Tag Archives: construction safety

General Safety Issues

OSHA-Based Solutions for Construction’s “Fatal Four”

Even the phrase used to identify construction’s deadliest hazards is enough to emphasize their danger. But make no mistake, it’s not just a fear-mongering tactic. The “fatal four” is how the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) refers to the four most common causes of death on the construction site.

 

OSHA has attributed 59.9% of construction deaths to the fatal four. These hazards, and the percent of deaths caused by each in 2017, are:
⦁ Falls (39.2%)
⦁ Being struck by an object (8.2%)
⦁ Electrocution (7.3%)
⦁ Caught in/between objects (5.1%)

 
OSHA certified training programs have dedicated entire courses to the prevention of the fatal four, which have so far proven effective. In 2016, fatal four related deaths on the construction site were 4% higher.
 
Still, there’s a long way to go, and OSHA estimates that eliminating these hazards would save 582 workers’ lives in the US each year.  Although completely eliminating them may be impossible, there are definitely strategies to prevent against them.

Falls
As can be seen by the above numbers, falls are the deadliest of the fatal four. There are a number of specific work site habits that contribute to the abundance of falls, such as:
⦁ Unstable ladders
⦁ Poorly secured scaffolding
⦁ Unguarded roof edges
⦁ Unindicated roof/floor openings

 
Ladders and scaffolding should always be tested for security. Similarly, personal fall arrest equipment should be worn on upper levels of a construction site. While many workers and employers overlook this, it can be life-saving. By strapping a harness around themselves, workers are anchored to the construction in a way that ensures any falls will be protected while still providing full mobility.
 
Many workers also overlook the indication of floor openings. These should be covered and labeled, whether with orange cones or caution tape. On multi-level structures, guardrails must be placed along the edges – this is not just a suggestion, but an OSHA requirement.
 
If the aforementioned precautions are taken when it comes to falls, nearly 381 workers’ lives could be spared.

Struck by an Object

 
Construction sites are filled with cement trucks, tractors, and other heavy-duty moving objects and vehicles. Therefore, it’s no surprise that injuries and deaths caused by objects are so abundant. At the very least, workers should wear their reflective vests at all times, increasing their visibility for other workers operating this machinery.
 
Personal protective equipment also matters. Safety goggles might seem like a small feat, but they can go a long way toward preventing blindness where falling and flying objects are present (whether it be sediment or sawdust).
 
Most importantly, however, are hard hats. In an 8-year study, traumatic brain injuries accounted for one-quarter of all construction fatalities. While concussions might seem like a commonplace occurrence on the worksite, it shouldn’t be. And there’s no telling when what seems like a simple head injury could lead to dire circumstances.
 

Electrocution
Electrocution on the construction site typically occurs when a tall object, like an aerial lift, crane, or scaffold, comes into contact with a power line. For this reason, electrical sources (be they power lines or transformers) should always be marked and identified prior to beginning construction.

 
This way, when planning the layout of equipment, it will be kept well away from those structures.
 
Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) should also be used when installing the electrical work on a building. They are programmed to trip or shut off automatically when they sense a “ground fault”. A ground fault is a connection between an electric conductor and a ground wire caused by an accidental electric path (i.e. a human body).
 
As a result, GFCIs are regular fixtures on construction site due to their immense effectiveness in preventing shocks and electrocutions.

Caught In/Between
Displacement of land is almost always necessary where there is major construction. Wherever excavation leads to trenches, there is always a hazard of cave-ins or slipping sediment that can cause workers to get trapped.

 
For this reason, trenches deeper than five feet must always be equipped with one of the following protective systems:
⦁ Sloping for easier accessibility
⦁ Shoring to hold up a weak or unstable object that has a risk of collapsing
⦁ Benching to level access to the trench by adding steps/stairs
 
This hazard also accounts for workers who get caught in/compressed by equipment or moving machine parts, such as miter saws, conveyor systems, or rotating pump shafts. Proper machine safeguards should be implemented to prevent amputation or more dire circumstances.

Extra Precautions
The best precaution of all is to ensure that workers are properly trained. OSHA’s website contains countless resources for workers and construction site managers on how to combat every hazard imaginable. Third-party OSHA-approved providers can also delve into deeper detail regarding prevention methods.

 
Of all the workplaces, the construction site calls for the most diligence. A survey of construction leaders by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2018 attributed 58 percent of dangerous work sites to unskilled workers. However, it is up to these construction leaders to ensure their employees are getting the proper training.
 
With construction leaders and management setting the right example and training requirements, the impacts of the fatal four could surely be diminished.
 

Ellie Batchiyska is a writer for Advance Online, the first web-based training provider to be accepted by the OSHA Outreach Program for DOL OSHA completion cards.
Uncategorized

Important Safety Factors to Consider When Operating a Crane

Technology has made using cranes safer than ever, but there’s only so much the right tools can do. Most of the responsibility still lies in how they are operated. There are lots of things that can go wrong if you don’t know what you’re doing. Here are some of the most important things to watch out for.

1. The organization

 

Organization is the heart of the whole process. Good coordination is what it takes to avoid any accidents, which is why it’s important to have someone at the head of the operation. This person is called the lift director. Before getting anything off the ground you have to assign a lift director. They bear the brunt of the responsibility for the crane lift and they have to keep everything in check.

 

As the lift director, he or she has to be able to provide the necessary directions to anyone on the project, including the crane operator. They have to provide answers for any questions regarding the lift and reassure everyone that safety precautions have been taken. Most of the time, the lift director is responsible for any successful crane lifts, but their primary role is making sure every person working and every piece of equipment is safe.

 

 

2. A dedicated spotter

 

The actual process of lifting is the next thing you should focus on. When it comes to getting cranes to lift things, increasing spatial awareness should be one of your primary goals. For starters, get yourself a dedicated spotter. This person will be your eyes and ears during the project, but they will mostly be your eyes. It’s not just about the movement of the crane and load, it’s also about anything that can get in the way of them.

 

The crane operator has to know if they have a spotter underneath them. Without a spotter, you will risk harming more than just the heavy load being transported, there’s significant risk involved for other workers and structures. If there is no spotter and the crane operator’s vision is obscured in some areas, you must come up with another way to assist them.

 

3. Proper equipment

 

The lift director doesn’t just organize the lift in question, they also make key decisions when it comes to the equipment being used for the process. Every worker has to have personal protective equipment on them. Companies like OSHA in the United States have strict requirements on the quality of equipment used on all job sites. This equipment works to reduce worker exposure to hazards in the job site, and lifting with cranes exposes them to a lot of hazards.

 

The most important piece of equipment during a crane lift is the crane itself. If there’s anything you shouldn’t cut corners on, it’s the crane. Not every construction company has the highest quality cranes on disposal, which is why some opt to use the services of companies such as Advance cranes to hire a crane. Whatever your source, you should make sure it’s the best choice you can get.

 

4. Hazards exist

 

Every kind of risk on the job site has to be recognized and taken care of. Explain to your workers all the different things that can go wrong and guide them towards reducing the risks involved. The first thing that comes to mind is the crane failing and dropping its load. This isn’t the most common type of risk on the job site, but it’s still important to never have anyone below the load.

 

Other kinds of risks include problems with terrain and environment. Cranes weigh many tons and if the ground isn’t stable, it might sink or tip to one side and cause injury. The load might not directly harm anyone, but shrapnel is a real risk. It can destroy a structure or anything on the ground, causing pieces of those things to spread far and wide while moving at incredible speed. It’s a recipe for worker injury. This is part of why you need to equip your workers with proper safety gear. Exposure to fumes from equipment also needs to be taken care of.

 

Conclusion

Having an important project underway sometimes gets people in a hurry. Lifting things with a crane is one place you have to be patient. Things can go wrong fast and you don’t want to file workers’ compensation claims. With this in mind, follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to have a safer work environment.

 

About the author
Liam Smith is a young and aspiring Australian blogger with a passion for everything related to home, design and lifestyle. He has a B.Sc. in Interior design and is an avid reader.
https://twitter.com/LiamSmith2034
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamsmith2034
Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

Right Type Roof Height Safety – Preventing Accidents at Workplace

Right Type Roof Height Safety – Preventing Accidents at Workplace

Roofs play an essential role in enhancing the overall look of any house. It is a fact that working on roofs can be dangerous and many people have fallen off and suffered injuries in the process in order to avoid frequent mishaps, roof height safety must be given utmost importance.

Introduction of Roof Height Safety – Done for Convenience

Earlier, there was nothing like a height safety system. With the advent of technology, roof height safety has been introduced for the convenience of workers. The introduction of fall prevention systems has proved to be really convenient. However, people need to be trained to install the same on the roofs.

It takes a few minutes to get a job done but working on roofs asks for safety measures, unlike other construction works. Accidents cannot be prevented; however, certain inclusions can reduce the risk of accidents to a great extent.

Height Safety of Roofs – Great Concern!

Gaps and holes inside the roof enhance the risk of accidents. As numerous accidents occur at the time of working on roofs, roof height safety is a great concern. It will allow people to carry out their day-to-day roof construction work with utmost precision. In case of any type of height safety system, fall prevention is the first priority. This is the reason close analysis of the roof is duly carried out. Installation of a guard rail is mandatory to ensure a high level of safety to workers. It will also prevent objects from being kicked off the roof. As there are higher chances of materials falling off the roof, heavy precaution must be taken from day one.

Importance of Anchor Points – Used in Special Situations

Situations where guardrails are impractical, anchor points must be installed. It is preferable especially in case the roof has small inclinations. Workers equipped with a harness of appropriate length are less prone to fall off.  An ideal anchor point system purely functions on the principle of roof height safety at its best.

The anchor point is positioned in such a manner that the worker can easily prevent himself from any mishap. As they are unable to reach the edge of the roof, it is highly imperative for the lanyard to comprise of an appropriate length. It will prevent any unpredictable risk. More space will help you easily manage your task in the best possible manner.

Beware of Hazards!

You may expect to get the best equipment set along with highly innovative safety systems installed. But at the same time, your employees need to be trained to make the best use of all including roof height safety. With proper training, it will become easy to prevent all types of mishaps.

Inexperienced workers must be supervised by experienced personnel e. properly designed roof height safety serves to be the only barrier between a healthy work environment and serious accidents. It is highly imperative to install the best system with the guidance of a qualified team of Experts. People who desire to install height safety for roofs must do their research well. As this is a fairly new inclusion in the list of roof height safety systems, you might not find enough people who can guide you through. Also, there are several companies that guarantee high quality roof height safety systems; however, you cannot trust them blindly. You must consult those who have installed the height safety systems, seek their assistance and then invest in one. It is an expensive buy and thus you would not want to goof up on that front. To avoid frequent repairs, invest in a durable variety.

General Safety Issues

How Technology Developments Are Keeping Construction Workers Safer

How Technological Developments Are Keeping Construction Workers Safer Than Ever Before

The modern technological advancement has brought about changes in various industries. The construction industry has not been left behind. Technology has been used to improve the safety of workers at the construction sites. It is correct to say that site safety is something that most people do not love talking about. However, this is a critical topic that should not be ignored.
According to research, one person dies while the other hundred and fifty-three others are injured due to workplace accidents that take place every fifteen seconds. To avoid these deaths and injuries, technology has introduced various construction trends that can help to keep workers at construction sites safe. The following are some of them:
Construction Wearables
These are tools that are designed to track the location of the worker at the construction site. They are equipped with sensors, vital tracking, GPS, and real-time locating. Apart from monitoring the location, construction wearables are also used to prevent you from falling, electrocution, struck-bys and being caught in severe accidents. These accidents are also referred to as the “fatal four.” Construction wearables could either be a watch, a vest or a hat. All the construction workers need to do is to move around in the sun to charge these wearables.
Drones
A construction manager can also use drones at the construction sites to ensure that safety of the workers. These technological gadgets are used to inspect the construction sites, monitor the employees and also identify any hazards at the site. With drones, there is no need for company employees to conduct high-risk researches and inspections on the construction sites that are located on elevated surfaces. In addition, drones can also be used in the construction sites to track the progress of the projects. This is done by using aerial images, videos, and mapping.
Virtual Reality
The construction industry is improving day by day due to the use of virtual reality in construction safety training. Various construction companies are now launching virtual reality training programs, which imitate a construction site. The program is being used to teach workers how they can interact with the environment without having to bring them to the construction site. Apart from assisting in safety training, virtual training can also be used to go through the design and identify any potential problems before the construction kicks off.
Truck Mounted Attenuators (TMA)
In case you are a paving contractor, you should consider investing your money in truck-mounted attenuators. These TMAs, also called crash trucks are devices that absorb energy. Typically, they are attached to the rear of trailers or vans to act as a barrier between the construction driver and the workers. In case the driver loses track while entering the construction site, he or she will first hit the TMA which will absorb the impact and protect the driver from being injured. With the modern autonomous TMA, the safety of the construction site is maintained. The driver’s life is also safe from any high-risk and dangerous situation.
Site Sensors
According to statistics, 1.3 million construction workers are exposed to asbestos on the job. Asbestos is dangerous since it causes a tumor that affects sensitive body organs such as the lungs, the heart, and lungs. Construction workers can stay safe from this fatal infection by using site sensors to read toxins that could be found on the floor tiles, plasters shingles and other construction materials.
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Association (OSHA), twenty-one percent of deaths take place in the construction field. It is possible to reduce this percentage to zero if only construction managers and supervisors can put the above smart technologies to use. They ensure that workers are safe on the job and can resume their normal lives even after work.
Author Bio:
Tom Moverman established the Lipsig Lawyers Firm with Harry Lipsig and his partners in 1989. The personal injury law firm focuses on products liability, personal injury, construction accidents, car accidents and medical malpractice.
General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing

5 Basic Safety Tips for Construction Workers

Construction work is considered to be one of the most dangerous occupations so ensuring worker safety is vital. Heights, heavy and mobile equipment, heavy lifting, edges, deep holes and wobbling stairs are a reality in many construction and construction clean up sites regardless of how careful the contractors claim to be. Here at Results Staffing, we are vigilant about ensuring the safety and security of our day laborers and skilled laborers. Here are a few tips for you to keep in mind to protect your own safety when working in hazardous conditions:

  1. Wear Protective Apparel and Use Personal Protective Equipment

Temp agencies should provide the proper protective equipment (PPE). At Results Staffing, we make sure that our workers have the right equipment. We will usually provide all necessary PPE unless otherwise noted and we are careful to let you know if any additional equipment is needed. If you do not have the necessary equipment, resolve it with your employer and be sure that you are prepared.  Well-fitted helmets and protective eyewear are a necessity. Ear plugs or muffs should be used when working in noisy areas and protective gloves should be worn when you are around toxic chemicals or lumber. Anti-slip footwear or protective boots should always be worn especially in dusty, wet or toxic environments. Fall harnesses are very important for every construction worker. If you have been approved to work at heights through our Skilled or Final Clean Divisions, ensure your harness is sturdy and secured to a strong anchorage point. Since workers work in all types of weather, make sure to dress appropriately for bad weather with climate protective gear and clothing. Heavy machine operators should wear highly visible clothing so they can be located and seen with ease when working with heavy.

  1. Inspect Your Areas

Scaffolds are commonly used on construction sites and are linked to a high number of injuries, which is why Results Staffing does not allow employees to work on them. If you are asked to work on them, contact your branch immediately. We want to ensure your safety first. For those that become permanent employees of a construction company keep in mind that you should never work on a fragile scaffold that does not have a strong platform or base. Ladders are another essential construction site tool that carry a high potential for danger. Inspect the ladder carefully before use and make sure you are in compliance with Results Staffing’s policies on ladders for your particular division. If you find any part of it wobbly, do not use it. All of the steps of slabs of the ladder should be secured properly.  A ladder should be of proper strength and of a height that always keeps it at least one meter above the landing. The upper and lower end of the ladder should preferably be fastened or secured properly. If not, ensure someone is manually securing the ladder to prevent a fall. Heavy machine operators need to be extra careful to double check their work areas and equipment.

  1. Be Cautious with Electricity and Equipment

Construction sites typically need a lot of electrical installations. Lifting equipment mostly involves electricity and weights. When working with such equipment, heavy machine operators need to ensure there is no wear and tear in the machine and be sure to follow the listed safety precautions. If you do not know them, seek help from a site supervisor or a coworker who has experience using the equipment. If you are using plugged-in portable devices, such as grinders or drills, you should always check that the cables are protected, the metal casing is grounded and the power supply is supplied with an earth leakage circuit breaker. Never allow the electrical tools anywhere near water. Never stand or work directly below a heavy suspended load and always be sure to not exceed the permissible levels of load. You’ll need proper training before operating some equipment, especially a material hoist and crane.

  1. Keep a First Aid Kit Handy

While it is always a good idea to keep your own personal first aid kit handy while doing day labor and skilled labor, it is not always possible. Both the site supervisor and contractor should ensure that first aid is always accessible to workers. If you are missing a necessary first aid supply on the site, inform your supervisor immediately and contact your branch. Basic first aid for minor burns, cuts and falls should be available on site so that medical attention can be provided immediately. This is beneficial for the employer as well because it allows the worker to be treated and return to work as quickly as possible. Some injuries are immediately treatable which helps limit the damage and prevents the infections from spreading.

  1. Maintain Fencing and Prevent Fires

Many falls and fatal injuries happen in areas with no fencing protection. Dangerous areas that you see without fencing or with broken and damaged fencing should be avoided until they are completely repaired or a proper fencing is provided. If this is not happening in time, talk with your supervisor and branch immediately. With the machinery involved in construction along with the combustible chemicals and welding operations, there is the possibility of fire on a construction site. Remain alert and take preventative measures. Construction sites have flammable materials present so do your best to prevent open flames. All workers should also know the escape and exit routes and the location of the fire extinguisher and how to use one.

Modern society was built by construction workers. A construction worker must exercise caution at all times. Day labor and skilled labor require workers to be extra vigilant. While temp agencies can do all they can on their end, workers on the ground have to follow their own best practices to maximize their own safety.  These are some basic tips for ensuring your safety on a construction site, but is by no means meant to be an exhaustive list. Always use your best judgment and err on the side of caution. Always follow instructions during an emergency and alert your supervisor and coworkers to any unsafe conditions. Using these tips will help to prevent from accidents and injury.

Back Safety, Eye Protection, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing

HOW FAR HAS CONSTRUCTION SAFETY COME IN 50 YEARS? (GUEST POST)

Whether you’re thinking in terms of technology, scientific knowledge, or health, there’s no denying that we’ve come a long way over the past fifty years.  Safety in the construction industry is no exception.

The most significant event occurring over the past fifty years that has resulted in safety improvements both in construction and general industry was the signing of the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1970 by President Richard Nixon. This law resulted in the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as well as the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

OSHA Standards

Initially, OSHA regulations were based on national consensus standards and began to take effect in 1971. The first standard specific to construction, however, was issued on November, 23, 1972. Since then, a number of standards affecting the construction industry have been developed. While it is beyond the scope of this article to discuss each covered topic in detail, major categories include:

o Personal protective and lifesaving equipment
o Fire protection and prevention
o Materials handling
o Hand and power tools
o Welding and cutting
o Electrical
o Scaffolding
o Fall protection
o Concrete and masonry construction
o Steel erection
o Stairways and ladders
o Cranes and derricks

The complete list of covered topics and related narrative can be easily accessed on the OSHA website.

Part 1926 contains the construction regulations with part 1910 being for general industry. However, whether one is involved in the construction business or another industry, it is necessary to refer to both, as there is a considerable amount of overlap between the two.

Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that states can, and often do, have requirements that are more stringent than the federal regulations. Twenty-seven states and territories currently operate state plans that are OSHA-approved.

ANSI Standards

Contributions from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have had a positive impact on safety over the past fifty years as well through the development of standards to which equipment manufacturers must adhere.

Examples include criteria for safety glasses and fall protection equipment. ANSI standards normally go into much more detail than the OSHA regulations. OSHA will incorporate them by reference into its own standards in many cases.

Safety as Good Business

Technological advancements have resulted in the reduction of hazards through more effective engineering controls and substitution of hazardous products with safer alternatives.

In addition, companies have begun to understand that an effective safety program makes good business sense. Robust safety procedures often carry over into other disciplines and positively impact things such as quality, productivity and cost control.

Hiring With Safety In Mind

Looking at a contractor’s safety record when making hiring decisions can save a company a considerable amount of future grief. For example, negative publicity resulting from a serious injury that occurs on the property, even though the injured person was a contractor’s employee, can be difficult to overcome.

During construction activities, the regulatory agencies will consider the facility a multi-employer work site and can hold both companies accountable for any safety violations. Any citations issues could result in a significant financial impact in addition to negative public relations.

A review of the prospective contractor’s OSHA 300 log, on which any significant injuries must be recorded, can provide a quick overview of how the contractor incorporates safety into the day to day operations. An unusually large amount of entries or multiple entries for the same type cause can raise a red flag that something is amiss.

Information regarding citations and fines levied by OSHA against the contractor are a matter of public record and can usually be found through a web search. When it comes to hiring a construction contractor, a small amount of due diligence up front can save a lot of regret later.

Jason Kane is an advocate of workplace safety in all industries. He is a blogger for Federal Steel Supply, Inc., the preferred choice of the global community since 1979.


 

 
Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY INDUCTION? (GUEST POST)

2 Comments

Sent by Jason of riskatmedia 

Every week at least one construction worker will die as a result of work-related injuries.  Most of these fatalities involve skilled construction and building workers. Falling from a height is the greatest single cause of fatal injury, followed by being struck by a moving or falling object, contact with electricity, being trapped by something collapsing or overturning and being struck by a moving vehicle. In addition to this, over 3500 construction workers suffer major work-related injuries every year.

There are many dangers involved in working on any construction site.  These hazards are real and often potentially life threatening, but we face them every day and sometimes forget how real and close they may be to all of us. This blog will cover most of the topics required for a Construction Site Induction.

Site Access

Access onto site should always be controlled for safety and security reasons.  This may be by means of a signing in and out procedure, or by means of controlled entry technology.  It is important that you use controlled entry procedures every time you enter or exit the site, this will allow management/security to determine exactly who is on site should an emergency situation arise. 

Personal Protective Equipment – PPE

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is an important means of reducing the hazards associated with work on a construction site.  The minimum PPE that should be worn on site is a hard hat, appropriate gloves, safety footwear and a high visibility vest or jacket.  This PPE should be worn on site at all times and may be supplemented by additional PPE, such as eye protection, ear defenders, dust masks and a safety harness, as stipulated in your risk assessment and method statement or permit to work.  All items of PPE need to provide a good fit and be in good working condition, so it is important to check your PPE before you use it.  PPE should be stored in a secure, clean and dry environment and any contaminated PPE should be removed carefully, cleaned or disposed of in a safe manner.” 

Alcohol, Drugs and Medical Conditions

It is extremely important that you never come to work in possession of, or impaired by alcohol or drugs. These substances expose everyone on site to risks that are unnecessary and easily avoided. If you have a medical condition, have an active implantable medical device fitted or use prescribed or other medicines, you should report this to your manager/supervisor so that the details can be recorded for use in the event of an emergency.  Any information that you provide should be treated in the strictest confidence. 

Traffic Management and Pedestrian Walkways

Construction sites are busy and noisy environments with mobile plant and vehicles often in close proximity to pedestrians.  For these reasons, designated pedestrian walkways and Egress Routes should been marked out on the site. Stick to these walkways whilst on site and don’t be tempted to take short cuts that might expose you to unnecessary risk.  If you drive on to site, make sure that you stick to the speed limit, that you only park in designated parking bays and that you keep footpaths, access routes and pedestrian walkways clear.  A copy of the most up to date traffic management plan may be displayed on site notice boards, along with other important safety information. 

Welfare Facilities

Welfare facilities should be available on site and may include toilets, a restroom, a washroom and drying room and may include a canteen.  Use these facilities responsibly by helping to keep them clean and tidy and recycling your waste as appropriate. 

Vermin

Vermin are encouraged by the presence of food on site, so it is very important that you only eat in designated areas, that you dispose of food waste appropriately and that you do not take any food on to site.  Vermin, such as rats, can spread diseases, including the serious and possibly fatal disease Leptospirosis. 

Smoking, Music and Mobile Phones

Smoking and music are generally not permitted on construction sites, except in areas designated by site management.  Mobile phones should only be used in lower risk areas, such as offices and welfare facilities, where you are safe and unlikely to affect other workers or operations.  Mobile plant operators and drivers of site vehicles must never use a mobile phone whilst operating or driving. 

Hazardous Substances and Materials

During your work you may use or come into contact with substances such as adhesives, paints or dust, which may harm you or the environment.  If you use these hazardous substances you are required to understand the precautions that must be observed and the PPE that must be used, when transferring, mixing or using these substances.  You are also required to understand the relevant storage, disposal and emergency arrangements.  Information on the substance as well as an assessment of the hazards associated with its use should also be made available.

Any spills of fuels, oils or potentially hazardous substances, should be immediately contained using the appropriate spill kit and then reported to the supervisor or manager so the spill can be safely cleaned up. 

Shots relevant to environmental management

To help reduce the effect of operations on the environment:

  • Reuse and recycle as many materials as possible
  • Compress waste and use waste segregation facilities where possible
  • Dispose of waste responsibly and in accordance with legislation
  • Damp down to minimise dust
  • Turn off any plant or equipment not in use
  • Ensure plant and equipment are well maintained
  • Only use task lighting where necessary
  • Turn off any taps and hoses when not in use and report any leaks 
  • Never pump or pour anything down the drains and only wash down plant and equipment such as cement mixers in the areas provided
  • Where there are trees that need to be protected, please remain within designated work areas and avoid damaging tree routes
  • Do not disturb nesting birds, newts, badgers, bats or invasive weeds
  • Be aware of any habitats or historical remains on site. 

Emergency Fire Procedures

Specific emergency procedures should be followed in the event of a fire.  If a fire occurs, an alarm will sound.  If you hear a fire alarm, stop what you are doing.  Isolate any plant or equipment that you have been using and make your work area safe.  Take the nearest escape route and follow a safe route to the nearest assembly point.  Remain at your assembly point until you are given the all clear to return to work.  Take the time to familiarise yourself with the specific emergency procedures that apply to the site, as well as the location of the assembly points. 

Flammable Materials

To help prevent fires, flammable and combustible material should always be stored safely.  Gas bottles should be stored in secure, vented cages or stores with appropriate warning notices.  When working with gas, always ensure that you do so with adequate ventilation well away from any naked flames. 

Accident Procedures

Construction site rules and procedures are designed to minimise the risks to the safety of everyone who works on site.  But accidents may still happen.   In the event of an accident, first aid facilities should be available on site.  The names of all trained first aiders may be displayed on the site information board.  If you are involved in an accident or a near miss, no matter how minor, please report it to the site management so that they can ensure you get the correct medical treatment and take steps to prevent the incident from recurring.  If you witness a serious accident, get help and send someone for the site manager.  Try not to move the injured person, but do make sure that they are safe. 

Slips, Trips and Falls

Good workmanship and good housekeeping are practices that can help to prevent accidents and fires.  Remember to route power and lighting cables so that they do not pose a potential trip hazard.  Tools, materials and equipment should only be stored where indicated and should be stacked safely.  All access routes and walkways should be kept clear of obstructions, especially those that are used by members of the public including children.  Tidy and clean your work space throughout the day and never leave tools, equipment or materials where they could create a trip hazard. 

Electrical Safety

All items of electrical plant used on site should carry a valid testing certificate or label to ensure Electrical Safety.  If an item of plant does not carry a valid electrical testing label, is damaged or has a missing guard, then please, do not use it.  If you use battery powered tools ensure that batteries are charged in a safe area and do not obstruct welfare facilities or create trip hazards. 

Tower and Mobile Cranes

Tower and mobile cranes may be in use on site, so it is important that you do not enter unloading areas unless you are authorised to do so.  You should also be aware of the fact that plant including cranes, telehandlers and powered access equipment should only be operated by individuals who are suitably trained and authorised to do so.  If you are trained and authorised to operate plant, make sure that you carry out daily pre-use safety checks, that all safety devices and locking pins are in place, that the flashing beacon and any warning devices are working and that all-round visibility aids are in place and effective.  Seek the assistance of a banks-man where visibility is limited and never leave the keys in an unattended machine. 

Work Equipment

Whatever work activity you are carrying out on site you will be using work equipment. Only use the correct tools for the job and only use tools and other work equipment which you have been trained to use. 

Risk Assessment, Method Statement, and Permit to Work

Before you undertake any job, make sure that your supervisor has briefed you, that you have a complete and valid risk assessment and that you are able to and do work according to your method statement.  Be aware that new risk assessments and method statements may be required where jobs have changed or where new hazards have been introduced.  In addition, certain work on site may require a permit or permission to work. These are issued after you have submitted a risk assessment and method statement for a particular job.  If you are unsure whether a particular job requires a permit, ask your supervisor or manager. 

Working at Height

You may remember that falls from height represent the single largest cause of death in the construction industry so Safe Working at Height is essential. It is therefore extremely important that you follow safe working practices when work at height cannot be avoided.  Always use an appropriate working platform or work equipment whenever there is a potential to fall, which includes loading and unloading of vehicles.    Always check your work platform before use, and be especially vigilant in windy, wet or icy weather.  Remember, the use of a harness requires extra competence and is a last resort.  If you operate powered access equipment you must have the appropriate training, certification and authorisation for that particular type of equipment.  You should also carry out and record a daily pre-use inspection.  Ensure that the access equipment is only used on stable ground, that it is not used in high winds, and never use it to lift or transport loads. In a boom type mobile elevated work platform you must wear a full body restraint harness secured to an anchor point by a suitable length, work restraint lanyard. Remember to park the mobile access equipment safely and to remove the key when the machine is not in use.  The use of ladders and stepladders is discouraged and may be permitted only where the task is simple, of short duration, and no safer alternative is possible.  Scaffolding, access ladders and mobile towers may only be erected, dismantled or modified by trained and competent persons.  Remember to lock the wheels and fit the guard rails and to check that the scaff tag is in date and valid. Close all loading bay gates after use and never load materials onto guard rails. 

Excavations and Quick Hitches

Safe working practices are essential when excavating.  Check and mark the location of services, protect services with barriers or road plates, dig trial holes to confirm location and depth and avoid the use of mechanical equipment, picks and forks around pipes and cables.  Don’t enter an excavation unless you have to.  If you do enter an excavation, make sure that the sides are battered, stepped or supported, use a ladder to gain access and put barriers around the edges if there is a potential to fall.

Buckets can become detached from excavators during operations if the appropriate locking pin or device is not properly fitted.  The excavator operator must ensure that the locking pin or device is correctly engaged and secure before commencing operations. 

Manual Handling

Workers in the construction industry suffer considerably higher rates of manual handling related injuries than workers in any other industry.  Help to protect yourself from injury by following good principles of manual handling.  If you must lift a load, assess whether you can lift it alone or whether you need someone to help you.  Remember to consider the environment in which you are working.  Always adopt the correct lifting technique. 

Your Health

Your health is as important as your safety.  Vibration white finger and dermatitis are too often suffered by construction workers.  Protect against these painful conditions by reducing your daily exposure to vibration, wearing the correct PPE and using barrier creams to protect yourself from contact with potential skin irritants such as cement.  Remember to apply sun cream if you are going to be working in direct sunlight. Wear an appropriate dust mask and use vacuums rather than sweeping to clear dust.  Check your tetanus vaccinations are up to date. Never touch discarded needles or syringes.  Stop work and clear any area if you discover a substance you think might be asbestos.  If you discover asbestos or discarded needles, please report this to site management. 

Riskatmedia – Safety Videos

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Weather Protection

SAFETY MEASURES WHILE CONSTRUCTING HOMES (GUEST POST)

Another great article sent by Grace Beckett. 

Most homeowners rely on the contractor to take responsibility for any mishap that may happen to a laborer.  But the fact is that the homeowners are equally responsible in case of any untoward circumstances that occur during construction. Mishaps can happen due to negligence on the part of the labour or faulty procedures. 

The homeowner will be asked to pay necessary compensation or he may have to confront legal authority in case of any accident caused to the labour due to his negligence. Even fatal incidents are possible, when safety measures are not adopted in construction sites. For smooth completion of the construction process, the homeowner and labour must adopt certain best practices, some of which are listed below: 

Safety tips for labours and homeowners  

When constructing a basement, place supporting planks in the portion that is excavated. The planks prevent the sides from collapsing into slushy, soft soil. Even in partially-built areas, you should provide protection at excavated areas by installing signboards. You could also make lighting arrangements to prevent passersby from falling into pits.

Before cement is laid, the homeowner should make sure that the contractor is not using old, decayed construction material. Ant-bitten planks, which cannot take up much load, can be the cause of construction mishaps. 

When old buildings are brought down, the contractor may not always incorporate safety measures during the dismantling operation. So, the owner should also prevent the labour from moving near the construction area. Barricades can be erected to keep away trespassers as well. 

The tank built for water storage should be shallow to avoid fatal incidents such as children falling into it. You could instead increase the breadth and length of the tank to store a greater volume of water. The tank should also be provided with steps. 

From the point of view of safety, the homeowner should use electrical wires encased in plastic pipes or sticks of bamboo. In some cases, the steel bars on roofs are bent and touch the power lines passing close to the construction area; this may lead to accidents which can happen when these current-carrying electric wires are touched. 

Common-sense tips for labours and homeowners 

Ban alcohol and drugs: Prohibit the use of drugs or alcohol on the construction site as they give room for injuries due to impaired judgment. As it is very important that you as well as the labour have a clear focus on the task at hand, never allow drugs or alcohol to cloud your thoughts. 

Avoid getting angry: Anger distracts you from your purpose and while you’re in a construction site, you are more likely to hurt yourself. Don’t lose your focus while monitoring tasks on the site. 

Use of protective gear: Protective gear includes everything from sunscreens to sturdy safety helmets. Wear a hat or jacket to get protection from heat and cold. Distribute protective goggles and gloves to labours and instruct them to use them when working with power tools. Make sure you as well as the labour wear strong soled shoes as a form of protection against injuries.
Using correct tools: Make sure that the right tool is used for the task. When a tool is used for a task for which it is not designed, it leads to injuries. 

Grace is associated with SHS Ltd, a UK based company that is a balustrade supplier and a steel designing and manufacturing firm.

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues, Head Protection

FIVE REASONS WHY SAFETY MATTERS ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE (GUEST POST)

1 Comment
By Matt Hornsby
 
Health and safety is very important in all industries, but there are some types of businesses which must take extra care to make safety a priority. One of these is construction.
 
Here are SafetyShop’s top five of the most pressing reasons why construction business owners need to take health and safety seriously. In fact, some of these reasons show you what can happen if you indon’t make safety a priority within your business.
 
1. A worker or visitor could be injured
 
This is the most important reason to invest in health and safety equipment and training on
construction sites – because people could be injured or even die as a result of a construction
accident. As an employer, you have a responsibility to look after the welfare of all your
workers.
 
2. The construction industry is the most dangerous to work in
 
Last year, a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report revealed that there were 50 fatal
injuries to construction workers and 36,000 cases of work-related ill health within the
industry. Construction business owners need to develop health and safety policies and
implement measures to tackle the unique challenges faced within the industry, to try to
reduce worker injuries and deaths.
 
3. Working days are lost because of health and safety failings
 
The HSE report from 2010/11 also revealed that around 2.3 million working days were lost
as a result of workplace injury. This is costing the construction industry a lot of money, as
well as hampering progress.
 
4. Businesses can be fined, sued or banned from operating
 
If the HSE finds that unsafe working practices are being carried out on your construction
site, it can issue fines and prohibition notices and it can even prosecute. Similarly, workers
who are injured can file compensation lawsuits against you, which also hurts the business
financially.
 
5. Projects can be compromised
 
If a serious accident takes place on your site, this could halt progress on the project,
angering the client and potentially losing the business the contract.
 
Thank you, Matt, for pointing out the importance of safety on construction sites.  Businesses should provide the correct personal protective equipment for their workers, and have extra construction hardhats for visitors to wear while on site.  Pat
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

Construction Safety and Compliance: Resources for Employeees and Employers (Guest Post)

1 Comment

Submitted by Eliathah Boda of OSHAPros USA.

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States. The rate of fatalities among construction workers is three times higher than that for all workers in the U.S. – in 2009 it was 9.7 percent per 100,000 compared with 3.3 for all workers. For this reason, 60% of OSHA’s inspections are of construction sites. 

The four most dangerous hazards in construction work are: 

  • Fall Hazards
  • Caught-In or Caught-Between Hazards
  • Struck-By Hazards
  • Electrocution Hazards 

Besides inspections and enforcement of standards for the construction industry, particularly OSHA 29 CFR 1926, OSHA provides educational materials as well as training through authorized outreach trainers. On the OSHA website a number of helpful materials and resources are available that cover the most important construction safety topics. 

The Outreach Training Program addresses basic elements of safety in the workplace. The program was developed by OSHA, who then teaches trainers, who are then authorized to provide the training to workers in person or as videos offered online. The courses given through this program include two 10-hour courses for all workers, one on General Industry Safety and one on Construction Safety; two 30-hour courses offered that are geared mostly for supervisors and foremen, one that covers General Industry and one for Construction. You can see more information on the Outreach Training Program on the OSHA Website. Information on the Outreach Training Program is available on the OSHA website. 

Besides the courses offered through the Outreach Training Program, one of the most useful resources available for information on constructionsafety topics is the OSHA Construction eTool, an online training tool that is especially useful for workers in learning more about construction safety. The Construction eTool covers the most serious hazards in construction work, including electrical, falls, struck-by, and trenching, with thorough but easy to understand explanations of the hazards, applicable OSHA standards, and safety tips to avoid injuries from these hazards. It also explains how the standards apply to different workers. Additionally, there is information for employers on how to develop a safety and health program to help meet OSHA standards and prevent injuries. 

Another useful resource available on the OSHA website is a series of construction hazard prevention videos. These are available in both English and Spanish with closed captioning.These resources will provide you with a great deal of useful information and are an excellent supplement to the authorized OSHA training courses that are also available. 

OSHA Pros USA provides onsite OSHA training, online safety training courses, mock OSHA inspections, air & noise surveys, and litigation support across America. 

In addition, OSHA has a separate standard for every type of wide variety of safety products required for each particular job, according to the hazards.  You can find those standards on the OSHA website. pb