How to Secure Your Business During An Expansion
When a business is getting too big for its own building there are really three options available. That business can either pick up shop and move it to a new building, they can build an addition to expand into, or they can build an entirely new facility from scratch
For businesses that have the space to add on or want to build from scratch, they’re going to want to set up a safe area to expand the building into. Securing this area might be harder than you think, so we put together a few tips to help you set up a secure worksite for your expansion.
Warning Signs
Warning signs are an essential part of a construction site. Not only are they there for the workers, but they help the people whose everyday lives are affected by the construction avoid getting hurt by it.
We see these signs all the time, especially when we drive through road construction. Caution signs, workers ahead signs, stop lights, power line signs and so much many should be used around your construction site to make sure both workers and passers-by are safe around your construction zone. This should be a joyous build, not a lawsuit in the making. If your site is clearly marked, there won’t be one.
Fences Help
Construction fences are a must for major expansions and new constructions. People like to wander onto construction sites while the workers aren’t around for whatever reason. This can lead to major injuries, but they still do it. To prevent people from simply wandering into your construction zone, put up a fence around the area if you can.
Fences are also helpful for the regulars in the area, as it can be a means of directing the flow of traffic. This about our road construction example from before. When construction teams have to close down an entire section of highway, they create pathways with barriers and cones that force drivers over to certain areas of the road. If your construction zone is in an area with heavy foot traffic during the day, you might want to utilize fences to direct the flow of traffic. Just make sure your site leaves more than enough space for people to walk both ways. Don’t turn your construction site into a public traffic jam. That can only slow down progress.
24/7 Security
Have eyes on your construction zone in one way or another is a must for any major construction zone. Security can take care of the silly questions and the flow in and out of the site from the front gate during the day. If there are other security situations occur during a work day, they should also be ready to take action on site. Make sure your security has some type of basic medical training.
Hiring eyes during the day is a no brainer, but what about night time. If you can’t really afford to hire a 24-hour surveillance team, you might want to look into a camera system for additional construction site security. You’re going to be investing a lot into materials and labor, so you want to make sure your investment stays protected.
Legal Compliance
This is a major step that many forget when they start an expansion or new construction. Your contractor should help you through the legal process when you are investing in a contract. If they don’t it will fall on you to make sure the entire process is up to code. Misconduct like the misuse of construction equipment can lead to hefty fines against the workers, the building company, and you. If you aren’t sure if you are being legally compliant, you probably aren’t. It’s time to reach out to a construction legal compliance expert to make sure you’re doing everything you can to stay safe.
OSHA Laws are serious business. Don’t think you can avoid them with your project. If you get caught avoiding these laws, get ready for a terrible time in court with fines.
Security is Done By The Books
Security for your expansion is essential. You spent all that time saving up for such a big project, so you should do everything you can to ensure it’s security. From location to work conditions, it’s important to stay safe. Safety is the best form of security, so make sure you are taking the neccessary steps to secure your project in your local area.
If you are still confused about what you need to do to stay safe, call your local housing and development office to set up an appointment. You can field all your questions to a person versed in your local law.
To those who choose to expand where they stand, be prepared to have part of your building dismantled at some point to make the attachment of the new edition.