Afterthoughts And Regrets…. How often have you said or done something and then later, reflecting on your action, thought to yourself, "How could I have done that?" Here are some afterthoughts which, unfortunately, too many of us have experienced: "That's how we've always done it before." (…before the accident occurred anyway.) "I never thought that a little bolt dropped from that distance would cause so much bleeding." ( I should have worn a hard hat, I guess.) "If I had taken that first-aid/CPR course, I probably could have helped him." (…and chances are, he would still be here.) "I should have taken care of that board...

Controlling Stress Stress. Many of us are faced with controlling stress everyday, but we might not know how to deal with it. It is important to learn how to handle stress because it can affect our performance and relationships in our work and home. At work, stress can lead to distraction and cause an unfortunate accident. At home, stress can put a strain on family relationships. Stress usually occurs when there are changes in our lives and we feel that we don't have enough resources to deal with those changes and demands. Which of the following do you think causes stress: getting...

Floors and Other Openings Injuries in the workplace because of holes in walking and working surfaces are commonplace. Slips, trips and even falls from one level to the next can be as painful as a fall from a roof. The following items should be considered when dealing with floors and other types of openings. Guide for Discussion Hazard Identification: Floor Openings (2”x2” minimum at any depth) Temporary openings Plumbing Ventilation (Vault Ceilings?) Skylight wells Manholes Holes in Ground (Trenches and Excavations) Wall/Window Openings Temporary guardrail system Washington Fall Protection Standards Methods of Protection Use of standard guardrails Use of covers Able to...

Static Electricity Most of us are familiar with static electricity. We all have walked across the rug and reached for the door knob, only to have a spark jump from our hand to the knob. We have also seen the effects of "static cling," when our clothes cling together in the dryer. Static electricity, as a source of ignition for flammable vapors, gases, and dusts, is a hazard common to a wide variety of industries in Alaska. A static spark can occur when an electrical charge accumulates on the surfaces of two materials that have been brought together and then separated (between...

Barricades & Warning Devices Two types of construction work, which usually require a great deal of public protection, are new residential developments and highway work. Both should require modifying the existing traffic patterns and more importantly the existing driving habits of the public. Today we will discuss the use of barricades and signs. Guide for Discussion Types of Accidents Collision with construction equipment such as forklifts or trucks. Collision with other vehicles. Pedestrians (both construction workers and visitors) falling into excavations. Driving into excavations. Driving into work areas. Loss of control of vehicle due to changes in road conditions. Types of Warning Devices Signs Cones...

Site Safety Inspections Regular site safety inspections using site-specific checklists keep the workplace safe by identifying and correcting hazards in the workplace. Inspection frequency depends on the hazard level of the workplace; sites may need checks at every shift, daily, quarterly or annually. Document the inspection observations, identified hazards, and the corrective actions taken. Focus on the administrative records and postings at the workplace. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) binders, safety programs, procedures, trainings, and records need to be up to date and accurate. Critical procedures (e.g. spill cleanup, evacuation) should be posted in prominent locations. Required employer postings (e.g. Cal/OSHA, Workers Compensation,...

Hammers/Chisels One of the most common causes of hand injuries is from the improper use of hammers and chisels. Both are responsible for a high number of eye injuries as a result of flying nails, metal or concrete chips. Guide for Discussion Chisel Use Never use a chisel with a mushroomed head. Always wear eye protection. Hold the chisel between the thumb and forefingers – don’t make a fist around the chisel. Do not grip a chisel if your hands are numb. If another worker is nearby, place yourself between the other worker and the chipping area. Always use sharp chisels. Hammer Use Use...

Sexual Harassment On The Job Do you have nude pictures in your workplace? Tell dirty jokes? Make suggestive remarks to other employees? If you answered yes to any of these questions you may be guilty of sexual harassment. Since enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the development of guidelines by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 1980, sexual harassment is considered to be a form of sex discrimination-a Federal offense. To discriminate against a person is to deny them rights, benefits, wages, or opportunities because that person belongs to a certain group. Sexual harassment is defined as: "Unwelcome...

Foot Protection Foot protection is probably about the least talked about type of personal protection. Nevertheless, it is still an important safety topic. One nail puncture could cause weeks of lost time off the job. Guide for Discussion Characteristics of a Suitable Boot Puncture resistant soles. Steel toes. Boot extends above the ankle. Sole provides good traction. Type of Injuries Commonly Resulting from Poor Footwear Punctures from nails and tie wire. Bruises of the foot. Unsure footing. Blisters. Body fatigue. Mashing of foot resulting from dropped objects. Other Acceptable Footwear Buckle Overshoes – for work in mud, water and concrete. (*) Knee and...

Limitations Of Cartridge-Type Respirators A half mask cartridge-type respirator is the most common type used for protection against organic vapors, dusts, mists, acid gases, and fumes. You should be aware, however, that respirators of this type provide adequate protection only under limited conditions. This type of respirator is designed mainly for short-term operations that do not contain atmospheres that are "immediately dangerous to life." To use this type of respirator you must know both the type and concentration of contaminants in the air. Cartridge type respirators are approved only for low concentrations of contaminants in the air, the maximum permitted level of...