Construction Site Set-Up Checklist

Starting a new construction project is a complex process. Once planning permission has been granted and the project officially approved, the focus often shifts to getting started quickly. However, rushing can lead to avoidable risks, including unsafe working conditions and overlooked details, which may affect the overall success of the project.

In this construction site set-up checklist, we outline the practical steps and considerations needed to prepare your project, with a focus on supporting worker welfare through high-quality facilities and accommodation.

Create a secure perimeter to limit access and protect the public

Establishing a secure perimeter is one of the first steps in any construction site set-up plan. Robust fencing should be installed to prevent unauthorised access and to protect the public from potential hazards. Adequate clearance between the site and public areas is also important to reduce risks from machinery, equipment or falling objects.

Where vehicles are involved, clearly marked traffic routes should be implemented, with designated pedestrian walkways and crossings to separate vehicle and foot traffic. Signage and notices should be placed prominently around the site to highlight hazards and provide contact information. This not only protects the public but also reminds workers of their responsibilities on-site.

Establish a workflow that prioritises health and safety

Once the site layout is in place, planning workflows and routines that adhere to The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) and The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) helps work progress efficiently while reducing the risk of accidents or delays.

A structured approach can be broken down into the following steps:

• Conduct a thorough risk assessment: identify potential health and safety issues, such as hidden cables, uneven terrain or structural weaknesses. Document these risks and outline measures to address them within a health and safety plan, ensuring they are clearly communicated to all relevant parties.
• Implement key site safety measures: introduce practical systems to maintain site safety, such as:
  • A sign-in register to monitor who is on-site at any given time.
  • Clear and accessible first aid procedures for quick responses to injuries.
  • Proper signage to highlight hazards and provide guidance.
• Provide staff training: deliver targeted training sessions that address specific health and safety matters relevant to each worker’s role. This ensures all team members understand how to perform tasks safely and responsibly.
• Integrate welfare facilities into the plan: support worker well-being by including amenities such as:
  • Toilets and washing facilities.
  • Fresh drinking water and rest areas.
  • For longer projects, portable accommodation like Bunkabin’s sleeper cabins or communal dining spaces can be incorporated to meet the welfare needs of workers who spend extended periods on-site.

Have your paperwork and documentation in order

Keeping all relevant paperwork and documentation accessible supports smooth operations. Important considerations include:

• Key documents to prepare:
  • Construction phase plan
  • Survey reports
  • Contract details
  • Health and safety policies
• Regulatory notifications and permits:
  Some activities, such as working at height or in confined spaces, may require specific permits. Additionally, industry regulators may need to be informed about the project, providing them with an opportunity to carry out inspections where necessary.
• On-site information display:
  Prominently display important details to keep construction workers informed and aligned with compliance standards. Examples include:
  • Fire safety procedures
  • Emergency plans
  • Contact numbers for project leads or emergency services
  • Context-specific safety notices

Clearly presenting this information on a notice board health and safety area or a communal space within a welfare cabin helps to minimise misunderstandings, delays and risks during construction activities.

Get the equipment and resources you need

Having the right equipment is fundamental to a successful construction project. From tools to personal protective equipment, careful consideration should be given to the resources required. Items such as hard hats, hi-vis clothing and safety boots are standard, but certain tasks may require additional equipment, such as earmuffs or dust masks.

Thinking ahead about site organisation, including storage for tools and materials, can help maintain a tidy and efficient working environment. This is particularly important for larger projects where multiple teams may be handling different tasks simultaneously.

Provide welfare facilities and accommodation

Supporting worker welfare is a practical consideration during construction site set-up. Benefits of welfare facilities and accommodation:

• Improved productivity and focus: having access to facilities like rest spaces and fresh drinking water helps workers recharge during breaks, making it easier for them to maintain their energy levels throughout the day. This can lead to smoother workflows and fewer disruptions.
• Better morale and retention: comfortable facilities show consideration for workers’ needs, fostering a more positive site culture. Workers who feel valued are more likely to remain motivated and committed to the project.
• Enhanced on-site organisation: including welfare facilities in the site plan helps maintain a structured and organised work environment. Designated areas for resting, eating, and hygiene reduce unnecessary movement and create a clearer workflow.
• Practical solutions for long-term projects: for projects lasting several weeks or months, temporary accommodation such as en-suite sleeper cabins provides workers with a private and comfortable space to rest after their shifts. These cabins can be arranged to suit the layout of the site, offering flexibility in their placement.
• Support for worker well-being: amenities like communal dining cabins promote social interaction, giving workers a place to prepare and enjoy meals together. This can improve the overall atmosphere on-site and help workers feel more connected to their team.

Sort out storage and amenities

In addition to providing welfare facilities, it is important to think about how storage and other site amenities will be organised. Secure storage areas for tools and materials reduce clutter and make it easier to locate necessary items. This contributes to a safer, more efficient site where workers can focus on their tasks.

Combining these organisational elements with well-placed welfare facilities ensures that the site is both functional and supportive of those working there, helping the project to progress smoothly.

Temporary welfare accommodation from Bunkabin

Bunkabin provides high-quality portable cabins tailored to meet the demands of any construction project. Whether you are setting up a new construction site, managing large construction projects or requiring temporary facilities to support ongoing construction activities, our solutions are designed to offer practical and reliable accommodation for construction workers.

Our range includes en-suite sleeper cabins for comfortable rest, communal spaces for dining and relaxation and flexible options for construction site office setups. These cabins not only provide essential amenities but also contribute to a well-organised and efficient working environment on-site.

Supporting construction worker welfare

At the heart of any successful construction project is the well-being of its workforce. Our portable cabins are designed to offer more than just a place to sleep-they provide practical amenities that make day-to-day construction work smoother and more comfortable. Features such as private sleeping spaces, washing facilities, and communal dining areas help construction workers stay rested and focused, even during demanding schedules.

For projects requiring on-site management, our cabins can be configured to function as construction site office spaces. These offices can include areas for planning, storing documents or displaying important updates on a notice board health and safety information.

Reliable solutions for construction site needs

Bunkabin’s cabins are easy to set up and adapt to a variety of construction site layouts. Whether accommodating workers on a new construction site or providing welfare facilities for large construction projects, our cabins are built to support both the workforce and the project’s overall progress.

With flexible hire options, robust designs and quick delivery, we help reduce downtime and meet the unique challenges of construction activities. Our team works closely with project managers to ensure our accommodation fits seamlessly into the site plan, addressing both practical and welfare requirements.

Get in touch

To learn more about how Bunkabin’s temporary welfare accommodation can support your construction project, call us on or complete our online contact form. Our team is ready to help you create a safe, comfortable, and efficient environment for your construction workers