Second-storey jobs come with a mix of pressure and responsibility. Staying on schedule matters, but never at the cost of safety. Whether it’s roofing, cladding, or painting at height, efficiency must go hand in hand with protection.
With the right approach, you can keep the job moving without compromising crew safety. Here’s how to get second-storey work done faster while maintaining a safe site.
Photo by Pixabay
Plan Smarter, Not Harder
Every safe and efficient job starts with smart planning. Before your team arrives on-site, assess everything from property layout and ground conditions to how materials will be moved to the second level. Proper prep cuts down errors and saves valuable time.
Tools like aerial imagery and site diagrams help identify the best access points and equipment placement. A clear, well-thought-out plan keeps the crew focused and reduces on-site confusion.
Accessing the second storey safely and quickly is often one of the biggest logistical challenges. This is where using purpose-built platforms and height-access systems makes a real difference. Companies that specialize in these solutions offer equipment engineered for both productivity and protection.
For example, Safesmart Access provides sturdy work platforms and safety gear designed to make working at heights faster and safer. Starting with the right setup helps the crew stay efficient from day one.
Assigning clear roles is just as important. When everyone knows their tasks and timing, delays and miscommunication are kept to a minimum.
Use the Right Equipment for the Job
Speed and safety often come down to using the right gear. Second-storey work is hard enough without wrestling with outdated or unsuitable tools.
Consider things like mobile scaffolding, powered access platforms, and extendable ladders. These make it easier to move between levels quickly and safely. For some tasks, pulley systems or hoists can save a lot of time moving materials up and down.
It also helps to ensure everyone has tool belts stocked with what they need, and cordless power tools ready to go. This cuts down on trips up and down and lets the crew keep working without stopping to fetch gear.
Don’t forget about equipment checks. A faulty lift or worn-out ladder can slow you down and put people at risk. Inspect everything before work starts.
Invest in Fall Protection Systems
There’s no excuse for cutting corners on fall protection—especially for second-storey jobs. Not only is it required by law once workers are above a certain height, but it’s also the most effective way to keep your crew safe.
Make sure you’re using proper systems like guardrails, harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points. If your team needs more flexibility to move around while staying secure, consider lifeline systems that allow for freedom of movement without compromising safety.
It might take a few extra minutes to set up, but fall protection pays off in the long run. When workers feel secure, they move with more confidence, which often leads to quicker, smoother work.
Train Your Crew Continuously
Training shouldn’t stop after induction day. Ongoing learning is one of the best ways to make sure your crew works smarter and safer.
This could mean weekly toolbox talks, equipment refresher sessions, or quick job site walkthroughs before starting work. The more familiar your team is with gear, safety practices, and each other, the fewer delays you’ll face.
It’s also a good idea to cross-train your crew. If someone’s off sick or you need to shift roles on the fly, having a flexible team can keep the job moving without missing a beat.
Well-trained workers are not only safer—they’re faster too.
Use Material Handling Best Practices
Moving materials up and down can eat up a lot of time if it’s not handled properly. To keep things efficient, stage your materials close to the work area so your crew isn’t constantly making extra trips.
Use hoists, lifts, or pulley systems for heavy items instead of risking injury or wasting time with manual lifting. Make sure everything is clearly labelled and sorted. If workers can find what they need without digging through piles or asking around, it keeps the momentum going.
Also, think about when your supplies arrive. Having everything show up at once can create clutter, but poor timing leads to downtime. A steady, well-planned delivery schedule makes the whole job run smoother.
Streamline Communication Onsite
Clear communication is often the difference between an organised site and a chaotic one. Make sure your team has a way to stay in touch—two-way radios or even a simple group chat app can make coordination much easier.
It’s also important to have one person in charge of overseeing progress and making real-time decisions. Whether it’s the site manager or a crew lead, having someone who can quickly adjust the plan helps avoid confusion and wasted time.
Quick communication means faster decisions, faster fixes, and a safer crew.
Know When to Subcontract or Outsource
Trying to do everything in-house might seem like a way to save money, but it can actually slow you down, especially when specialist work is involved.
If the job includes tasks that your crew isn’t trained for, like electrical or complex HVAC installs, it’s better to bring in professionals. This avoids mistakes and saves time in the long run.
Also, outsourcing certain parts of the job may help your team focus on what they do best, reducing pressure and keeping the pace up without increasing risk.
Getting second-storey jobs done faster doesn’t mean rushing or cutting corners. It means planning properly, using the right tools, training your team well, and staying flexible on-site.
Safety and speed go hand in hand when the job is set up the right way. Every hour saved through better planning and safer practices not only keeps the crew productive—it helps everyone go home in one piece at the end of the day.
When you take care of the process, the results take care of themselves.
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