Jobsite Access and Egress Safety

• Blocked or unsafe walking paths
• Workers crossing equipment or vehicle routes
• Poor emergency access or exit routes
• Slips, trips, and falls on uneven surfaces
• Improper ladders, ramps, or temporary stairs
• Changing site conditions that affect safe travel

Safe access and egress means workers can get to and from the work area without being exposed to unnecessary hazards. On a jobsite, that can change throughout the day as equipment moves, materials are delivered, trenches are opened, and weather affects the ground.

Walking paths should be planned and maintained. Workers should not have to climb over materials, step through mud, walk under suspended loads, cross unstable ground, or move through equipment operating areas just to reach the task.

Access routes should be kept clear of tools, cords, hoses, debris, pallets, pipe, forms, and stored materials. A blocked path can create trip hazards and can slow down emergency response if someone needs help.

Workers should stay separated from vehicle and equipment routes whenever possible. Trucks, loaders, forklifts, excavators, and skid steers may have blind spots, and pedestrian routes should not rely on operators seeing workers at the last second.

Temporary ladders, ramps, stairs, and walkways should be stable, properly placed, and suitable for the work. Workers should not use makeshift access points that are unstable or not intended for climbing.

Emergency access matters. Crews should know how to leave the area quickly and how emergency responders could reach the work area if someone is injured.

Conditions should be reassessed as the job changes. Rain, snow, mud, open trenches, stored materials, traffic control changes, and new equipment can make yesterday’s safe access route unsafe today.

Good access and egress reduce injuries and make the job more efficient. Workers should be able to move safely without guessing, improvising, or taking shortcuts through dangerous areas.

• Keep walking paths clear and usable.
• Separate workers from equipment and vehicle routes when possible.
• Do not climb over materials or use unstable shortcuts.
• Use proper ladders, ramps, stairs, and walkways.
• Maintain emergency access and exit routes.
• Recheck access when site conditions change.
• Report blocked or unsafe travel paths.

• What is the safest route into and out of the work area?
• Are walking paths blocked by tools, materials, hoses, or debris?
• Do workers have to cross equipment routes?
• Are ladders, ramps, stairs, or walkways stable and appropriate?
• Can workers and emergency responders exit or enter quickly if something goes wrong?