Managing interference during work at height

Interference arises whenever construction site activities overlap with those of those using the spaces . In an apartment building, this means access to entrances, use of garages, and the passage of bicycles and strollers; in a bank or office, it involves the presence of customers and employees during opening hours; in a shop or restaurant, this also involves suppliers and couriers.

The first step in managing them is planning . Critical areas are identified during the inspection phase: ramps, main entrances, escape routes, parking lots, and driveways. For each, alternative routes are defined, along with any temporary closures and times of day when specific work should be concentrated. A construction site that engages in dialogue with those who live in the building is more likely to find compromises that are acceptable to everyone.

Signage plays a crucial role. Clear, legible signs, directional information, and notices about noisy work processes or scheduled closures help people find their way and feel valued. It's important that these messages are understandable, up-to-date, and placed in the right places, not hidden away in some corner.

From an operational standpoint, managing interference also involves practical choices : scheduling loading and unloading of materials during off-peak hours, using lifting equipment suited to the space, and effectively protecting the areas beneath the scaffolding with tarps, dust nets, stone guards, and protected pedestrian tunnels when necessary. These elements reduce the risk of objects falling from above and partially insulate noise and dust.

Communication with administrators, company representatives, and facility managers is equally important. Providing advance notice of key events—for example, when more invasive work will be carried out, when an access point will be closed for a few hours, or when products with more noticeable odors will be used—allows building managers to organize, alert users, and plan for alternatives.

Good interference management doesn't completely eliminate disruption, but it makes it predictable and manageable . People are more likely to accept noise and temporary changes when they perceive that the construction site is organized, respectful, and focused on minimizing the impact on their daily lives.