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...

Gasoline Gasoline when harnessed properly serves as a vital source of energy. Treated carelessly, it can become an explosive monster. Many people are killed or seriously injured each year because they did not treat gasoline as a potential killer.  Today we will discuss how you protect yourself from being injured or causing a fire or explosion. Guide for Discussion Gasoline Facts Gasoline doesn’t It’s the gas vapors that burn. Gas vapors are heavier than As a result, they collect in low areas. Any type of spark can ignite gas Gasoline should never be allowed to come into contact with your skin. Immediately clean...

Personal Safety In Public Places Everyday activities in public places like driving, going to work, or walking down the street include some risk to your personal safety. Many workers commute long distances or have mobile jobs and contact with the public. Either through crime or circumstance, people and events can be unpredictable. You can’t avoid all risk but it isn’t wise to act without taking precautions. The best approach is to assess the risks involved with an activity and take the safety measures that are required and logical. Your best safety tools are your brain and common sense. Think how you would...

Basic Machine Safety Basic machine safety is essential. It's tough to imagine modern society without machines hard at work all around us. New and improved machinery leads to increased productivity, higher quality, and more affordable production. But misused machines can be as harmful as they are helpful. Machines that cut metal can cut off fingers. Machines that punch through steel can punch through flesh. Such injuries can cause career-ending disabilities as well as severe pain and suffering. Be alert to these areas when working around or operating machinery: The point of operation: That is where the work of the machine takes place. It's...

Dangers Overhead More and more contractors are using mechanical means to lift loads to the working area; it saves time and avoids injuries. But there is still a hazard. If it takes a piece of equipment to lift materials, then you can bet that if the load falls, it can seriously injure or kill you. Always be aware of overhead operations and remember basic safety rules. Guide for Discussion Always be sure loads are carried close to the Use tag lines on loads whenever Use only one signal Be sure the signal person can clearly observe the load and operator at all ...

Confined Space Entry Don't Be A "Dead" Hero  You are standing at the top of an open manhole acting as an attendant for a team of maintenance personnel who have entered a confined space that required a confined space entry permit. It has been several minutes since you talked to the crew, but you can peer down into the space and see them. During your last few checks with them, everything was A-OK. This time, however, when you yell down to check on them, you don't get a response. You look inside the hole and you notice that they are slumped over or...