Site conditions

Slips, trips, and same-level falls

Falls on the same level from debris, cords, uneven ground, mud, ice, or wet surfaces. Most of them can be prevented with housekeeping.

Where it shows up

  • Scrap lumber and banding in walkways
  • Extension cords and hoses across travel paths
  • Ice, mud, and standing water
  • Uneven ground at the building perimeter

Controls, most effective first

Work down the list. Rely on PPE only for the risk the controls above it cannot remove.

LevelControl
EngineeringRun cords and hoses overhead or along walls on cord hangers, not nails, staples, or wire
Designated walkways kept clear and lit
Sand, salt, or matting on ice and wet areas
AdministrativeClean as you go, and a cleanup at the end of each shift
Keep form and scrap lumber with protruding nails out of work areas and passageways
Report and fix drop-offs and holes right away
PPESlip-resistant safety footwear
Ice cleats in winter

PPE to list on the JHA

Safety-toe boots

OSHA standards

CitationTitle
29 CFR 1926.25Housekeeping

Federal OSHA construction standards. State plans can be stricter, and owners or contracts can add requirements. This page is general information. Check the full standard for your work.

Guides and toolbox talks

Oct 5, 2026How to Write a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA): Step-by-Step Example

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