Lessons in Safety from a Construction Zone

By Justrite Safety Group
Sep 9, 2025

People walking on a makeshift wooden walkway surrounded by loose cables in a supermarket construction zone, highlighting safety hazards and trip risks

What’s Wrong with This Picture?

Unsafe pedestrian walkway in a construction zone with loose cables and wooden boards

Imagine walking through a busy construction area on your way to the grocery store. You’re carrying a bag, chatting with a friend, not really paying attention to the ground. Suddenly, you notice a tangle of cables at your feet, a wobbling wooden plank under you, and cars maneuvering nearby.

That’s exactly what’s happening in this real-life photo, taken in a supermarket parking lot in a town in the Netherlands in 2025. At first, it looks like a quick fix to keep pedestrians moving during work. But when you look closer, it tells a bigger and troublesome story: a story about safety shortcuts and the risks they create.

The Hidden Hazards

Cables everywhere: Loose wires and hoses sprawled across the pavement, waiting to trip someone.
Wobbly walkway: Thin plywood boards stand in as a makeshift bridge, but they’re unstable, prone to shifting, and not designed to carry much weight.
No accessibility: Anyone with a stroller, wheelchair, or cane would find this setup nearly impossible to navigate. It’s inconvenient, noncompliant, and dangerous.
Real-world consequences: All it takes is one slip and fall for an accident report, an injury claim, or even a shutdown order to land on the project manager’s desk.

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How It Could Be Different

Safety doesn’t have to come at the expense of progress. In fact, the right equipment makes operations safer and more efficient.

Here are some cost-efficient, smart solutions that would make this scene better:

Cable protectors keep wires contained and shielded, creating a smooth path for both pedestrians and vehicles.
Ground protection mats provide a solid, slip-resistant surface instead of relying on flimsy plywood that breaks down quickly.
ADA-compliant ramps and covers make the area safe and accessible for everyone, not just those able to balance on uneven boards.

Why It Matters

A scene like this is more than just a messy worksite. It’s a liability waiting to happen. The difference between “good enough for now” and “done right” can mean fewer injuries and fines, smoother operations, and a reputation for putting safety first.

The lesson here: quick fixes often create bigger problems. Investing in durable, well-designed safety equipment on your jobsite pays off long term and helps avoid headaches.