Portable Electric Tools The use of portable electric power tools is one of the most common occurrences on a construction project today. Workers are exposed to the use of these tools constantly. It is important to remember that electricity always seeks a path of least resistance and often that is through a defective cord into the worker’s body. This is especially true if the worker is exposed to wet weather or has been sweating. Guide for Discussion The following safety rules should be reviewed when discussing the safe use of portable electric tools: Use only equipment that is in good condition. Be sure the...

Electric Hand Saws The electric hand saw is one of the most common power tools found in residential construction.  It is also one of the most abused being tossed around, kicked out of the way, but depended on to get the job done. Today we are going to discuss basic safety rules, guard rules, and saw blade rules. Guide for Discussion General Safety Rules Use only grounded or double-insulated tools. Use only extension cords that are in good condition. Make sure there is an assured grounding program or ground fault interrupter (GFI) being used. (See Electrical section for more information.) Make sure all...

Screwdrivers Screwdrivers are one of the most commonly misused hand tools. While it is designed to tighten or loosen screws, you can also find it being used as a pry bar, punch or chisel. When that happens, the screwdriver can slip.  When it slips, it can cause an injury or ruins the tool. Guide for Discussion Proper Care The handle should be tight, smooth and not slippery. The shank should be true and straight. The bit should be flat, with the end at a right angle with the shank. Keep the bit square edged. When sharpening, be use not to remove the bit...

Hand Tools Without the use of hand tools, the completion of a construction project would be nearly impossible. Yet, as vital as they are, they are often the cause of serious accidents. All too frequently, hand tools are used improperly or when they are defective. Since we use hand tools continually, it is important they be used properly.  We are going to briefly cover proper use today. Guide for Discussion Pre-Work Inspection Chisels Be sure the heads are safe-ended or dressed. Be sure the cutting edges are sharp and square. Files The tangs should be protected with handles. The teeth should be sharp and clean. Hammers Be sure the...

The Right Tool for the Right Job We are seeing the construction industry become more and more sophisticated with new construction techniques. However, in residential construction, the same tools that were used fifty years ago are used today although with some improvements. One way to get injured on the job is using the wrong tool for the job. Two important points to remember when using hand tools is the selection of the tool for the job and the use of the tool for the job. Guide for Discussion Some key points to remember: Misuse Resulting From: Ignorance. Poor attitudes. Production demands. General Points: Keep your...

Dressing For Winter Work During cold weather, it can have a chilling effect on the senses to see, smell, and feel. It is usually difficult to be productive when you are cold.  Therefore, it is important to dress for the weather conditions found on the jobsite. Guide for Discussion Always dress in layers with the outer layers being rather loose and the inner layers being somewhat tighter (to trap body heat). Do not over use the outer layer of clothing as a windbreak This will make the layers underneath more effective. Minimize sweat. If you begin to get hot, take a layer...

Effects of Weather There is one element in the construction business that we have no control over—the elements— the weather. However, we can control how the weather affects the safety of a project. Guide for Discussion Wind: Can blow dust in your eyes. Can blow materials and people off scaffolds, roofs or higher floors. Can blow down poorly braced formwork or newly framed walls. Lightning: Often electrical storms occur without any rain. Therefore are very dangerous. Be sure to stay away from any type of tall object. If working around iron or rebar and lighting is seen, clear the area. Rain, Sleet, Ice and Snow: All four are wet,...

Keeping in Shape Staying in shape is one subject that is rarely discussed when safety is the topic. However, a person who stays in good physical condition is less likely to be involved in an accident. They are usually more alert, less subject to the adverse effects of weather and generally able to react more quickly to changing conditions on the job. That is why this is an important subject. Guide for Discussion: Staying in Shape Reduces Injuries by: Reducing the effect that adverse weather has on your Reducing the effect of minor injuries. A body in good condition will usually repair itself...

Safety is Common Sense According to safety professionals, four of five serious injuries are the result of workers not being sensible on the job and taking unnecessary chances.  Common sense on the job is irreplaceable. Most of us have worked around people that are accident prone. They aren’t jinxed; they aren’t very common sense smart. Today we want to talk about using common sense to avoid accidents in the workplace. Guide for Discussion Common Sense “Smarts” Always wear the proper personal protective equipment. Don’t over exert yourself – get help with heavy tasks. Don’t over extend yourself when on ladders – and risk...

Near Misses Most accidents occur as a result of an unsafe condition or unsafe action coming together with a person. The end result is the person gets injured. Often unsafe acts or unsafe conditions have several misfires and the result is a near miss accident or incident. The only difference between a near miss and an accident is luck. Safety conscious companies make a near miss a big deal – so do we. Guide for Discussion Near misses are injuries without Near misses are not funny; they are often Always report a near Take immediate action to prevent a similar near If...