Dangers of Power Line Contact Overhead power lines present a serious electrocution hazard on construction sites. Cranes, boom trucks, concrete pumps, drilling rigs, aerial lifts, backhoes, ladders, and other equipment can contact energized lines directly or come close enough for electrical arcing to occur. Never assume an overhead line is harmless because...
Hand Tool Safety Hammers, wrenches, chisels, pliers, screwdrivers, knives, and other hand tools are used so routinely that their hazards can easily be overlooked. A damaged tool, the wrong tool, or a moment of inattention can result in cuts, punctures, crushed fingers, eye injuries, strains, or other serious injuries. Most hand-tool injuries...
Handling 55-Gallon Drums Safely A 55-gallon drum can be extremely heavy and difficult to control. Improper handling can result in back strains, crushed hands or feet, fractures, lacerations, and other serious injuries. Whenever possible, use mechanical equipment designed for drum handling rather than manually moving a drum. Before Moving a Drum Do not...
Sunglasses vs. Safety Glasses Working outdoors often means dealing with bright sunlight and glare, but ordinary sunglasses and safety glasses serve different purposes. Sunglasses may reduce glare and protect against ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but they are not a substitute for approved safety eyewear when workplace eye hazards are present. Industrial and construction...
New Employee Safety – Workers New to the Job New employee safety is especially important because workers who are new to a company, project, work location, crew, or job assignment may be unfamiliar with specific hazards, procedures, equipment, and expectations. Even an experienced employee becomes a “new worker” when assigned to...
Emergency Preparedness – Are You Mentally Prepared? Emergency preparedness involves more than knowing where the exits and emergency equipment are located. Employees must also be mentally prepared to recognize an emergency, remain focused, and take the appropriate action without unnecessary delay. Consider how you would respond if a coworker were seriously injured,...
Defensive Driving – It May Save Your Life Employees who drive for work may spend many hours on the road, often in congested traffic and while making frequent stops. The more time spent driving, the greater the exposure to traffic hazards. Defensive driving means staying alert, controlling your speed, maintaining adequate...
Hydraulic Hoses and the Danger of Leaks Hydraulic systems operate under extremely high pressure. A leaking hydraulic hose is more than a maintenance problem—it can create serious injection, burn, fire, slip, and environmental hazards. Even a small pinhole leak can release hydraulic fluid with enough force to penetrate the skin. Prevent Hose...
Bench and Pedestal Grinder Safety Bench and pedestal grinders are commonly used for sharpening, shaping, and removing material from tools and other workpieces. Although simple to operate, grinders can cause serious eye injuries, cuts, entanglement, and severe injuries from an exploding abrasive wheel. Proper installation, guarding, inspection, and operation are essential. Before...
Construction Equipment Dangers Heavy construction equipment is essential on most jobsites, but its size, weight, limited visibility, and moving components can create serious struck-by, caught-between, crushing, and electrical hazards. Employees working around mobile equipment must remain alert and never assume an operator can see or hear them. Stay Clear of Moving Equipment Loaders,...