Job Site Safety Checklist for General Contractors

You are responsible for the safety of every person on your site, including subcontractors. This checklist covers the essentials.

Pre-Project Setup

• Post emergency contact numbers and nearest hospital address at the site entrance
• Identify utility lines (call 811 at least 3 business days before digging)
• Set up portable toilets and hand-washing station
• Mark pedestrian and vehicle entry/exit routes
• Brief all subs on site rules and emergency procedures on Day 1

Daily Pre-Work Walkthrough

Run this check every morning before crews start:

• No standing water or ice near work areas
• Scaffolding cross-braced and fully planked (no gaps)
• Extension cords are 12 AWG or heavier; no splices with tape
• GFCI protection on all exterior and wet-location receptacles
• Portable fire extinguisher accessible (not buried behind materials)
• First aid kit stocked and accessible
• Ladders are on solid, level footing and tied off at the top

Fall Protection (OSHA 1926.502)

• Any work at 6 feet or more above the next lower level requires guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest
• Floor openings covered and marked (minimum 1-inch plywood, stenciled "OPENING -- DO NOT REMOVE")
• Leading edges guarded or workers in harnesses
• Ladder side rails extend 3 feet above the landing

Electrical Safety

• GFCI on every circuit in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, exterior, and within 6 feet of any water source
• Temporary power panels locked when unattended
• No aluminum extension cords on the jobsite (aluminum corrodes and arcs at connections)
• Minimum 10 feet of clearance from power lines for equipment

Trenching (OSHA 1926.651)

• Any trench 5 feet deep or more requires sloping, shoring, or a trench box
• Spoil piles kept at least 2 feet from the edge
• Egress every 25 feet in trenches 4 feet or deeper

Tools and Equipment

• Power tools have guards in place; never remove a guard in the field
• Grinders have proper wheels for the material being cut
• Eye and hearing protection available and used in high-noise / high-chip areas
• Compressed air hoses free of kinks and rated for the operating pressure

Documentation

Keep on file for every project:

• OSHA 300 log (required for sites with more than one worker)
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) for all chemicals on site
• Sub-contractor proof of insurance and licenses

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OSHA penalty note: First-time serious violations start at $16,131 per incident (2024 figures). Willful or repeated violations: up to $161,323. Safety compliance is cheaper than the alternative.