Published: 10 Jul 2024
On occasion, working as a surveyor can expose you to risk, when you are working outside, often in remote locations and with expensive equipment in tow. It is important to plan where possible, especially if you are working alone, or in extreme weather conditions. Here, we highlight some methods for keeping safe on site.
Weather conditions
In the surveying profession, much of the work is based outside, so it is important to take this into account. Again, planning is the most important part.
The UK is known for its up and down weather and, even though it is summer, hot weather, as we know, is far from guaranteed and can be hard to predict. Check the weather forecast for the week ahead. If hot weather is on the horizon, ensure you apply suncream to avoid painful sunburn or serious skin damage. Heat stroke, or hyperthermia, as well as making you ill, can even be fatal, so working in hot conditions needs to be undertaken carefully. PPE, though essential, can make you overheated, so it should be safely cut down, where possible. Pace yourself, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and ensure, if you can, you take plenty of breaks, out of the sun if you can.
Keeping safe while lone working
Working alone can be a regular occurrence in the surveying profession. The Situational Awareness Seminar we held for members at the end of last year really highlighted how seriously we all need to take this. Where it is practical to do so, try to make it a two-person job. This helps guard against equipment theft as there is always somebody else around to keep an eye on the surveying equipment and someone working on their own is clearly more vulnerable.
When you have to work alone, ensure your mobile phone is fully charged, you have a signal, and you must remember to tell a team member where you will be. Always call to report your safe arrival, check in whilst there and again just before you leave. All these steps will help towards personal safety whilst lone working.
Equipment theft
Equipment used in surveying is generally of high value and highly sought after by thieves. Equipment theft is a continued challenge for our profession and members know how closely we work with Detertech to help tackle it, along with equipment manufacturers.
Thinking carefully about the location of your equipment on site is a must, and it is important to ensure it is either locked away or supervised. As we were reminded by Detertech at this year’s AGM, it is important to take a number of measures to ensure its safety as far as you can. The four steps to equipment safety are:
- Lock it
- Alarm it
- Track it
- Report it
The Survey Association offers many benefits to its members, including technical and business seminars, a business support helpline, and much more. Find out more about how we can help members here.
