Job Site Hazards – The Big Four Instructor Notes: In some Federal Occupational Safety and Health  states, compliance officers are evaluating a program whereas they will inspect four basic job site hazards on residential construction projects. If these four areas are found to be satisfactory, the compliance officer has the option to end the inspection at that point and leave the job site. Residential construction safety professionals often use the four basic job site hazard subject areas as a means to get interest from the on-the-job employees; it works out very well as a training or instructional guide. The big four are: Falls From Elevated...

Effects of Weather There is one element in the construction business that we have no control over—the elements— the weather. However, we can control how the weather affects the safety of a project. Guide for Discussion Wind: Can blow dust in your eyes. Can blow materials and people off scaffolds, roofs or higher floors. Can blow down poorly braced formwork or newly framed walls. Lightning: Often electrical storms occur without any rain. Therefore are very dangerous. Be sure to stay away from any type of tall object. If working around iron or rebar and lighting is seen, clear the area. Rain, Sleet, Ice and Snow: All four are wet,...

Scaffold Safety Rules General Before starting work on a scaffold, inspect it for the following: Are guardrails, toeboards, and planking in place and secure? Are locking pins at each joint in place? Are all wheels on moveable scaffolds locked? Do not attempt to gain access to a scaffold by climbing on it (unless it is specifically designed for climbing – always use a ladder. Scaffolds and their components must be capable of supporting four times the maximum intended load. Any scaffold, including accessories such as braces, brackets, trusses, screw legs, ladders, etc., damaged or weakened in any way, must be immediately...

Scaffolding Safety Scaffolding - such as suspended systems from buildings, supported systems from the ground, and aerial systems on mobile equipment - are common to many construction projects and allow workers to do their jobs at elevated heights. But, those who work on scaffolding systems are at risk for falls or falling objects that could cause serious or even fatal injuries and employers can be cited and fined.  However, when workers have received proper training and education in scaffold systems, fall protection equipment, and proper scaffold work practices, they can work safely and feel safe at elevated heights. A Cal/OSHA defined “competent...

Garage Door Installers Garage door installers often work alone to take down old doors, install new ones, and wire automatic openers. The many steps and tools for this job require attention to safety. Wear your safety glasses to protect your eyes from falling or flying debris. Work gloves provide a good grip on doors while they protect you from sharp metal edges. Coveralls protect your body from accidental cuts and scrapes. Work boots protect your feet from dropped tools and materials while adding a good grip for climbing ladders. Have the proper tools before arriving at the job site. Hammers, screwdrivers, and vise...

Preventing Falls is Common Sense With predictable regularity, falls continue to be a leading cause of accidents and deaths on the job. Falls include those on the same level (floor, ground), as well as from one level to another (stairs, ladders, roof, etcetera). They can be caused by either or both of two reasons - an unsafe action of an individual (hurrying, overreaching, improper use of equipment, etc.) or unsafe condition of the situation (poor housekeeping, unguarded opening, surface condition, etcetera). Good footing is the best way to avoid falls and good housekeeping is the best way to ensure good footing. Trash,...

Trenches Supervisors must inspect an excavation site, adjacent areas and protective systems every day Notify sub-contractors and visitors of the trench location Ensure all vehicles are kept a safe distance Reposition ladders frequently to keep them 25 feet away from workers in the trench Supervisors must remove workers from the excavation when water accumulates in the trench or there is evidence of other protective system problems Review and keep apprised of other hazards such as falls or accumulation of gases Do not enter an unprotected trench Inspect a protected trench before entering Immediately exit and report any problems Do not...

Guardrails One of the more common OSHA citations is for lack of or improperly erected guardrails. There are two basic types of guardrails – the perimeter guardrail (i.e., found on flat roofs, upper stories before framing walls) and floor opening guardrails. Both are constructed the same way and are designed to provide the same type of protection. Guide for Discussion The following items should be reviewed when discussing guardrails: When are they required? All open-sided floors or floor openings exposing workers to a fall of six feet or greater (Four feet – general industry). Standard Specifications The top rail should be 42” high and constructed...

Loading Dock Safety While a loading dock is an important utility infrastructure commonly found in commercial and industrial buildings, it can be a potentially dangerous place for anyone that works on or around the area. From 2004 to 2014, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated 209 injuries and nearly half were fatalities. Loading Dock Hazards The loading dock area must be inspected regularly to identify potential hazards that may include: Slips, trips and falls caused by floor conditions, poor housekeeping, or dock edge. Forklifts overturning. Pedestrian and powered truck collision. Trailer creep, which can cause a gap between the trailer and...

Slips, Trips and Falls Maintain a safe environment with good housekeeping Don’t leave trip hazards in the work area Keep containers on the job for studs and nuts Constantly remove rubbish, scrap, and surplus materials Be on the lookout for foreign substances on the floors Cover or guard floor holes as soon as they are created Floor hole covers should support two times the weight of employees or equipment Survey the site before starting the day and continually audit the work space as work continues An unprotected edge 6 feet or more above a lower level should be protected by...