Construction Site Visits

Although the General Contractor or Construction Manager under contract for a given project controls and manages the project area during construction, it is university policy that all visitors accessing a construction site, including end users and members of the Building Committee, are required to obtain authorization from OUA before entering a construction area.

While on site visitors must be escorted by a member of the Contractor's staff or OUA staff at all times. They must also remain within designated areas and are required to follow all safety and other instructions of the Contractor. Additionally, visitors are required to wear all personal protective equipment (PPE) as required and designated by the Contractor.

Construction Site Visit Approval Form (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who does this policy apply to? All visitors are required to obtain approval before entering a construction area.

Who is considered a visitor? A visitor is any member of the William & Mary community or general public that does not have standing authorization from OUA to be on site.

Are there exemptions from this policy? Who has "standing authorization?" Only OUA staff including project managers and construction inspectors, Public Safety personnel and First Responders (including W&M PD), Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) staff, and Facilities Operations staff with official project business have standing authorization to enter a construction area. These individuals are still required to follow all site protocols and requirements put in place by the Contractor, which may include check-in with the Contractor's staff.

Does this policy apply to project personnel? No. There are many individuals, including but not limited to members of the design team (A/E under contract), subcontractors, suppliers, authorities having jurisdiction, and third party inspectors, who are authorized to be on site by the Contractor. This policy places no restrictions on the Contractor's ability to manage and control their construction area and applies ONLY to members of the W&M community and general public.

Can I arrange a site visit directly with the contractor? No. The university project manager is responsible for coordination with the contractor and is considered the Owner's representative. All visits must be coordinated through OUA.

What if I enter a construction area without permission? Accessing a construction site or project work area without permission is dangerous and illegal. Violators are trespassing on property under control of the Contractor and could face legal consequences. Additionally, access to sites by members of the W&M community without authorization could result in an individual being prohibited from participating in future site visits, hard-hat tours, or continuing education events sponsored by OUA. Students who violate this policy may be referred to their Honor Council.

How are work areas defined and identified? Construction sites and work areas can evolve throughout the life of a project. While work areas are typically defined by things like chain-link fences or colored safety barriers, they can at times be as simple as a closed door, line of caution tape, or plastic curtain. Easy-to-cross barriers are nonetheless not to be crossed without authorization.