Category Archives: Eye Protection

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

ON THE JOB EYE PROTECTION (GUEST POST)

Imagine having to cope with painful eye injuries, facial scarring, a dangerous pathogen in your bloodstream, or even partial or total blindness simply because you failed to protect your eyes while working. Would your quality of life plummet? Would you find yourself unable to earn a living for an extended period of time?

It sounds melodramatic, but eye injuries can and do happen every day, both in the workplace and among do-it-yourselfers working on home projects. A simple pair of safety glasses or goggles could make all the difference between business as usual and significant pain and suffering. Let’s take a closer look at the world of on-the-job eye protection and how it can benefit you or your workers.

Why Would You Need Eye Protection?

A surprisingly wide range of occupations can pose a threat to the eyes and surrounding facial tissues. Many industrial jobs require workers to apply a drill, cutting blade, welding torch or other tool to a substrate. This action typically causes sparks, wood shavings, bits of metal or other potentially dangerous materials to fly back in the direction of the worker’s face.

Without sturdy, shatter-resistant protective glasses or goggles that cover the eyes by a wide margin, these flying materials can cause significant injury. A worker who forgets to wear eye protection in such circumstances should count himself lucky to receive nothing more serious than a black eye, superficial burns or facial lacerations. If the materials fly into the eye itself, they can scratch the cornea, producing a condition called conjunctivitis that requires immediate medical attention. Worse, a larger piece might actually embed itself in the eye, causing permanent damage and/or blindness.

But industrial workers are not the only individuals who need to use eye protection on the job. People who work with corrosive chemicals — including many substances commonly used in medical, high-tech and scientific fields — must also protect their eyes from the possibility of burns. Workers in the bio-hazard or medical fields also risk having a blood-borne pathogen enter their eyes while working with a patient, a cadaver, laboratory specimens or medical waste.

What Makes Safety Glasses Safe?

To ensure that a pair of safety glasses or goggles provides the level of protection it should, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has prepared a detailed set of standards to which these items should conform. The most recent version of these standards, known as ANSI Z87.1-2003, applies to all industrial glasses except for certain types of sports, radiation and pathogen protection. ANSI-compliant glasses must meet requirements for either basic or high-impact protection. You can identify these models by the Z87 marking, which only compliant items can display.

Different Safety Glasses for Different Applications

Now that you know you need protective glasses for your work environment or home project, what kind should you get? You may see a dizzying array of products, brands and styles to choose from, but fortunately they fall into a few broad categories:

Safety glasses – If your work only occasionally involves momentary exposure to dust chips or other particulate matter, then you can probably get away with a simple pair of wrap-around glasses such as Olympic Optical’s 30-6 Readers (which also include different levels of magnification).

Look for durable, hard-coated glasses made with polycarbonate or Trivenex; these lenses won’t shatter into your eye, the way normal glasses might, if a small piece of metal or wood hits them. Bear in mind that these glasses will not usually protect you from threats that might infiltrate from underneath the bottoms of the frames, such as chemicals or blood. Some safety glasses, however, actually convert to goggles for this purpose.

Safety glasses wrap around to protect you from the front and the side.

Goggles – Goggles represent the next step up in eye protection. These devices not only cover the broad area of flesh surrounding the eyes, but they also offer a rubberized seal to keep you safe from even the tiniest airborne irritants, such as fine dust or gases.

Goggles tend to fog up if they don’t permit any venting at all, however, so many models have direct or indirect venting to help you see what you’re doing. Some models, such as the Pyramex V2G, even come with tinting or magnification. Goggles may also offer less-than-ideal peripheral vision, so if you need an especially wide viewing angle for your work, consider the safety glasses-goggles hybrid style instead.

Face shields – Face shields worn over safety glasses or goggles give you the best possible protection against flying debris on the job. These items protect the entire face and neck from any danger coming at you from the front or from either side. You can even get tinted or heat-resistant face shields for occupations that demand those features.

For serious welding, however, you need a specially designed welder’s shield. These shields, composed of metal and containing a safety-glass viewing window, protect you from the blinding ultraviolet light of welder’s flash, which can damage or even destroy the cornea. They come in different degrees of shade, from 1.5 to 14, to protect against the light intensities of different types of welding torches.

Welders must protect their eyes against high-intensity UV light.

Full-face respirator masks – Full-face respirator masks combine the eye protection of safety glasses and the complete facial seal of goggles with the full-face protection of a face shield. They play an essential role in protecting the eyes, nose and throat from smoke, dust, and toxic or corrosive fluids. But you may need more than just a respirator mask if you also have concerns about impact protection, because these devices don’t necessarily meet the ANSI specifications for that feature.

Don’t Forget More Casual Eye Protection

 

Don’t Forget More Casual Eye Protection

It is always wise to do a little research about companies that offer eye protection gear. The Internet makes this a simple task; whether you are seeking reputation.com reviews or information about a company that provides eye protection gear, a visit to the Better Business Bureau website can be helpful. Even when you don’t need industrial-class protective eyewear, remember that many simple everyday tasks at work or at home can expose your eyes to flying debris or ultraviolet light. Consider buying street glasses equipped with tough polycarbonate lenses and UV coating so your eyes will continue to enjoy an extra degree of safety — wherever you may go, whatever you may do.

William Reynolds has worked as a freelance copywriter since 1997. William has written countless articles for a variety of businesses and situations.

William Reynolds has worked as a freelance copywriter since 1997. William has written countless articles for a variety of businesses and situations.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection

FOOTBALL ISN’T JUST FUN AND GAMES!

As hundreds of parents and grandparents have done, we have watched our grandson play football since the fourth grade – beginning with flag football.  The love of the game carried him through the rest of his middle school and high school years, finishing this season as a senior.  Fortunately, the only serious injury he received was a concussion in the seventh grade.  From then on, we, as so many others, were concerned that this might happen again.  Thankfully, it didn’t.  He enjoyed the years of playing with his classmates, some of whom had aspirations to play college ball.  High school students may need that scholarship in order to enroll in college and friends and fans alike support them in attaining that goal.  We sometimes don’t realize how many of those youngsters are under pressure to get it. 

College teams earn a lot of money for their schools, through ticket sales and college gear, shirts, etc.  Those whose records make them fortunate to make a bowl game will earn even more money for their school.  There is truly a spirit of comradery between team members, playing for the glory of their school, as well as being noticed by pro scouts.

The main attraction in professional sports is, of course, the huge paycheck that they earn.  It is amazing the amount of money that football, basketball, and other pro atheletes make.  Fans buy their gear and pay large sums of money for tickets to see them play in person.  Advertisements on television also draw attention to their team.  By the way, Texas America Safety has all the great team sports hardhats, for wearing to the games and work, to show your support of your favorite team, either professional or NCAA.

The more serious side of playing football, at all levels, but especially professional, is the risk of injury.  In glancing over the NFL Injury List for Week 17, it is amazing the amount of injured players that are questionable to play this week.  Ranging from eye, jaw, collarbone, shoulder, neck, concussion, and chest injuries, the list continues to include wrist, elbow, back, abdomen, finger, hand,  quadriceps, biceps, groin, hamstring, knee, achilles, thigh, ankle, shin, to toe injuries.  Also on the list were those who were not playing because of illness.  It’s easy to see how busy trainers and physicians are, trying to get their players back on the field.

There are many professional players who are now seeing their young sons wanting to play the game.  One pro was on the news the other day, who said at first, he wasn’t going to let him play; however, because the child wanted to play so badly, he would let him.  There was one catch: he would help coach the team.  He stated that it was very important that young players learn the right way to play, in order to avoid those injuries.  Concussions are being scrutinized more than ever, due to the number of past players who suffered numerous concussions, resulting in brain damage.

Protective gear is so important is all sports: whether it is eye protection. knee pads, or padding and helmets, schools owe it to their students to provide the best possible gear to keep their players safe.

We wish all those college teams and professionals who make the play-offs the best of luck, and injury-free games.  They provide much pleasure for fans who love to see them give it their all.

 

 

 

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Respiratory Safety

HOW TO IMPROVE SAFETY AT WORK (GUEST POST)

People often talk about safety for motorcyclists, as there are plenty of roadside accidents that result in deaths of riders all over the world. There is no doubt that this is a serious issue and needs to be addressed in the most appropriate manner. However, there are some other fields where there is plenty of risk involved and they need to be taken care of as well.

One area where safety standards need an improvement is the workplace that involves dangerous equipment and heavy machinery. The employees working in such industries are always at a risk of losing their lives, so they need to be protected. No matter how tough you are, things can go terribly wrong for you if an object hits your head near a construction site or you get trapped inside a mine.

Just like some motorcycle products provided by stores such as Riderwear, there are some top quality companies developing safety equipment like helmets, gloves and goggles etc for employees at a dangerous workplace. It is the responsibility of the employers to provide such products to the workers, so that things continue working smoothly and there is minimum danger involved.

As an employer, there are quite a few steps that can be taken to ensure safety at workplace. Some of the most useful tips are as follows.

Be proactive

First of all, you need to be proactive and think of some innovative steps in order to make your workers feel safer. It is not ideal to wait for any bad incident to happen and then react. Therefore, you should assess the dangers involved in your industry; look at some mishaps that occurred in similar industries and find out what solutions are being used by other organizations in order to make the workplace safer. 

Warning Signs

Some of the employees might be new to the office and there is every chance that they end up in trouble. Therefore, it is always best to post warning signs alongside every machine or at every possible area where there is some danger involved. This way, the employee will himself take preventive action or will get assistance from a senior member. 

Protective Equipment

Next thing is to have the protective equipment provided to all of the staff. Not only do you have to make it available, ensure that each employee is fully geared up during the working hours. This should be mandatory for the workers otherwise they should be fined or given warnings. 

Skilled Personnel

Although inducting fresh workers is always a good idea, you should work according to the nature of your business. In case there are complex machines and hazardous products at the workplace, you should get skilled personnel if possible, rather than fresh ones, who are vulnerable to getting injured because of their lack of knowledge. 

Get Help

In case you are confused over something, try getting help from your seniors rather than going for experimentation. Things like these can put your safety under threat and even if you come out of the situation unhurt, you could lose your job. 

Written and contributed by Nicolle Suzan.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

WINTER YARD MAINTENANCE TIPS (GUEST POST)

 


Something that isn’t in use is bound to go unnoticed and off the care that one usually does for it on a regular basis. The most apt example for this is going to be your lawn in the winter season. Since its too cold and mostly snow covered, there isn’t much that you do about it. Rather, you feel it is about OK to let it stay that way.  But hygiene isn’t always about what meets the eye. Not caring for your lawn and keep up with its upkeep may infest disease prone areas in there and also ruin your lawn. Read on to understand how you can manage the winter lawn for best possible results. 

1. The Regular Clean Up 

Cleaning your yard or lawn is of supreme importance. If you leave random things like toys or do not pick up the leaves and debris off it, it becomes prone to creating a breeding ground for diseases and infections. There is a lot that can pose as infection carrier, if not cleaned up on time. The toys may bring along dirt which attract insects and thus infections. Also, in the case when the regular cleaning does not take place, rodents and mice are bound to roam around. If they do get around your lawn, it won’t take them much time before they find ways to enter the home too. Enough to scare you already? 

2. Mowing your grass right 

Before packing up for the season, mow your grass a little more than you usually mow it. Keep it shorter than the usual by lowering the height of your mowing machine by an inch or a half. If your grass remains to be long, it is going to smother itself and infest diseases. Also, it may pose danger for its growth once the winter season is gone because of the consequential damage that it has met with because of the chill and thawing. 

3. Judge the climatic conditions



Turf is known for its ability to stand extreme winter conditions. Yet still one must not completely rely on it. In case there is a snow storm predicted, you might want to chip off a little ice. This is just a preventive measure for the grass to stay fine. It does have a lot of resistance but its better to keep things safe than to regret later. 

4. Analyze and keep yourself updated on the traffic 

The amounts that your grass is going to grow is also dependent on the season and whether conditions. Analyze how much grass grows in a specific season and sow and mow accordingly. Winters make their growth dormant and thus the traffic is rather low. 

Also, make sure you do all the clean up and management before the snow sets on the turf. It isn’t advisable to do anything to the wet and frosty grass. It may worsen the situation. Scarification, aeration and moss control are some of the techniques or treatments for treating turf that has gone bad because of the detrimental effects of winters and snow.

Written By: 

Katie Gomez is a geek by the day and a party woman by the night. She teaches how to make a website in a design institute and blogs about ways to keep up with changing SEO trends on her personal website. On the side, she mentions that she loves the tequilla.

When one is working in the yard, especially mowing, winter or summer, it’s a good idea to wear a dust mask and some goggles in order to prevent all types of dust, grass, and other debris to cause injury. pb

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

DECEMBER 6TH – NATIONAL MINERS’ DAY!

In 2009, Congress proclaimed that each December 6th would be recognized in remembrance of the 1907 Monongah coal mine disaster, which resulted in the deaths of 362 miners, becoming the worst industrial accident in American history. The Proclamation designates this date ‘in appreciation, honor and remembrance of the accomplishments and sacrifices of the miners of our Nation; and encourages the people of the United States to participate in local and national activities celebrating and honoring the contributions of miners.’  Being unaware of this occasion, I failed to write about this important day; however, we still can ask Americans to appreciate these mine workers everyday, and be aware that December 6th is “National Miners’ Day.” pb
American miners play a much larger role in our lives than most people realize: Raw materials that they extract, such as coal, copper, phosphate, silver, limestone, iron and zinc–ores that are essential components in the products we use every day. Do you know that coal, and the electricity generated by coal power, play prominent roles in our homes, businesses and communities?  The roads we travel are full of gravel, crushed stone, tar, asphalt, road salt and cement – materials produced by miners to make travel safer. Miners also produce rock and mineral products for bridges we build to span canyons and rivers.

Thousands of everyday consumer goods are made with the fundamental materials secured by miners. These range from cosmetics to toothpaste, from cookware and dinnerware to appliances.  Think about the components in electronics that we use every day, such as smartphones, computers, and televisions.  Gold, silver and copper wiring, silicon processing and memory chips, as well as ceramic insulators are essential components in those electronics.  These components are the brought to you by our hard-working miners, who deserve protection on the job from workplace hazards that have killed tens of thousands and injured hundreds of thousands of miners throughout our history.

We are making progress. In 1907, the same year as the Monongah disaster, 3,000 miners died in tragic accidents. Fatalities numbering in the thousands were not uncommon during the first part of the 20th century. These numbers decreased to about 140 in the 1970s due in large part to the passage of the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. The 1977 Act created the Mine Safety and Health Administration in the U.S. Department of Labor to oversee the safety and health of miners. Thirty-five years later, we have seen the lowest fatality rate in this nation’s history. And, through the “End Black Lung–Act Now” initiative and other occupational health efforts, we are making progress in limiting miners’ exposure to respirable dust and other harmful contaminants. While more needs to be done to prevent death, injury and illness in the nation’s mines, our efforts and collaboration with labor and industry stakeholders are showing positive results.

From the Department of Labor: “We will continue to work hard to send miners home safe and healthy at the end of every shift. On this National Miner’s Day, we honor their contributions and thank them for the sacrifices they have made on behalf of this nation. We hope the American people will join us in commemorating this day of recognition.”

Source: Department of Labor

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

DO-IT-YOURSELF-ERS, PAY ATTENTION TO SAFETY RULES! (GUEST POST)

Redecorating at home can be a fun and fulfilling process. However, the activity may also come with its fair share of mishaps and accidents. Many homeowners, maybe because they don’t know any better or do not anticipate the worst, can get into situations that can be dangerous for their health and well-being. Avoid this route by knowing the possible risks that come with doing a redecorating job by yourself. Here are a few things that you need to watch out for. 

Be careful when lifting and moving pieces of furniture around- Because our background is in the mid century modern furniture industry, we are all too aware as to how much furniture can weigh. This should not be taken lightly, especially if you are working alone. When lifting or transferring pieces of furniture, or heavy items, make sure that you can actually carry the weight. If you can’t, please do not attempt to do so. Instead, call in extra reinforcements, and people who may be able to help you. You certainly do not want to throw your back because of the strain of the weight. 

Be aware of the dangers of paint- We’re big proponents of painting a space to change it up and give it a new look. It is actually one of the easiest and most impactful redecorating tips out there. However, not all paint is created equal. Certain kinds contain harmful chemicals such as VOCs, that can trigger conditions like asthma, and have even been linked to cancer. When painting with these kinds of paint, it is not unusual to feel dizzy or get headaches. Some people even black out! If you’re really dead set on painting, we advise using a water-solvent kind that should have a milder smell, and are also lower in toxins. You may also want to explore varieties of VOC-free paint. Another tip is to always wear a face mask while painting, and of course, to keep kids out of the room. Before fully using the room, give it a few days to air out, so most of the strong odor goes away. 

Invest in the right tools for stripping wallpaper- stripping wallpaper with the wrong tools may lead to cuts and bruises. Make sure you are armed with a proper stripping knife and do not substitute for any similar-looking tools. It is also a good idea to keep the kids out of this project. You don’t want them picking up sharp tools and cutting themselves. 

Never forget to wear your safety goggles- Redecorating may sometimes involve sanding a floor, retiling a surface, or even cutting and sawing some wood to create new pieces of furniture. In all of these activities, it is always a good idea to ensure that your eyes are protected. Little particles of dust, wood and other debris may get into your eyes, possibly causing cuts, infections, irritation, and even potential loss of vision. Goggles are inexpensive and readily available, so there is absolutely no reason why you should work without them.

These are just a few tips that anyone who wants to redecorate should take note of. There is no price for safety and at the end of the day, it is always better to be safe than sorry. 

Check out http://mid-centuryonline.com/blog for more about furniture and home décor info.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

FIVE PRACTICAL TIPS TO PREVENT EYE INJURIES WHILE WORKING (GUEST POST)

You never know what kind of hazard will be waiting for you when you go to work. Each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) “about 2000 U.S. workers have a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment”. Injuries require medical treatment and those injured usually end up missing work due to their injury.

Metal slivers, wood chips, dust, and cement chips, nails, staples, or slivers of wood or metal penetrate the eyeball and can result in permanent loss of vision, or blindness. Burns to one or both eyes routinely damage workers’ eyes and the surrounding tissue of the eye.

Infectious diseases can be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the eye as a result of direct exposure, or from touching the eyes with contaminated fingers, or other objects. The infections may result in relatively minor conjunctivitis, or the transmission of the HIV, B virus, or possibly even avian influenza.

What does a worker need to know to protect themselves, and others from an injury. Well,  that is pretty simple really. A leading ophthalmologist in New Jersey recommends these five tips to prevent injury to your eyes when working in hazardous conditions.

1. The right working tools for the job. Take steps to create a safe work environment. Remove and clean up hazardous material before it causes injury. Make sure all tools, and equipment used are in working order, and used properly.

2. No admittance. No one should be in the working area when you are working. If they are they need to use safety equipment to avoid injuries.

3. Eye protection that fits you and the job. Wear the proper face, and Z87 eye protection . Make sure the equipment used for your protection is clean, intact, and fits properly. The eye protection should stay in place, and protect you from fine and large sized debris.

4. Shake the dust off. After working take necessary measures to clean off any debris that has accumulated from on your eye, or face protection BEFORE removing them. Fine, dust likes, particles can land in your eyes if you remove protective eyeware before you have followed this step.

5. No rubbing allowed. Do not rub your eyes with dirty hands or clothing, which can result in cross contamination that can cause infection, and disease.

Remember if you are injured, seek medical attention immediately. Prompt treatment for an injury can treat the current injury, and prevent further injury. Fine particles are dangerous because they are small, and not visible. Unseen potential for injury are a threat because they are not seen, or ignored. Take steps to protect your eyes from injury. Maintain a safe work environment.

As always take the necessary steps to keep your eyes healthy by getting regular yearly eye exams, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

Author Bio:  

Diana Neal graduated in 2012 from the University of Colorado with a MS in nursing with a focus in healthcare informatics.  She is currently participating in an internship with an online marketing company. She spends a great deal of time in front of her computer writing, researching, and participating in outreach. If you are interested in an online marketing internship she highly recommends you give it a try. You can connect with her at http://about.me/indiananeal

 

 
 
Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection

THE IMPORTANCE OF SEISMIC RETROFITTING (GUEST POST)

For owners of older houses and buildings that are on the Pacific Coast, an important consideration they must take into account is the need for seismic refitting. This method of refitting older buildings to make them safer from earthquakes is an important part of being a responsible citizen. Not only is it the owner’s duty, but there can also be financial penalties for building owners who do not comply.

When an earthquake occurs, the shaking ground moves buildings in a side-to side manner that causes them to shake and shimmy. When this occurs, the most vulnerable parts of the house are the cripple walls. The cripple walls are the walls found along the perimeter of the home. These are the walls that are under the most stress when an earthquake happens, and it is these walls that will first collapse from the stress of a seismic tremor.

Therefore, the first step in seismic refitting is…

1. Secure the cripple walls

The cripple walls are braced with plywood that will give them added strength to resist the violent movement they experience during an earthquake.

2. Bolt the cripple walls to the foundation

Once the cripple walls are reinforced, they will not be easy to break. However, now the house itself will be in danger of sliding off the foundation during an earthquake. In order to prevent this, the next step in seismic refitting is to bolt that cripple walls to the foundation. When this is done, the home will stay securely attached to the foundation during the violent side-to-side movement of the earth’s surface that occurs during earthquakes and their aftershocks.

3. Bolt the floors to the cripple walls

The next important step in the seismic refitting process is to bolt the floors of the house to the cripple walls. If this is not accomplished, then the other procedures will mean little. The house will simply shake back and forth until it tips over due to the outstanding force involved. Nailing the floor to the cripple walls will prevent this.

The floor will be attached to the sturdy cripple walls, which are in turn attached to the even sturdier foundation. These structures reinforce each other so that the building is now a secure structure that will be able to withstand the force of all but the most violent temblors.

Prepare your staff

If you own an office building, seismic retrofitting is only part of earthquake preparedness. Be sure that have an emergency plan in place, and ensure that all of your employees are adequately prepared to reach safely in the event of an earthquake.

Also, whether you’re protecting an office or your home, be sure to secure anything that could cause injury or death if it were to fall or move. This may include attaching large pieces of furniture to the wall, and ensuring that everything at risk is properly braced or secured.

Protect your building
The key to making your home or business safe from the ravage of earthquakes is in following these three steps to seismically refit them, and taking all the necessary precautions. These methods have been proven to strengthen even the oldest home, bringing them up to code. Doing this will not only keep your buildings safe, but it will provide your family with a secure structure that they can weather the violent motion of an earthquake in. This is a great feeling of peace of  mind when you have a safe zone like this.

If you fail to take these steps, you may be liable for financial penalties depending upon your jurisdiction. You also could face a lawsuit if anyone was hurt in your home during an earthquake. Do the right thing. Get a seismic refitting done on your old building today.

Jason Kane firmly believes that workplace safety should always be the number one priority in any workplace. He is a blogger for Federal Steel Supply, Inc.

Note: This is not a DIY project, but one for professionals, who have the training to undertake such an important task.  These workers should be equipped with hardhats, gloves, safety glasses, and other personal protective equipment.  pb

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

TEN THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR WHEN DOING AMATEUR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS (GUEST POST)

The nature of construction means there’s constantly the potential for disaster. Heavy objects, sharp ends, powerful machines and more don’t mix well with soft human bodies.

Even when I work with experienced teams or am just doing a little job around the house on my own, I still occasionally come across dangerous situations and close calls. These instances are even more common in the world of amateur construction, where people without professional training often find themselves at odds with the tools and materials they’re working with.

There are plenty of reasons to consider amateur construction. It can save you money, especially on smaller-scale work. It gives people a sense of accomplishment and ownership, and lets them express their creative side exactly as they envision with their own hands. But such projects cause disasters every day. Mishaps can cause expensive damage to structures and severe injury to the builder. If you’re considering a DIY construction project, be sure to use extra caution and be on the lookout for these common mistakes:

1. Dehydration and Overexertion

Often it’s not a wild swing of a hammer or improper use of a table saw that causes mistakes, but physical fatigue and breakdown. Unless you’re a very active person on a regular basis, your body may not be prepared for the rigor of heavy construction work. Exhaustion and dehydration make people clumsy and cause them to make bad decisions. Only work when you’re rested and hydrated, and be sure to make time in your efforts for breaks and refreshment.

2. Disorganization

A poorly organized work space is the bane of construction workers everywhere. It decreases efficiency and makes the entire job take longer to complete. More importantly, though, it creates hazards. It’s difficult to be safe and effective if you’re navigating through a mess of lumber and machinery. Always make a point to keep your work place as neat as possible; the investment of time will pay itself off.

3. Working Alone

Doing anything strenuous on your own is rarely a good idea. If something happens, like a sudden injury, it can be tough to take care of yourself. Avoid doing heavy construction work without someone who knows where you are and what you’re doing in case an emergency arises.

4. Improper Safety Gear

It’s amazing how many do-it-yourselfers try to tackle a project without even the most basic of safety equipment. You don’t need a HAZMAT suit to stay protected in most situations. Even just investing in some good work gloves and decent safety glasses will prevent an astonishing amount of injuries.

5. Electrocution

When many people undertake large construction projects, they often overlook the difficulty and danger of working with and around established electrical systems. Improperly fiddling with the wiring in your walls and appliances can cause a deadly shock. Always be sure you know how to correctly handle electrical installation or removal before starting any projects that will require it.

6. Hazardous Materials

Some construction work might involve the use of hazardous chemicals that people aren’t used to handling. This could include something as simple as gasoline, or something a little more complex like an industrial cleaner. Always be wary of any dangers related to flammability, toxic fumes, and chemical reactions due to exposure.

7. Unwelcome Visitors

Even in a relatively safe work site, it’s easy for someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing to hurt themselves or someone else. I see this commonly in homes with children and pets where boundaries aren’t properly established. Be sure to make clear to any kids present that the construction area is dangerous, and take care to zone the area off from a curious dog or cat.

8. Excess Stress on the Body

A lot of construction work is physically taxing. There’s a high amount of pressure put on sensitive body parts repeatedly. Your shoulders, wrists, knees, and back are especially at risk. To reduce the danger, follow best practices for lifting and moving heavy objects and using tools.

9. Working from a Height

Some of the nastiest construction-related injuries I’ve witnessed were due to someone getting careless and falling from a roof or ladder. Always take extra caution when working from a position where a fall could happen, even if you’re just a few feet off the ground. Learn ladder and harness safety as necessary to prevent a fall.

10. Incomplete Tool Knowledge

As tempting as it may be to skip, you should always read the manual for any tool more complex than a hammer or screwdriver. Always know the ins and outs of all your power tools, from power drills to nail guns, so you’re never taken by surprise.

Doing a personal construction project is rewarding both personally and financially, but only if you avoid causing any damage to yourself or the area around you. Always be sure to follow all general safety precautions before getting started. Happy building!

 

Author Profile:

Author Profile: Mike Thomas is a private contractor and writer for HomeWarrantyDeals.com. He enjoys DIY projects, college football and is also deeply passionate about restoring antique homes.