Heat Exhaustion During summer months we can be exposed to heat exhaustion. Excessive heat causes accidents in many ways. It becomes more difficult to concentrate on the job, you sweat, you get tired and nervous, and begin making errors in judgment. When the temperature exceeds 90 degrees, everyone needs to be aware of the danger signs. Heat Stress Everyone is at risk Drink plenty of water Take frequent breaks in a cool, shaded area Schedule strenuous tasks for earlier in the day Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine Know the signs and symptoms of heat stress, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and...

Vehicle Operations Most construction sites never have all the site space that they need to move vehicles in and around. This is especially true with new subdivisions. Therefore it is important that all the space we have is conserved and used to its maximum. We can reasonably expect congested traffic and an increased likelihood of a vehicle-related accident. Guide for Discussion Always keep the vehicles and equipment in good running This includes brakes, lights, turn signals, and backup alarms if so equipped. Any loads extending past the vehicle body must be No employee should be allowed to ride the load or exterior...

Listening Safety Nearly all construction sites are filled with various sounds and noises. Each sound we hear is the result of an action of a worker using a tool or a piece of equipment. In nearly every case, a tool  or piece of equipment will signal its breakdown by a change in the normal operating sound. Everyone on site should condition himself or herself to be able to pick up these advance warning signals even when wearing ear plugs or earmuffs. Your individual safety could easily be dependent on your ability to hear approaching danger. Guide for Discussion Things Decreasing Listening Safety Over...

Children And Construction Most construction sites are like oil and water for children; they don’t mix. Conversely, like iron and a magnet, children are attracted to any type of construction. Children like to explore. Guide for Discussion Some general observations: Children don’t recognize hazards as well as those who work on site. Locked equipment may still be a hazard. All excavations are potential forts or swimming pools. Scaffolds become gym sets. Discouraging children: Don’t allow children on site during the day. Erect a site fence. Mark excavations with signs or guard or both. (Remember: Fall protection rules.) Group and lock up equipment at night. ...

Material Handling Proper material handling is part of the successful working of any job. Material handling is also potentially dangerous to those moving the materials from the delivery vehicle to its storage place. Guide for Discussion Material Storage Ensure that floors can handle the storage Keep materials six feet away from open floors or landings; ten feet away from the exterior of the Keep all aisles and passageways Do not store non-compatible materials t For example, gas containers and bulk lumber do not mix. Proper Lifting Techniques Know your individual lifting Know the capacity of the load to be Avoid over-extending or twisting your ...

Material Storage Proper material storage is a vital part to every construction site and to good site housekeeping. This is especially true with finish hardware since it can take so long to receive the materials from the supplier after the order is placed. It also makes good sense, since materials have to be stacked and placed properly, to do it so you can access the materials easily and safely. Guide for Discussion Poorly stacked materials are dangerous to anyone around the jobsite. Keep aisles and passageways clear; never store materials in such a way as to block either. Never store materials within...

The Spotter With the high level of material delivery on a construction project and with delivery trucks generally required to back on the site, it becomes very important for the safety of workers and the project to provide spotters. Today we will review what the spotter should be doing and looking out for. Guide for Discussion A spotter should always be used any time a vehicle with restricted view is on-site. A spotter should always: Look out for themselves. Look out for others. Make sure the delivery vehicle is not damaged. Make sure the project and project materials are not damaged. Give clear...

Short Cuts Question: (Yes/No answer) Nearly everyone we know uses short cuts to get the job done? Answer: Generally yes. However, there are some reasons not to use short cuts. As we all know, a project is completed by use of certain construction methods. Short cuts usually modify methods and as a result, decrease the safety built into proven methods. Guide for Discussion What are some ideas to keep in mind when doing short cuts? Everyone uses short cuts They can be dangerous Sometimes they are deadly Our company is willing to take the time necessary to do a job properly Heights increase...

Protecting the Public One social critic pointed out that in the late 1990’s the United States has four percent of the world population, and half the world’s attorney’s. In today’s legalistic society with the laws of civil liability and negligence being what they are, all construction companies need to take seriously steps to protect the public. It doesn’t really accomplish anything if we protect the public after an accident; their lawyer will have a field day in court at a cost to us and the future of our company. Guide for Discussion Efforts to protect the jobsite should be directed toward the...

Respirators Instructor Note: Prior to making a safety presentation, obtain and review your company respirator protection program. Our company has developed a separate respirator protection program. It is an important program because of the exposure we face in the workplace. We want to protect your body and lungs. Guide for Discussion Generally: No respiratory program is required when filtering-facepiece respirators are the only respirator used and they are used voluntarily. Respirators will be worn when the employee is exposed to hazards such as fumes, gases, mists, vapors and sprays Fit testing shall occur prior to allowing an employee to wear the Employees should...