Protecting the Public Around Jobsites

The public doesn’t know what a crane swing radius or an open trench means. Pedestrians, drivers, children and building occupants are hurt and killed every year by falling objects, open excavations and work zone traffic. Contractors are responsible for keeping them out of harm’s way.

• Construction
• New York

Keep people out

• Fencing or barricades around the work area, with gates closed and locked after hours
• Signs at entrances: hard hat area, authorized personnel only, emergency contacts
• Excavations, holes and trenches covered or barricaded, especially near sidewalks and schools
• Equipment parked and locked, and ladders removed at night. See Jobsite Security

Overhead and falling objects

• Build covered walkways or sidewalk sheds where work happens above public areas.
• Use debris netting, toeboards and screens on scaffolds facing streets.
• Close sidewalks or lanes under crane loads; never swing loads over the public.
• Tether tools at height. See Tool Tethering.

Traffic and pedestrians

• Follow the traffic control plan and the MUTCD for lane closures, signs and flaggers. See Work Zones.
• Keep a safe, accessible pedestrian route when closing sidewalks, including for people using wheelchairs.
• Use spotters for trucks entering and leaving the site.
• Keep mud and debris off public roads.

Working in occupied buildings

• Separate work areas with barriers and signs; plan routes that keep occupants away.
• Control dust and fumes so they don’t spread through ventilation.
• Keep exits and fire protection working, or have an approved plan if they’re affected. See Hot Work in Occupied Buildings.

Neighbors

Control dust with water and covers, follow local noise hours, and give advance notice of big lifts, road closures and utility shutoffs.

Last updated: October 2, 2026