you’re inspecting. Refer to the SHE box and notes to anticipate hazards like openings, elevation changes, or temporary structures.

2. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wear a high-quality helmet—preferably your own.

Use gloves, goggles, safety boots, or any PPE relevant to the site conditions.

Wear them properly and consistently.

3. Avoid Using Phones at Site

Phones are distractions. Avoid taking calls, clicking selfies, or sending photos unless you’re completely safe. Even holding a phone can limit your ability to react or balance.

4. Ladder Safety

Before climbing:

Inspect the props and joists.

Ensure the ladder is securely placed and anchored.

One pole should extend 1.5m above the slab for support.

Always wear proper clothing and shoes that won’t cause slips.

Never climb a dirty or defective ladder.

5. Say NO to Unsafe Conditions

If something doesn’t feel right—like a loose platform, water stagnation, or poor lighting—refuse to inspect. Return when it's safe.

6. Never Go Alone to Risky Areas

Have a colleague or supervisor accompany you in potentially dangerous zones. If something goes wrong, help should be immediate.

7. Avoid Crowding Around Hazards

Do not gather near slab edges, lift pits, or zones where machinery is active. Crowds increase the chance of accidents.

8. Respect Age and Physical Limits

As we age, balance and reflexes decline. If you’re over 50 or have a medical condition, don’t take risks. Delegate inspections or take extra safety measures.

Promote a Culture of Safety

As professionals, we should educate ourselves and others about safety. Regularly discuss risks with the site team. If you're still a student or a fresher, choose courses or mentorship programs that cover site safety—not just theory.

Collaborating with safety officers, attending workshops, or taking part in safety briefings can drastically reduce site hazards.

Insurance: Don’t Ignore It

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. That’s why every engineer and consultant should have:

Life insurance

Personal accident insurance

Disability coverage

These should be separate from employer-provided policies. Ensure your plan covers permanent and partial disabilities, not just death. Consult a fee-only financial planner for the right coverage.

Final Thoughts

Construction sites are often manned by unskilled labor, unaware of the dangers they create. It’s our job to anticipate and mitigate those risks—not just for ourselves but for everyone involved.

Start treating safety as a shared responsibility.

Use tools like SHE boxes in your drawings.

Follow standard safety practices without compromise.

Raise issues with contractors, builders, and authorities when needed.

And finally, protect yourself financially with proper insurance.

Let’s move beyond the idea that accidents “won’t happen to me.” Safety isn’t optional—it’s essential.