Handle Tools for Your Safety Each tool is designed to do a specific task. The greatest hazards posed by a hand tool are from its misuse or improper maintenance. It’s up to you to select the right tool for the job and to use and care for it properly. Hand tool safety begins by selecting the right tool for the task and using it the way it was designed. Using the wrong tool for a job is likely to result in an accident. Before you start a job, inspect the tool for defects. Check to be sure that the handle...

Traffic Control Almost every job at one time or another needs traffic control. This often involves the use of flaggers and signs. It should be remembered that the intent of traffic control procedures is to prevent a tie-up in the operation of the construction project and to allow the general public to move as efficiently as possible around the construction site. It is important that all flagger remember that they represent the company and will come into contact with many people while flagging. Therefore be courteous at all times. Guide for Discussion Is the flagger trained and certified? Set-Up Pre-plan...

Yarding Safety (Logging) Yarding is the logging operation that moves felled trees from the slash pile to the landing or storage area prior to transportation. Rigging crews hook cable systems (simple, high-lead, shotgun, skyline, etc.) to the felled trees. Yarding workers manually or mechanically (using skidders and yarders) activate the cable systems to move the logs and slash to the appropriate areas. Moving these heavy materials on often unstable and/or sloping terrain makes yarding a dangerous part of the logging operation. With careful planning at the felling stage, you can improve the safety of the system for everyone working on...

Cold Storage Safety Cold storage spaces include refrigerator or freezer boxes or rooms in which food and other materials can be stored or processed at controlled, cool temperatures. When you work in and around such spaces, get training and be aware of the hazards that might be involved with cold storage: cold stress, slips and trips, confined space, chemical storage, and ergonomics. Dress in warm, layered clothing for proper insulation to maintain your body temperature to prevent cold stress. Your head loses the most body heat; for extra warmth, wear a warm cap with ear flaps. Fingers, hands, toes, and...

Head Protection There are some practical reasons for wearing a hard hat. They help keep your head cooler in summer; dry during rain; and helps shield your ears from noise. But the main reason to wear a hard hat is that it protects the control center part of your body—your head. Guide for Discussion What a Hard Hat Does Protects you from falling objects. Protects your head in case of a fall or a bump into an object. Protects you from electrical shocks and burns if it’s a non-conductive hat. It is a neat place to put stickers and decals,...

Latex Safety – Avoiding Allergic Reactions to Latex Most people who encounter latex products have no health problems, but some workers, are continually exposed to latex gloves and other products containing natural rubber latex, develop allergic reactions. Those who work where latex products are manufactured or who have multiple allergic conditions may also be affected. A latex allergy can result in serious health problems. Workers with ongoing exposure to natural rubber latex should follow the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommendations which include: reducing exposure, using appropriate work practices, training and education, monitoring symptoms, and when possible,...

Cleanroom Safety A cleanroom regulates air quality, temperature, and humidity to achieve the ideal manufacturing and experimental environment for high technology applications. Cleanrooms require specific attire, personal protective equipment (PPE), and the use of specialized equipment and chemicals. While modern air handlers manage the particle count, YOU are the best source to control cleanroom safety. You are required to wear protective head, foot, and body coverings in a cleanroom to reduce particulate contamination. In addition, you must wear the required PPE to protect you from the materials and processes that you use. Eye protection such as safety goggles and glasses...

Electricity “Low voltage” does not imply safety Wet conditions can intensify electric current Make sure work-boots are non-conductive Watch for overhead power lines – handle metal studs in a safe manner If a fluorescent light fixture is falling don’t try to catch it Occasionally check power cords and other electrical equipment for wear Only use equipment approved by Underwriters Laboratory or other accrediting agency Wear protective gear Don’t overload circuits

Architectural Landscaping Architectural landscaping involves more than just planting and soil; it can include carpentry, stone and concrete work, and the use of landscaping materials such as mulch and rock. Be familiar with the jobsite that you will be working.  A landscaping plan that includes materials and site layout can help you plan the proper order of material delivery and management, along with the necessary tools and equipment.  Call the Underground Service Alert service at 811 to get the location of underground utilities marked to avoid disturbing them.  Mark underground and overhead utilities and power lines on the plan to...

Excavations Cave-ins are a major cause of deaths in the construction industry each year. Excavations must be properly shored or cut back to an acceptable angle of repose; otherwise, there will be a constant threat of a cave-in and the associated chance of injury or loss of life. A qualified person must be involved in planning and having a safe excavation project. Guide for Discussion Before Excavation Review Underground utilities located? (Checked with local utility companies or property owner.) Call Dig-Safe Any overhead hazards (i.e., falling rock, soil, or other materials or equipment)? Will there be any heavy equipment operating...