Workplace Safety Checklist for Construction Sites

Why a Safety Checklist Is Essential on Construction Sites

Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces in Latvia and across Europe. Falls from height, struck-by incidents, electrical hazards, and equipment accidents account for the majority of serious injuries and fatalities in the industry. A thorough daily safety checklist helps site managers and workers identify risks before they become accidents, ensuring compliance with Latvian labour protection law and EU safety directives.

Use this checklist as a starting point and adapt it to your specific site conditions and activities.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Checklist

Before starting work, every worker on site should verify they have the correct PPE for their tasks:

✅ Safety helmet (EN 397) — inspect for cracks, dents, or damage; replace if compromised
✅ Safety boots (EN ISO 20345, minimum S3) — check soles, toecaps, and waterproofing
✅ High-visibility vest or jacket (EN ISO 20471, Class 2 or 3) — ensure reflective strips are intact
✅ Protective gloves appropriate for the task (cut-resistant, chemical-resistant, or general purpose)
✅ Eye protection (safety glasses or goggles) where required
✅ Hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs) in high-noise areas
✅ Respiratory protection where dust, fumes, or chemicals are present
✅ Fall protection harness (EN 361) for work at height above 2 metres

Site Access and Perimeter

✅ Site boundaries are clearly marked and secured
✅ Access points are controlled and unauthorised entry is prevented
✅ Warning signs and safety notices are clearly visible and up to date
✅ Pedestrian and vehicle routes are clearly separated
✅ Site lighting is adequate for safe working, especially in winter months

Work at Height

Falls from height are the leading cause of fatal accidents on construction sites in Latvia. Check the following before any work at height begins:

✅ Scaffolding has been inspected by a competent person within the last 7 days
✅ Scaffolding boards are secure, undamaged, and free from ice or mud
✅ Guard rails and toe boards are in place at all open edges
✅ Ladders are secured at the top and bottom and extend at least 1 metre above the landing point
✅ Workers using harnesses have been trained in their use and rescue procedures
✅ Anchor points for fall arrest equipment have been inspected and certified

Machinery and Equipment

✅ All machinery has been inspected before use and is in good working order
✅ Operators are trained and authorised to use the equipment
✅ Guards and safety devices are in place and functional
✅ Exclusion zones are established around operating machinery
✅ Plant and vehicles have valid inspection certificates
✅ Refuelling areas are away from ignition sources

Electrical Safety

✅ Temporary electrical installations have been inspected by a qualified electrician
✅ RCDs (residual current devices) are in use on all portable electrical equipment
✅ Cables are routed safely to avoid trip hazards and damage from vehicles
✅ Underground and overhead services have been identified and marked
✅ No work is taking place within the exclusion zone of overhead power lines

Manual Handling and Housekeeping

✅ Heavy materials are stored at a safe height and secured against falling
✅ Walkways and work areas are clear of debris, tools, and materials
✅ Waste is disposed of regularly and correctly
✅ Workers have been trained in safe manual handling techniques
✅ Mechanical aids (trolleys, hoists) are available for heavy loads

Fire Safety

✅ Fire extinguishers are present, accessible, and within their service date
✅ Hot work (welding, cutting, grinding) has a permit and a fire watch in place
✅ Flammable materials are stored correctly and away from ignition sources
✅ Emergency evacuation routes are clear and known to all workers
✅ Assembly point is clearly marked

First Aid and Emergency Preparedness

✅ First aid kit is fully stocked and accessible
✅ At least one trained first aider is on site at all times
✅ Emergency contact numbers are posted in a visible location
✅ Nearest hospital and emergency services are known to site management
✅ Accident reporting procedures are understood by all workers

Cold Weather Additions (October–April)

Latvia's winters require additional precautions on construction sites:

✅ Workers have appropriate thermal workwear (EN 342 or EN 14058 rated)
✅ Scaffolding and walkways are checked for ice and gritted if necessary
✅ Heating is available in welfare facilities
✅ Workers are briefed on the signs of cold stress and hypothermia
✅ Work schedules allow for warm-up breaks in cold conditions

Daily Sign-Off

At the end of each working day, the site supervisor should confirm that all tools and equipment are stored safely, all hazards identified during the day have been addressed or reported, the site is secured against unauthorised access overnight, and any near-misses or incidents have been recorded.

Equip Your Team with the Right PPE

A checklist is only as effective as the equipment behind it. At TEXX, we supply certified workwear and PPE for construction sites across Latvia — from high-visibility jackets and safety helmets to S3 safety boots and thermal workwear. Browse our construction workwear range to ensure your team is properly protected.