Access— the means/route of entering a worksite
Egress — the means/route of exiting a worksite

Controlling the hazards to effectively control the risks on site associated with access and egress, ensure:

■ Ice and snow are cleared off of stairs and walkways
■ Tripping hazards are removed (examples - extension cords, boxes, tools) and materials are stored in the appropriate place
■ Corridors or stairways are not being used for storage or office/laboratory operations
■ Quality and proper lighting—whether natural or artificial—is used (without glare or shadows)
■ Structural ramps used solely for access/egress are designed by a competent person
■ Ramps are structurally sound and do not create a tripping hazard
■ Surface treatments are used on ramps to prevent slipping
■ Means of egress are fixed and secure
■ Any staircase with 5 or more steps has a handrail the length of the stairs

 Emergency access and egress are crucial during emergency situations, such as a fire or an onsite injury requiring medical attention. Some of the questions to keep in mind, are:
■ Can a stretcher (gurney) easily get on site and wheel across the floor/ground? Is there uneven ground that would further impact the condition of an already injured worker? (example - neck injury)
■ Are all means of egress kept clean, clutter-free, and unobstructed?
■ Are hazardous materials or equipment placed in their appropriate places and not in areas used for evacuation?
■ Are fire doors kept closed at all times to act as smoke barriers and limit the spread of a potential fire?